When a cold snap hits Iowa, it hits fast.
One day you’re wearing a light jacket… The next day, the wind feels like it came straight from the Arctic.
And when temps drop this quickly, your home has to work overtime.
Your furnace runs harder.
Pipes get colder.
Small issues turn into big ones fast.
The good news?
A little prep now saves you from stress later — and keeps your home warm even when the weather gets wild.
This guide walks you through simple, clear steps to protect your home and avoid a mid-winter furnace breakdown or an emergency heating repair call.
Why Cold Snaps Cause So Many Problems
Iowa winters can swing from “pretty cold” to “extremely cold” overnight.
When that happens, your home gets pushed to its limit.
Most heating problems happen because:
Your furnace isn’t ready for long run times
Air leaks pull in freezing air
Filters clog faster
Pipes lose heat quicker
Old parts fail under pressure
When a cold snap hits, you want to be ready — not scrambling.
Let’s walk through the steps.
1. Check Your Furnace Before Temperatures Drop
Think of your furnace like your car.
You don’t wait for the engine light to come on before changing the oil.
Before a cold snap:
✔ Make sure your filter is clean
A dirty filter is the #1 reason furnaces shut down during cold snaps.
It blocks airflow, overheats the system, and causes shutdowns.
A clean filter keeps warm air moving.
✔ Listen for new sounds
Banging
Scraping
Whistling
These often get worse in low temps — and can lead to full failure.
✔ Test your thermostat
Make sure:
It turns on
It responds fast
The temperature reading feels accurate
If it seems off, it might need new batteries or calibration.
✔ Schedule a quick tune-up
If it’s been more than a year since your last service, now is the time to get one.
A tune-up helps prevent:
Emergency heating repair
Mid-winter furnace breakdowns
High energy bills
Book a furnace tune-up with Anthem Heating & Cooling
2. Seal Air Leaks That Pull in Freezing Air
Cold air sneaks into your home through small gaps.
Your furnace feels it first — and works harder to make up for it.
Before the cold snap:
Check for drafts around:
Doors
Windows
The attic entrance
The basement
Electrical outlets
Dryer vents
Simple fixes that work fast:
Weather stripping
Door sweeps
Window film
Outlet insulation pads
Small gaps = big heat loss.
Fix them now so your furnace doesn’t fight a losing battle later.
3. Keep Vents and Registers Clear
During a cold snap, your furnace should be able to push warm air through your whole home.
But many homes have:
Couches blocking vents
Rugs covering registers
Closed vents in unused rooms
When airflow is blocked, pressure builds, and the furnace overheats.
Do this now:
✔ Open all vents
✔ Move furniture off registers
✔ Make sure return vents have space too
Good airflow = less strain on your system and fewer breakdowns.
4. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive cold-snap problems.
Keep water moving
Let faucets drip — especially:
Kitchen sinks
Bathroom sinks
Laundry room taps
Moving water is much less likely to freeze.
Open cabinet doors
Warm air helps keep pipes from dropping below freezing.
Know where your main shut-off valve is
If a pipe bursts, you need to stop the water fast.
This alone can save thousands of dollars in damage.
5. Check Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Cold snaps = more furnace run time.
More run time = higher risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
Test both detectors now
Press the test button.
Replace batteries if needed.
If your home doesn’t have a CO detector, get one today.
They are inexpensive and save lives.
6. Make Sure You Have Backup Heat (Just in Case)
If your furnace ever quits during a cold snap, you don’t want to panic.
Backup heat options:
A safe space heater
Heated blankets
A battery-powered heating pad
A wood-burning or gas fireplace (if available)
Never use:
✘ Ovens
✘ Grills
✘ Outdoor heaters indoors
These can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
7. Prevent Emergency Heating Repairs by Watching for Warning Signs
A sudden cold snap can bring hidden problems to the surface.
Call for help if you notice:
Short cycling
The furnace turns on and off fast.
This is a major sign something is wrong.
Weak airflow
This means trouble in the blower, ducts, or filter.
Hot or burning smells
Dust smells are normal at first.
Burning wiring smells are not.
Cold air from vents
This often means an ignition or fuel-related issue.
8. Protect Your Home’s Electrical System
Cold snaps strain Iowa’s power grid.
Storms often bring outages too.
To prepare:
Locate your breaker panel
Make sure you know which switch resets your furnace.
Use surge protectors
Sudden power fluctuations can damage your furnace’s control board.
Keep a flashlight near the panel
You don’t want to be searching in the dark.
9. Set Your Thermostat Correctly During a Cold Snap
When temps fall hard, your furnace needs stability.
Ideal settings:
Day: 68–70°F
Night: 64–66°F
Big temperature swings make your furnace work harder.
If you leave home:
Don’t set it below 62°F; pipes need heat too.
If you have a smart thermostat, set a simple schedule and stick with it.
10. Keep Your Outdoor Furnace Exhaust Clear
Many Iowa homes have high-efficiency furnaces with PVC exhaust pipes outside.
In snow and ice, these pipes can get blocked.
A blocked exhaust can:
Shut your furnace down
Trigger safety switches
Cause carbon monoxide issues
During and after snowfall:
✔ Check the vent
✔ Clear snow from around it
✔ Remove ice buildup
It takes less than one minute — and prevents major problems.
11. Know When to Call a Professional
If your furnace shows any of these signs, call right away:
Blowing cold air
Loud banging
Furnace won’t stay on
Strange smells
Water pooling near the furnace
System won’t turn on at all
Waiting only makes the repair bigger — and more expensive.
Schedule heating repair with Anthem Heating & Cooling
Final Checklist: Cold Snap Prep
Do these today:
Clean or replace your furnace filter
Check air vents
Seal drafts
Test CO and smoke detectors
Open sink cabinets
Let faucets drip
Set a stable thermostat schedule
Clear your furnace exhaust
Your home will stay warmer, your furnace will work better, and you’ll avoid surprise breakdowns when the temps fall fast.
Conclusion: Cold Snaps Don’t Have to Be Stressful
Iowa winters can be rough — but preparing your home doesn’t have to be.
A few small steps now protect your furnace, lower your risk of a breakdown, and keep your family safe and warm.
If anything feels “off” or you want peace of mind before the next cold front rolls in…
Book a furnace tune-up or repair with Anthem Heating & Cooling
Stay warm. Stay ready. Iowa weather waits for no one.