“Our heater runs all day and the house still feels cold. In winter the furnace runs and some rooms stay cold. What should we do first” — Homeowner
If your heating and cooling can not keep up, you are not alone. Many Kansas City homes struggle on the hottest and coldest days. The good news is you can fix this with a few simple steps. This guide shows what to check, what to ask a contractor, and what to expect in a clear estimate.
Why this matters in Kansas City and nearby suburbs
Kansas City weather swings fast. We see hot, humid summers and sharp winter cold in Jackson, Johnson, Clay, and Wyandotte counties. Older homes in Waldo and Brookside often have leaky ducts, poor attic insulation, and uneven airflow. Newer homes in Overland Park, Olathe, Lee’s Summit, and Liberty can still struggle if filters are clogged or if the system was never sized right for the house. A few smart checks can improve comfort and lower bills.
First steps you can do today
Try these quick checks before you call a pro:
Set the thermostat to cool and listen. Is the outdoor unit running.
Replace or wash the air filter. A dirty filter chokes airflow.
Open supply vents in every room. Close none of them.
Make sure return grills are not blocked by furniture or rugs.
Look at the outdoor unit. Clear leaves and grass two feet around it.
Check the breaker box. Make sure HVAC breakers are on.
In winter, check that flues and fresh air intakes are clear of snow.
If things improve, great. If not, call a vetted HVAC contractor.
Signs you need a pro
The AC runs but air from the vents feels weak or warm.
The furnace cycles on and off and rooms never reach set point.
One floor is comfortable but bedrooms are always hot or cold.
The system is noisy, smells odd, or trips the breaker.
Your summer bill or winter bill jumped without a reason.
Ice forms on the AC lines or the outdoor unit.
Two or more of these signs mean it is time for expert help.
What to expect in a written estimate
Ask for a simple, complete estimate that lists:
Findings with photos. Dirty coil. Leaky ducts. Blocked returns.
Airflow numbers. Static pressure and target range in plain words.
Repairs by priority. Clean coil. Seal ducts. Add return. Adjust charge.
Options for comfort. Balancing, smart thermostat, or zoning if needed.
Home shell fixes that help HVAC. Air sealing at the attic hatch and better insulation at the attic floor.
Maintenance plan. Filter size, change schedule, and coil cleaning schedule.
Warranty details and the service contact.
If a system is near the end of life, ask for a right sized replacement quote that follows industry sizing and includes duct work improvements. Right sizing matters more than big sizing.
Tips to make your system work better
Change the filter every 1 to 3 months. Use the size your system is made for.
Keep outdoor coils clean. Gently hose off spring pollen. Power washing is not needed.
Use blinds or curtains in sunny rooms on very hot days.
Run the fan on auto. Let the system manage airflow.
Seal big air leaks at the attic hatch and around bath fans. Your HVAC can only cool and heat what the home holds.
Add attic insulation to the right depth after air sealing. This helps both summer and winter comfort.
What to watch for with ductwork
Ducts can waste a lot of heating and cooling if they leak or are too small. Ask your pro to measure and show you:
Leaks at joints and seams. Mastic and mesh tape are best for sealing.
Kinks or crushed flex ducts that block airflow.
Returns that are too few or too small. Many KC homes need more return air.
Rooms at the end of long runs that may need balancing or larger ducts.
Fixing ducts often gives a bigger comfort boost than changing the unit.
When repair is not enough
If the system is very old or has a failed compressor or heat exchanger, replacement may be the smart move. Ask for:
A load calculation for your home, not a rule of thumb.
System options that match your goals. Comfort, noise, efficiency, price.
A plan to fix airflow and ducts at the same time.
Clear rebates or credits explained in plain words.
A strong labor and parts warranty in writing.
A right sized, well installed system with good ducts will run quieter and keep even temps from North Kansas City to Lee’s Summit.
Common mistakes to avoid
Skipping a full inspection and jumping to a new unit.
Picking by lowest price without airflow and duct tests.
Closing vents to push air to other rooms. This raises pressure and lowers comfort.
Forgetting the home shell. A leaky attic will fight even the best system.
Ignoring maintenance. Dirty filters and coils hurt comfort and life span.
How The Good Contractors Club helps
We connect you with Kansas City HVAC pros who are vetted for skill, service, and integrity. Licensing and insurance are verified. Background checks are completed. Warranties are strong and written. You can contact vetted pros directly without forms or spam. No shared or fake leads. Just fewer but higher intent matches so you get honest help in Overland Park, Olathe, Liberty, and Waldo.
If you are a contractor asking how to get clients as a contractor in KC, focus on testing, clear estimates, and proven fixes. Homeowners want comfort and honesty. The Club supports that model.
Bottom line
Start with simple checks. Then bring in a vetted pro to test airflow, ducts, and the system. Fix leaks and airflow first. Add air sealing and insulation where needed. Replace only when the numbers say it is time. That is how you get steady comfort and fair bills in Kansas City.
