When temperatures in Kansas City drop below freezing, your furnace is not the only thing working overtime. Your plumbing is also at risk. Frozen pipes are one of the most common and costly winter problems for homeowners in this area.
While many people know to insulate pipes or open cabinet doors during a freeze, not everyone realizes how much their HVAC settings affect the chances of a frozen pipe disaster.
At Haha’s Heating & Cooling, we’ve seen too many homeowners deal with expensive water damage that could have been prevented with a few simple adjustments to their heating system.
Here’s how your HVAC system, thermostat settings, and humidity control can help protect your Kansas City home from frozen pipes.
Why Are Frozen Pipes Such a Big Risk in Kansas City?
Kansas City’s winters are unpredictable. A warm December day can quickly turn into a subzero cold snap overnight. When temperatures stay below freezing for more than a few hours, the water inside your pipes can freeze.
Frozen water expands, putting pressure on your plumbing. If the pressure gets too high, the pipe can crack or burst, sending gallons of water into your home.
We’ve seen this happen in basements, crawlspaces, and even inside kitchen walls leading to thousands of dollars in repairs.
How Your HVAC Settings Help Prevent Frozen Pipes
Your furnace and thermostat are critical tools for pipe protection. Here’s how you can use them to your advantage.
1. Never Set Your Thermostat Below 65 Degrees
Even if you’re leaving town or trying to save on your heating bill, don’t lower your thermostat too far. The air inside your walls and floors is always cooler than the air you feel in your living space.
Keeping your thermostat set to at least 65 degrees ensures enough warm air circulates to prevent pipes from freezing in hidden areas.
If you’re using a programmable or smart thermostat, make sure it does not drop below this level during scheduled setbacks. Learn more about smart thermostat installation in Kansas City if you want better control over your system.
2. Keep the Fan Setting on “Auto”
Your HVAC system’s fan setting plays a role in circulating warm air. By setting your fan to Auto instead of On, your system will push warm air when heating is active, without overworking the fan.
This keeps air moving steadily throughout your ductwork and into the spaces near vulnerable pipes.
3. Open Vents in All Rooms
Some homeowners close vents in unused rooms to save energy. In winter, this can be a mistake. Closing vents reduces airflow and may leave certain areas cold enough for pipes to freeze.
Make sure all vents are open, especially in rooms with plumbing.
The Role of Humidity in Protecting Your Home
Kansas City winters often bring dry air. While that may not seem related to frozen pipes, proper humidity helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature and prevents dry, shrinking wood around pipes, which can worsen leaks or pipe movement.
A whole-home humidifier adds moisture evenly throughout your home, which protects not just your air quality but also your structure.
We install humidifiers for Kansas City homeowners looking for better indoor air quality and home protection.
What to Do When You’re Out of Town
Traveling during the holidays or leaving for an extended trip? Here’s a quick checklist to prevent frozen pipes while you’re away:
- Set your thermostat to at least 65 degrees
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate
- Keep interior doors open for better airflow
- Consider a smart thermostat to monitor your home remotely
- Schedule a furnace check before you leave
If you need last-minute service, contact Haha’s Heating & Cooling for a system inspection.
Real Example: A Kansas City Family Avoids a Costly Disaster
Last winter, a family in Liberty left town for a long weekend. They dropped their thermostat to 55 degrees to save on heating while they were gone.
When they returned, they found a burst pipe in their kitchen wall. The damage caused by water leaks ended up costing them over $6,000 in repairs.
After we installed a smart thermostat and adjusted their HVAC settings, they haven’t had a problem since.
How Furnace Maintenance Helps Protect Your Pipes
A furnace that isn’t working efficiently may fail to maintain a steady indoor temperature, especially during extreme cold.
During furnace maintenance in Kansas City, we check for issues that could affect airflow, performance, and overall heating consistency all of which help prevent frozen pipes.
Final Tips to Keep Kansas City Homes Safe This Winter
- Set your thermostat wisely and avoid drastic setbacks
- Keep air flowing throughout your home
- Use humidity control for comfort and protection
- Monitor your system when traveling
- Schedule a furnace check before the next cold snap
Need help protecting your home this winter? Contact Haha’s Heating & Cooling for reliable service, honest advice, and local expertise.
You can also check our reviews on Google to see how we’ve helped other Kansas City homeowners stay safe and comfortable.
