A Day in the Life at McDaniel Furnace & Sheet Metal
The alarm buzzes at 5:30 AM. Another day serving our communities in Independence, Blue Springs, and Liberty begins. As a technician at McDaniel Furnace & Sheet Metal, no two days are exactly alike, but they all share one common purpose: helping our neighbors stay comfortable in their homes, no matter the weather outside.
Morning Briefing: 6:30 AM
After arriving at our shop, the first order of business is our team meeting. We review the day’s service calls, discuss any challenging repairs from the previous day, and make sure each technician has everything needed for their appointments.
Today’s schedule for me includes:
- An AC service call in Independence
- A furnace replacement consultation in Liberty
- A heating repair in Blue Springs
Our dispatcher ensures we have the most efficient routes mapped out to minimize drive time and maximize the number of customers we can help each day.
First Stop: AC Service in Independence, MO – 8:00 AM
My first customer of the day is a family whose air conditioner is blowing warm air—never what you want in the Missouri summer heat. After a thorough inspection, I identify a refrigerant leak that’s causing the system to underperform.
I explain the issue to the homeowner, providing them with options ranging from a temporary fix to a more permanent solution. Transparency is key in our business—we never recommend services our customers don’t need.
Midday: Furnace Replacement Consultation in Liberty, MO – 11:30 AM
After completing the AC repair, I head to Liberty for a furnace replacement consultation. The homeowners have a unit that’s nearly 20 years old and showing signs of declining efficiency.
During these consultations, I take measurements of the home, discuss the family’s comfort needs, and explain the various efficiency options available. I’m not here to sell the most expensive system—I’m here to find the right solution for this specific home and family.
I leave them with a detailed proposal and the assurance that we’ll be there to answer any questions as they make their decision.
Lunch Break: 1:30 PM
Quick lunch in the truck while updating service notes and checking in with the office. Our team is always connected throughout the day, ready to assist each other with technical advice or to reorder parts as needed.
Afternoon Call: Heating Repair in Blue Springs, MO – 2:15 PM
My final scheduled appointment takes me to Blue Springs, where a customer’s heating system is making an unusual noise. These kinds of diagnostic challenges keep the job interesting.
After a systematic inspection, I discover a worn blower motor bearing. I explain to the customer that while we can replace just the bearing today, the motor itself is showing signs of age and may need replacement soon.
The customer appreciates the heads-up about potential future issues—building that trust is a fundamental part of what we do at McDaniel Furnace & Sheet Metal.
End of Day: 5:00 PM
Back at the shop, I restock my truck with commonly used parts, submit paperwork for the day’s jobs, and catch up with colleagues about any interesting technical challenges they encountered.
Before heading home, I check my schedule for tomorrow. Two heating maintenance appointments and an emergency call that came in late today for a no-heat situation in Liberty that we’ll address first thing in the morning.
Why We Do What We Do
Working in HVAC might not seem glamorous to outsiders, but there’s something deeply satisfying about solving problems and ensuring families stay comfortable in their homes. Whether it’s the hottest day of summer or the coldest night of winter, we’re the ones who make sure our neighbors in Independence, Blue Springs, Liberty, and beyond can count on their heating and cooling systems.
At McDaniel Furnace & Sheet Metal, we’re not just fixing machines—we’re providing peace of mind. And that makes even the earliest alarm and the longest days worthwhile.