Top 5 Reasons You’ll Love Our Maintenance Plan
Our maintenance plan includes several different benefits to save you both time and money. We put together a list of all the extras you receive when you join our maintenance club, check them out here:
Our Maintenance Club includes:
Two Tune-Ups a Year – Regularly scheduled tune-ups will increase the longevity of your system and help it continue to run efficiently. When your system is clicking on all cylinders and running efficiently, it will save you money on utility bills and will be more reliable in extreme temperatures. These two seasonal tune-ups will be scheduled and executed in advance of the season so your home will be ready for the changing temperatures.
Ten Percent Discount on Repairs – If any problem is discovered during one of your two yearly tune-ups, this discount will help you save 10% off the total cost of the repair for all members of our maintenance club. This discount will apply throughout the entire year. It’s not a one-time use only deal.
No Overtime Charges – No matter the length of time our technicians are out on site fixing the problem, there will be no extra charge. They will continue to work until the problem is solved. Just like the rest of our customers, our Maintenance Club members will never experience a surprise on their bill because we offer upfront pricing on repairs.
Priority Service – Air conditioners and furnaces never break down at a convenient time. That is why we offer our maintenance club members priority service. They will receive priority over nonmembers and have their units up and running as quickly as possible.
Convenient Email Reminders and Scheduling – When you are in the maintenance club, we will send you reminders on when it’s time to schedule your tune-ups so you never forget. We even make it easy by letting you schedule your appointment through email!
Customer Testimonials
You’ll love our repair technicians, but don’t take our word for it, see what our customers have to say about them:
“Mario was out today for our annual maintenance and just wanted to let you know that he did a great job. He did a comprehensive check and explained everything to us in terms that were easy for us to understand.”
-J.G Overland Park, KS
“Thank you for great service! Eric arrived promptly at my home and had our problem diagnosed in no time at all. Gave us an explanation of problem and repair.”
-M.W. Springhill, KS
New Systems Need Maintenance Too
Maintenance plans are not only for older systems. They are also important when you install a new system. Even new systems will run efficiently for much longer when given the right amount of attention. Lancaster Brothers typically has rebates and special financing when installing a qualifying Lennox system. Contact us for more details.
Here at Lancaster Brothers, we recommend Lennox Systems for their quality and efficiency. We like to make taking care of your furnace and AC as easy as possible. Schedule tune-ups or service over the phone or by email for your convenience. If you would like to take advantage of all of the benefits, become a member of the club! Request a Service online or call us today at (913) 648-9442!
Chris Lancaster December 13th, 2019
Posted In: Cooling, Heating, Maintenance
Patch Up & Wrap Up Air Ducts for a More Affordable Furnace Season
Most don’t know it, but air ducts are the biggest energy wasters in your home. Loosely patched air ducts can waste lots of money on heating and cooling bills every month. Getting your air ducts patched and insulated can improve their efficiency by nearly 20%. Are your air ducts performing poorly? Our experts at Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling compiled a list of easy ways for you to decide if your air ducts need attention.
Signs Your Air Ducts Are Performing Poorly
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You have rooms that are difficult to heat and cool
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You have high summer and winter utility bills
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You have stuffy rooms that never seem to feel comfortable
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You find tangled or kinked flexible ducts in your system
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Your ducts are located in an attic, crawlspace, or the garage
How to Seal Your Ducts Correctly
The correct materials are vital when it comes to sealing your ducts properly. With our personal experience, we have found the best product to use is mastic sealant or metal tape. Duct tape can solve a lot of problems but DO NOT use duct tape to seal your air ducts. The name is misleading, but duct tape does not hold very well with hot and cold temperature fluctuations. First, check the ducts you can access directly. For example, attics, crawlspaces, unfinished basements or garages are oftentimes the most vulnerable. Once this is done, you should check that the connections to all the vents and registers are well sealed. Floors, walls, sealings, or any spot that may disconnect or leak.
Related Read: Furnace Tune-Ups Now for a More Comfortable Winter
Insulate Your Ducts Where They Need It Most
Any location in your house that experiences temperature differences (attics, crawlspaces, unfinished basements, and garages) should be the spots to receive the most attention. Use a foil-faced fiberglass insulation with an R-6 or higher insulation value. Now, to hold the insulation in place, break out the metallic foil. Make sure the foil surface is dust-free before applying.
Get Your Special Deal on Lennox Home Comfort Systems
If you think your current furnace is on its last leg, we recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. Call us and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox.
If you’ve tried sealing and insulating your air ducts and don’t see a difference in your heating and cooling bills, it might be time to install a new furnace system. Call the heating and cooling team you can trust at Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling at 913-837-2000 to help you get your heating equipment ready for the long winter ahead.
Chris Lancaster October 12th, 2019
Posted In: Heating
5 Reasons Furnace Tune-Ups Are Worth the Money
Never underestimate the power of regular maintenance. It’s generally common knowledge that your vehicle needs periodic tune-ups to keep it at peak performance. Likewise, your home equipment craves a little tender-loving-care to run smoothly all year long.
Home equipment like air conditioners, water heaters and furnaces help keep you comfortable throughout the seasons. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying position than sitting in your pajamas by a warm furnace with a hot drink on a cold evening.
Like any other piece of machinery, home equipment doesn’t last forever. The good news is that you can keep them running smoothly and extend their life through regular maintenance. At Lancaster Brothers, we recommend annual tune-ups. The benefits of regular furnace maintenance include and extend beyond warmth. Here are five good reasons to get a furnace tune-up:
1. Have Confidence in a Reliable Heat Source
Does the furnace ever malfunction on a mild day? Of course not. It stops working on the coldest day of the year – and that’s not due to Murphy’s law. It’s because your furnace is working its hardest in the middle of winter and any loose, cracked or damaged components break under the stress.
When we perform a maintenance check on your furnace, we check all the nuts, bolts and gizmos to ensure every component is functioning properly. These tune-ups prevent most breakdowns from occurring, so you’re not stuck wearing five pairs of socks to keep your feet warm in the dead of winter, waiting for a repairman on what may be his busiest day of the year.
2. Save Energy to Save Money
Did you know that approximately 50% of your electric bill comes from heating and cooling costs? That’s a significant amount of money spent on climate control. A furnace that is well cared for with regular maintenance runs more smoothly and efficiently than one that is neglected. When your furnace isn’t working as hard to keep your home comfortable, you can save money on your energy bill.
3. Improve Safety for Your Home and Family
Keeping a well-maintained furnace could prevent a disaster from happening in your home. Poisonous carbon monoxide production can be caused by any number of malfunctions, including mechanical failures, cracked heat exchangers, flue or burner issues, incorrect installation, water damage, and pilot lights.
During routine tune-ups, we carefully inspect elements like electrical wiring, burners, and safety controls to avoid dangerous situations before they happen.
4. Extend the Life of Your Furnace
Replacing your furnace can be expensive, and you don’t want to have to purchase a new one until it’s broken or is simply causing you too much trouble with continuous repairs.
If you’ve ever had a small crack in your car’s windshield and didn’t repair it right away, you know that it doesn’t stay small for long. It may begin as a small, barely noticeable crack in the glass, but as time goes by, it spreads. Similarly, when your furnace experiences small issues that aren’t addressed, the issue could worsen, leading to much pricier repairs in the future.
Regular furnace maintenance will extend the life of your furnace by catching problems early and replacing parts or repairing issues before they worsen.
5. Comply with the Manufacturer’s Warranty
Many new furnaces come with manufacturer’s warranties which require regular maintenance to remain valid. The warranty generally covers certain large or expensive parts and repairs, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. Maintaining regular upkeep through annual maintenance or tune-ups can help you comply with these terms and ensure that you are covered if something would break.
Be Prepared with a Lennox Home Comfort System
If you think your current heating system is too old and you are worried about staying warm in a bitter winter storm, you’ll need a new furnace. We recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. Interested? Call us and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox.
If you haven’t scheduled a furnace tune-up this season, give us a call and we’ll send one of our skilled technicians to your home to ensure your furnace runs smoothly and keeps your family warm through the cold winter months. Call us at (913) 270-0698 or contact us online to make an appointment.
Chris Lancaster September 23rd, 2019
Posted In: Heating
Training Today for Tomorrow’s Heating and Cooling Advances
Today’s heating and cooling equipment is much more sophisticated than systems of the past. Air conditioners and furnaces are continually being improved to meet efficiency and environmental/regulatory goals. As technology advances, so must our skills. That’s why the technicians at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling are always learning about new advances in furnaces, air conditioners, thermostats, geothermal equipment and more.
Modern HVAC Equipment
We’ve seen quite a few improvements in heating and cooling equipment in the last couple of decades. Because most ACs and furnaces last 10-15 years, many of our customers are surprised to learn about all of the new features there are when it comes time to replace their old unit. Newer units are quieter and more energy efficient thanks to some of these changes. Here are just a few that may take you by surprise:
Dual Stage Air Conditioners
20 years ago, there was no such thing as dual stage air conditioners. Today, we have systems with two-stage cooling, which means it runs at a low level most of the time and kicks into high gear when temperatures soar. This saves both energy and money.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are popular now too and Lennox offers a wide variety of smart thermostat options. Our technicians are familiar with all models so they are able to set them up and train our customers on how to use them to get the most comfort and savings possible. Smart technologies will continue to evolve and become integrated into our homes allowing us to control a home’s comfort levels from just about anywhere.
Our Technicians Receive Ongoing Training
Lennox is always working on ways to improve their products, so we attend trainings to keep us up to date on any changes in equipment installation and maintenance. During our slower service times, our technicians watch online training videos to stay abreast of all the changes. As a company, we’re required by Lennox to have 40 hours of training every year. Lennox also has in-store training that we attend. In fact, three of our techs will be attending a three-day WaterFurnace (our geothermal systems) training class this month (April).
Advanced Air Purification
Many air cleaning systems filter out particles. Some combat germs, and some fight odors, but only the Lennox PureAir™ Air Purification System addresses all three types of indoor air pollutants – airborne particles, germs and bacteria, and chemical odors and vapors. What that means in English, is that PureAir™ filters out 99.9% of all particles like pollen, dust, and pet dander. It removes over 95% of viruses such as MRSA, flu, and cold. Plus it removes and destroys over 50% of household odors and chemical vapors. Plus, unlike many other air cleaning solutions, PureAir™ doesn’t generate any ozone (a lung irritant). In fact, its carbon filtration actually reduces ozone generated by other sources in your home.
Get a Quality Home Comfort System with Lennox
Our focus on customer satisfaction is what has made us successful for the last 20 years and you can count on Lancaster Brothers to fix your furnace and air conditioner and keep you up to date on the latest advances in heating and cooling. If you need heating and cooling repair in Kansas City, give us a call and you’ll see what we mean. And if you need a new furnace, we will be happy to give you a free estimate on replacing your system with a quality Lennox system. We proudly install Lennox equipment, and there are typically rebates and financing available. Our comfort specialists will be happy to go over all the options.
No matter what new advances we see, the team at Lancaster Brothers will be able to diagnose it and fix it fast. If you need help with your furnace or air conditioner or want to learn more about geothermal heating, give us a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online.
Chris Lancaster April 3rd, 2019
3 Amazing Thermostats in 3 Price Ranges to Fit Your Budget
At Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling, we’re proud to sell and install Lennox brand air conditioners and furnaces. Many of our customers who have purchased a Lennox system ask us which thermostat they should choose to complement their new equipment. The Lennox Comfortsense models are the most popular. Here is a breakdown of the three models in the Comfortsense line. Hopefully, comparing the three will help you decide which one is right for you.
We will go from least expensive to most expensive and explain all of the features that each one possesses. That way, you can decide which features are important to you and your family.
iComfort® M30 Thermostat
The iComfort M30 is a simple and stylish smart thermostat. It is compatible with both Lennox non-iComfort equipment as well as other brands of furnaces and air conditioners. It is also Amazon Alexa compatible, making it easy to use voice commands to control it with Amazon Echo or Amazon Dot devices. It also features a handy touchscreen which also allows you to use your voice to speak commands as well as a remote control function which lets you control it from anywhere with your smartphone.
It takes comfort to a new level by working with your whole-house humidity control system to adjust the humidity level. It will even alert you if the system needs service or maintenance. The “Smart Away” mode uses your location services on your phone to know when you come and go and adjusts the temperature to save energy and maximize your comfort. It even provides Performance Reports. It summarizes the performance of the system and sends monthly summary emails showing month-to-month heating and cooling usage comparison and active service alerts
iComfort E30 Thermostat
This smart thermostat is the most versatile thermostat for your comfort needs. It boasts all the features of the M30 model, but also adds a 7” color touchscreen weather screen saver that not only displays the outdoor temperature but graphics that tell you what the weather is like outside. Not only that, but with its Auto (Perfect Temp) feature, it automatically decides between heating and cooling, but requires just one setpoint.
The weather-on-demand feature provides the current outdoor temperature as well as a 5 or 7-day forecast. Its Climate IQ technology monitors indoor and outdoor conditions then automatically uses your AC or heat pump to remove excess humidity keeping your home comfortable year round. It even features an Allergen Defender. It monitors the air quality and pollen levels in your local ZIP code and automatically turns the fan on to clean the home’s air when outdoor levels are high.
iComfort S30 Thermostat
This ultra-smart thermostat is the ultimate controller for precise comfort. It provides all of the wonderful features of the E30 including touchscreen, weather screensavers, weather on demand, and remote control, but It is only compatible with the Lennox iComfort enabled, variable capacity equipment to offer the highest level of comfort and overall system performance. This also allows it to add advance alerts. Instead of just telling you when the system needs service or maintenance, it will monitor all of the system’s components and use advanced diagnostics to identify the issue.
The S30 model also features the PureAir™ S Purification System. Built-in sensors monitor the life of both the filter and the Purifier UVA light so you don’t have to. When it’s time to change either, the PureAir™ S lets you know through the thermostat.
We Trust the Lennox Brand
No matter which thermostat you choose, your Lennox equipment will keep you comfortable all year long. If you’re still not sure which thermostat is right for you, check out this comparison infographic or ask us and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have. If your furnace or air conditioner is on its last leg, we can install a new, quality Lennox furnace or AC. Check out our specials page for current manufacturer offers and discounts.
If you’d like to learn more about Lennox digital thermostats, give us a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online.
Chris Lancaster March 26th, 2019
7 Surprising Places Your Home Is Leaking Heat
If you own a home, you pay for heating and cooling, too. If you aren’t careful, the cost of utilities can become expensive over time. Single family homes, on average, pay $2,060 a year in utilities according to the US Department of Energy, 29% of which is allocated specifically to heating. How, then, can you reduce the cost? By identifying the nooks and crannies most likely to leak heat, you can weatherproof your house, keep your family warm, and lower your heating costs this winter. Read on for the seven surprising places in your home you probably didn’t know were leaking heat.
1. Attics
Attics are one of the biggest places homes lose heat. Besides the fact that most homes don’t have enough insulation, there are other areas to be aware of. Even attics that are well insulated many times are lacking insulation above the access hatch. Additionally, holes for pipes and vents can lead to a significant amount of heat loss over time. Be sure all holes are sealed and all attic openings are properly insulated and weatherproof.
2. Windows and Doors
A major source of heat loss in homes results from gaps in windows and doors. In fact, leakage from doors and windows results in about 20-25% of total heat loss alone in a house. Reduce drafts and the cost of heating by sealing leaks around windows and doors with weather stripping and caulk. Don’t forget to add a weather strip to the bottom of the doors.
3. Pipes and Wiring & Vents
Gaps created by lights and other fixtures installed through walls and ceilings can cause heat loss. In order to prevent heat loss, exposed gaps should be filled with expanding foam to seal these leaks. Fans, vents, and holes for structures such as laundry ducts can account for large portions of heat loss in your home as well. Ensure exposed gaps are sealed or reduced in size to prevent heat leakage.
4. Electrical Outlets
While only contributing to a minor portion of total loss, electrical outlets are another lesser-known source of heat leakage. Take countermeasures to block exposed sockets and stop cold air from slipping through. You can find socket sealers at most home improvement stores and they are simple to install.
5. Fireplace Dampers
Fireplaces get a lot of attention during the colder winter months, but they can be a major source of heat loss, too. Make sure your damper is closed and remember to close it after using the fireplace. Otherwise, it’s a straight shot for heat to go up the chimney and outside.
6. Air Ducts
Check your air ducts for leaks and gaps. Seal any areas that are leaking with aluminum tape. Duct tape, contrary to its name, is not the best material for this job. It will eventually loosen and allow leaking. Pay special attention to ducts that run through unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces.
7. Air Conditioning Units
If your home has window units left untouched during the winter, they can jeopardize your efforts to keep your house warm. Remove the units entirely or seal the surrounding area to prevent heat loss and block cold air from sneaking in.
A little extra vigilance can make the difference between a comfortable home and a cold one. Keep the winter weather outside by making sure your home is insulated and weatherproof.
Keep In the Heat with a Lennox Home Comfort System
If you think your current heating system is too old and you are worried about staying warm because of leaks, you’ll need a new furnace. We recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. Interested? Call us and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox.
Need help with heating or cooling? For friendly service, you can count on Lancaster Brothers. Give us a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online. If you need a new furnace, we recommend a Lennox furnace. Check out the savings here.
Chris Lancaster December 12th, 2018
Posted In: Heating, Maintenance
Tags: heating facts
Lower Your Heating Bills Without Lowering Your Thermostat
At Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling, we want to focus on the no-cost ways to save you money on heating bills. Check out these six ways to save without sacrificing comfort:
1. Circulate The Air
Try leaving your indoor fan set to the “on” position rather than “auto”. This will circulate the warmer air to the cooler parts of the home which will increase comfort and filter the air more efficiently.
2. Use Ceiling Fans
In the winter time, warm air rises to the ceiling. Bring that warm air back down to where the people live by setting your ceiling fan to circulate air up toward the ceiling. When you’re looking up at your fan from below, make sure the blades are rotating clockwise. There is a small switch on the side of the fan that controls which direction the blades turn.
3. Change the Air Filter
When air filters get dirty, your furnace has to work harder to push the air through the dirty screen. This causes your furnace to have to work harder than necessary. This means higher heating bills and reduces the lifespan of your furnace. Clean air filters permit a better flow of air through your heating system, allowing hot air to more easily flow through the vents and into your rooms. Most filers should be changed monthly, but check your owner’s manual or ask professional if you’re not sure.
4. Check That Vents Are Clear
Keep vents clear. Ensure your vents are not blocked by rugs or furniture, or that you don’t have any large objects in front of your radiator. You’d be surprised how often this happens. This allows the air to circulate freely, giving you the full benefit of the warm air. Plus it puts less strain on your furnace and is also safer.
5. Use the Sun’s Energy
Approximately 10-25% of your house’s heat loss can be attributed to windows! Be smart and use solar gain to your advantage. The sun radiates heat, so open curtains and shades on south-facing windows during daylight hours to allow that heat to enter your house. When the sun goes down, keep curtains and blinds closed to insulate your house and keep the heat inside.
6. Shut Doors to Unused Rooms
If the room is not used, don’t heat it. Shut the doors and close the vent when you are not in the room. Why pay to heat rooms no one is using? Make sure your vents are closed to unused basements too.
The best thing about these tips is that they are all free and won’t cost you a thing. Be smart and save money this winter without spending a penny. If you’re looking for more ways to lower your heating bills, stay tuned for some money saving tips that will take just a small investment up front but will pay off over time.
If your furnace is on its last leg, we recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. Call us and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox.
If you need help with your heating or cooling, call the pros at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling at (913) 648-9442 or contact us online.
Chris Lancaster November 16th, 2018
Posted In: Heating
Tags: energy savings, heating facts
When Does a Maintenance Plan Make Sense?
The short answer is always. A maintenance plan is designed to encourage homeowners to take good care of their heating and cooling equipment by offering benefits they wouldn’t otherwise be eligible for. In addition to annual tune-ups, there are discounts, additional savings, priority service, and more. If you’re already getting an AC and a furnace tune-up every year, you’re missing the gravy. Here is what you get when you join the Lancaster Brothers Maintenance Club:
Maintenance Club Plan
An annual Maintenance Club plan from Lancaster Brothers will keep your HVAC system in top condition all year to save on energy costs. You also save money on any needed repairs and can rest assured that your furnace will keep you warm during the cold winters in the Kansas City area. When summer comes, your air conditioning system will be in top condition as well, so you stay cool.
Look at all the perks you get besides just two tune-ups a year:
- Two tune-ups a year scheduled at your convenience
- Accurate upfront pricing with a 10% discount on repairs
- No overtime charges
- Top priority with emergency service
- A friendly reminder when it’s tune-up time
Tune-Ups Reduce the Chance of Breakdowns
Our special Maintenance Club plan gives you two complete tune-ups during the year. This covers a complete check of both the heating system and the air conditioner to make sure they work efficiently during extreme weather. Both new and older HVAC systems need this routine maintenance. You save energy when your furnace and air conditioner work efficiently. You can schedule the seasonal tune-ups at your convenience online or by calling us. We will remind you when a tune-up is due for either the heating or air conditioning system as part of our service.
Save on Every Repair
You always receive accurate upfront pricing on all repairs. We offer a 10% discount on all repair services to members of our Maintenance Club at any time during the year. Plus, you’ll never be charged for overtime. They work until the job is completed.
Get Top Priority on Emergency Service Calls
We know that emergencies happen occasionally and we are on call 24/7 to help you when your furnace or air conditioner stops working when you need it most! Our technicians will respond immediately to your call, and you will get preferential service before non-members. Plus, we provide written guarantees on all of our service work.
Special Deals on Lennox Home Comfort Systems
If you think your current furnace is too old and you are worried about staying warm in bitter winter weather, you need a new furnace. We recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. Call us and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox.
If you’d like to sign up to join our Maintenance Club, give us a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online!
Chris Lancaster October 16th, 2018
Tags: heating facts
5 Reasons You Should Get a Furnace Tune-Up Annually
How often do you think about your furnace? You rely on it to get you through inclement weather and freezing temperatures, but do you take as much care of it as you should? If your furnace has been neglected, it can cause more than just the inconvenience of waiting for someone to make a service call. The expert team at Lancaster Brothers came up with these five good reasons to get your furnace tuned up annually, and give it the TLC it deserves.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Over time, the internal parts of a furnace wear down and stop working properly. This forces the system to work harder overall and puts a strain on your furnace as well as your utilities. Regular tune-ups can help reduce this wear, because technicians tighten loose parts, replace worn components, check electrical connections, and lubricate moving parts to keep your furnace running in tip-top condition. When your furnace is running efficiently, you’ll save money on your energy bills.
Reduces Carbon Monoxide
If you have a gas furnace, carbon monoxide is a real concern. Your furnace’s heat exchanger is made of metal that expands and contracts every time that your furnace heats up and cools back down. Over time, this can cause the walls of your heat exchanger to develop cracks. These cracks allow carbon monoxide to leak out and spread throughout your home. By having it serviced regularly, you’re ensuring that things are running smoothly as well as reducing your risk of CO poisoning. It’s also a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide detector for your home. They are easily found at home improvement stores and are inexpensive to buy.
Reduces Emergency Repairs
A regular tune-up is a perfect time to catch any potential issues before they become a huge problem. Not only will you save money by avoiding large repairs, but you’re less likely to face a furnace breakdown in the middle of winter when you need your furnace the most.
Increases the Lifespan of Your Furnace
One broken or worn out part in a furnace can put a serious strain on the whole system. While it may not cause a total breakdown, it can still cause other parts to wear out faster, reducing the overall life of your furnace. When you keep things running smoothly, your furnace lasts longer and your budget can breathe easier. Considering the price of a new furnace, you want to make sure yours lasts as long as possible.
Maintains the Manufacturer’s Warranty
Several manufacturers include regular tune-ups as part of the warranty stipulations, so it’s vital to make sure you’re getting things taken care of on time and on an ongoing basis. When something breaks that is under warranty, you want to make sure the cost will be covered. Don’t let lack of regular maintenance cost you big later.
Be Prepared with a Lennox Home Comfort System
If you think your current heating system is too old and you are worried about staying warm in a bitter winter storm, you’ll need a new furnace. We recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. Interested? Call us and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox.
If you’re ready to schedule a tune-up for your furnace, please give Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online!
Chris Lancaster September 19th, 2018
Posted In: Heating
Tags: Furnace Maintenance
7 Things to Prep for Predicted Winter Storms
While lots of snow can be pretty, winter storms can also bring ice and wind that can take down power lines for hours and sometimes days. When roads are ice or snow covered, you may not be able to get your car out. Think about your home with no electricity – no heat, no light, no water. Be prepared by keeping these items handy at all times during the winter season.
1. Fireplace
If you have a gas fireplace, make sure it’s maintained and ready to go. Luckily, nowadays many gas fireplaces in new homes do not require electricity to operate during a power outage. Before the storm hits, make sure to contact your installing contractor and see if it’s operable without electricity, which is very helpful in an emergency. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure you have wood for fuel.
2. Warm Blankets
Another good thing to have on hand when the power fades are lots of warm blankets. Without the heat, your home can get pretty cold during a blizzard or winter ice storm. Be sure to keep cozy and gather everyone in the same room to generate heat.
3. Clean Water
One of the most important things to have on hand when the power goes out is fresh water for drinking. A rule of thumb is to have one gallon per person per day stashed away. Your body needs to be hydrated during a stressful time like a power outage.
4. A Flashlight
Also, make sure you’re able to see and get around your house. Blizzards and ice storms can make it difficult for the sun to brighten up the earth, and no power at night can cause some real problems. Have several operating flashlights on hand so you can see what’s going on in your home. Candles are another option, but they are more dangerous because of their ability to start a fire. The last thing you need is a disaster during an emergency.
5. Food
Have on hand a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Here are some great options:
Peanut butter
Crackers
Nuts
Trail mix
Cereal
Power/granola bars
Dried fruit
Canned meat (tuna, salmon, chicken, and turkey)
Canned vegetables (beans, carrots, and peas)
Canned soup/chili
Sports drinks
Sugar/salt/pepper
Powdered milk
Don’t forget a manual can opener and a few utensils and napkins
6. First-Aid Kit
Pick up a first-aid kit to keep on hand with the basics just in case.
7. Entertainment
Life without TV or cell phones can seem extremely boring. Keep books, games, puzzles or other activities handy for the kids.
While snow and ice storms don’t come often, Kansas City has seen its share. You never know when Mother Nature will throw us a curve, so be prepared to live without electricity for a day or two if necessary.
Be Prepared with a Lennox Home Comfort System
If you think your current heating system is too old and you are worried about staying warm in a bitter winter storm, you’ll need a new furnace. We recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. Interested? Call us and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox.
If you need help with your furnace in the meantime, just remember the team at Lancaster Brothers is standing by. Call us at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online for help.
Chris Lancaster February 6th, 2018
Posted In: Heating
Tags: tips