Picture this: It’s 1:00 AM in Bondurant, Iowa. The house is freezing. Your thermostat is blinking. The furnace is dead quiet.
Do you panic… or do you have a plan?
When your HVAC system fails during extreme temps, time matters. Whether it’s your home or a commercial building, HVAC emergencies can create health risks, inventory losses, and a whole lot of frustration.
This post is your guide to:
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Knowing when it’s really an emergency
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What to check before calling
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Who to trust in Central Iowa when things go sideways
Let’s dive in, starting with what qualifies as an actual HVAC emergency.
What Are Emergency HVAC Services?
Emergency HVAC services are rapid-response repairs for critical breakdowns that pose a risk to comfort, safety, or operations.
Common emergencies include:
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No heat during a winter freeze
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No cooling during extreme heat (especially with elderly or children in the home)
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Gas or electrical burning smells
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Carbon monoxide detector going off
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Water or refrigerant leaks
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Complete system shutdown that won’t restart
Think of it like 911 for your HVAC system — when waiting could cause damage, danger, or real disruption.
Before You Call: 5 Things to Check
Sometimes, what seems like an emergency isn’t one. In fact, many of our calls at Anthem Heating & Cooling are solved with a quick fix the homeowner can do themselves.
Here’s what to check before you pick up the phone:
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Is the thermostat on and set properly?
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Double-check that it’s on HEAT or COOL and not in OFF mode.
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Replace the batteries if the display is dim or blank.
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Check the power.
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Look for tripped breakers or a shut-off switch near the furnace or AC unit.
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Inspect the filter.
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A clogged filter can cause the system to overheat and shut off.
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Look and listen.
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Hear clicking or buzzing? See ice buildup on the outdoor unit? That’s helpful info for the tech.
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Smell check.
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Any burning, chemical, or gas-like smells? Shut it off and call — that’s not a DIY moment.
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If you’ve walked through this checklist and it’s still not working, it’s time to call.
How Emergency HVAC Service Works (With Anthem Home Comfort)
When something breaks, the last thing you want is a call center in another state. You want someone nearby who picks up the phone, understands the weather outside your door, and can get there fast.
Here’s how it works with us:
Step 1: You Call.
A real human answers 24/7. No bots. No call queues.
Step 2: We Triage.
We’ll ask a few quick questions to assess the situation and rule out obvious fixes.
Step 3: We Dispatch.
If it’s urgent, we’ll send someone right away. Our techs cover Bondurant, Altoona, Ankeny, Des Moines metro area, and the rest of Central Iowa (check out our service area).
Step 4: We Diagnose and Fix.
We bring fully stocked trucks to handle most repairs on the spot — no waiting on parts or second visits if we can help it.
Step 5: We Follow Up.
We’ll check in after the visit, ensure everything is running smoothly, and give maintenance tips to prevent a repeat.
Why Fast Response Matters (Especially in Iowa)
In Iowa, a broken HVAC system isn’t just uncomfortable — it can become dangerous in a matter of hours. Here’s why fast response is crucial:
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Winter temps can drop homes below 50°F quickly, leading to pipe damage or unsafe indoor air.
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Summer heat can turn upper floors into saunas, putting kids, pets, and electronics at risk.
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For businesses, HVAC failure means lost customers, spoiled products, and real revenue impact.
At Anthem, your comfort is our Anthem. That means we’ll do everything possible to restore your heating or cooling as quickly and efiiciently as possible.
Why Central Iowa Chooses Anthem for Emergency HVAC
We’re not new here — we’re your neighbors. And we’ve built a reputation around doing things right the first time.
Here’s why people trust us when the pressure’s on:
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24/7 live response — yes, even at 2:00 AM
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Fast service across Central Iowa
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Upfront pricing — no surprises
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Licensed, insured, and experienced technicians
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Stocked trucks mean faster fixes
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Locally owned, not a franchise
Learn more about our team and values.
Emergency HVAC FAQs — Real Fast
Do you charge more for emergency service?
Our rates are competitive and transparent. We’ll explain everything upfront — no games.
What areas do you serve?
Bondurant and Grinnell are home base, but we cover Altoona, Ankeny, and greater Central Iowa.
Can you come tonight?
Yes. Call now and we’ll walk you through availability — many calls are same-day.
What if it’s something small?
We’ll always try to help you fix minor issues on the phone first.
Can I avoid emergencies in the future?
Yes. Ask us about our preventative maintenance plans — regular checkups prevent surprise breakdowns.
Conclusion: When It’s Urgent, Call Anthem
HVAC emergencies don’t give you a warning — they just show up. When they do, it’s not just about fixing equipment. It’s about protecting your home, your business, and your peace of mind.
At Anthem Heating & Cooling, we’ve built our reputation on fast response, local reliability, and doing things the right way — especially when it matters most.
Need Help Right Now?
Call Anthem Heating & Cooling — Central Iowa’s trusted 24/7 HVAC pros. Give us a call:
515-249-2581 (Bondurant, IA) or 641-485-1998 (Grinnell, IA).