How to safely heat your home ahead of freeze warning in northeast Kansas

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A Topeka heating expert has some tips for transitioning your furnace as the possibility of freezing temperatures hitting parts of northeast Kansas on Wednesday morning increase.

Now is the time to check on your furnace as winter weather looms. Something as small as changing the filter can save you time, money and even your life.

As many people start heating up their homes for the first time this fall, you want to make sure you're doing it right. DeBackers Inc. in Topeka focuses on heating and A/C. They showed 27 News some things you can look out for when deciding if your filter needs to be changed.

"Change it when you need it," said owner Greg DeBacker. "Kind of like 'Do your clothes need washed?' You wash them when they need them. Same with the furnace filter. It's a good idea to date them. That one's dated '18 and we just took that one out. When they get that bad, it's not good on the equipment."

When using a clogged furnace, there's a chance it can create carbon monoxide in your home. This could cause fires or at the very least cost you more money. Changing the filter is simple, but technicians are also available to help install them.

It's also important to make sure you have charged and working smoke detectors and to be mindful of how you're using space heaters and other warming devices.

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