Most homeowners think, “My furnace seems fine. Why spend money on a tune-up?”
Here’s why: skipping maintenance doesn’t just risk breakdowns, it quietly drains your bank account in other ways.
1. Higher Energy Bills
A dirty, unmaintained furnace loses efficiency. According to Energy.gov, neglect can increase your heating bill by 10–25%. Over a whole winter in Iowa, that’s hundreds of dollars gone.
2. Frequent Repairs
Small issues, like a dirty flame sensor or clogged filter, snowball into big repairs. A tune-up replaces a $20 part before it turns into a $500 emergency service call.
3. Reduced Lifespan
Furnaces should last 15–20 years. Without maintenance, many fail after 10–12. That’s thousands spent on a new system years earlier than necessary.
4. Higher Risk of Breakdowns in Winter
Breakdowns always seem to happen during the coldest snap of the year. Why? Because that’s when your furnace is under maximum stress. Without a tune-up, those weak parts give out right when you need heat the most.
Proof That Tune-Ups Work
The benefits of maintenance aren’t just hypothetical. They’re backed by research.
Industry data shows that annual maintenance reduces breakdown risk by up to 95%.
Regular tune-ups can cut your furnace’s energy use by 20–30%, according to Energy.gov.
ENERGY STAR notes that well-maintained systems last years longer than neglected ones, saving homeowners thousands.
The ROI of a Furnace Tune-Up
When you break it down, tune-ups aren’t an expense—they’re an investment.
Annual cost of tune-up: $100–$150
Average cost of a furnace repair: $400–$600 (Angi)
Emergency weekend repair: $1,000+
Furnace replacement: $5,000–$8,000 (HomeAdvisor)
For the cost of one dinner out, you can extend your system’s life, lower your bills, and avoid emergency repairs. It’s an easy ROI to justify.
The Safety Factor
There’s another reason maintenance matters: safety. Furnaces burn fuel, and that means risks.
Carbon monoxide leaks: A cracked heat exchanger can leak odorless, deadly CO gas into your home. Annual checks catch these cracks early.
Gas leaks: Loose connections or faulty valves can lead to gas buildup.
Fire hazards: Dirty burners and clogged vents increase fire risk.
Your family’s safety is worth more than any repair bill. A tune-up gives you peace of mind.
Maintenance and Energy Efficiency Go Hand in Hand
Think of your furnace like a car. Would you skip oil changes and expect it to run smoothly for 200,000 miles?
The same principle applies here.
Clean filters improve airflow, reducing the strain on your blower motor.
Calibrated thermostats prevent wasted cycles.
Clean burners maximize fuel efficiency, giving you more heat for less cost.
In short, a tune-up pays for itself in lower bills almost immediately.
How Often Should You Schedule a Tune-Up?
We recommend a furnace tune-up once a year, ideally in the fall before heavy use begins. That way, you go into winter knowing your system is ready.
In Iowa, where winters are long and harsh, scheduling every fall isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
Signs You May Need a Tune-Up Now
Even if you haven’t scheduled yearly maintenance, certain red flags signal it’s time to call Anthem:
Uneven heating (some rooms hot, others cold)
Strange noises (banging, rattling, squealing)
Rising utility bills without explanation
Furnace cycling on and off too often
Yellow burner flame instead of blue (indicates incomplete combustion)
If you’re noticing any of these, don’t wait. Schedule service immediately.
How Anthem Heating & Cooling Helps
At Anthem, we’ve helped Central Iowa homeowners stay warm for decades. Our furnace tune-up service is designed to:
Extend your furnace’s lifespan
Prevent expensive breakdowns
Keep your energy bills under control
Ensure your family’s safety all winter
And unlike some companies, we don’t just rush through a checklist. We take time to explain what we’re doing and what we find—so you can make informed decisions.
Ready to get started? Give us a call to schedule your furnace tune-up today:
515-249-2581 (Bondurant, IA)
641-485-1998 (Grinnell, IA)