It’s late, the wind chill in Iowa has dropped below zero, and your furnace suddenly stops. The house grows colder by the minute, and panic sets in.
Most homeowners’ first instinct is to call for emergency HVAC service right away.
But here’s the thing: not every furnace “breakdown” is really an emergency. In many cases, a few simple checks can get your system running again, no service call needed.
This guide walks you through what to check first, when to call a professional, and how to prevent furnace breakdowns in the future.
Quick DIY Checks Before You Call
Before you grab the phone, take a few minutes to run through this simple checklist. Many heating problems are easy to fix without professional help.
Check the Thermostat – Make sure it’s set to heat (not cool or off). Replace batteries if your thermostat runs on them. Confirm the temperature is set higher than the room temperature. A dead thermostat battery is one of the most common reasons a furnace won’t turn on.
Inspect the Circuit Breaker – Go to your electrical panel and check if the furnace breaker has tripped. If it has, reset it once. If it trips again, call a pro.
Look at the Air Filter – A dirty or clogged filter can choke airflow and cause your system to shut down. Replace filters every 1–3 months during heating season.
Check Vents and Registers – Make sure all supply vents are open and unblocked. Move furniture, rugs, or boxes that could be restricting airflow.
Still no luck? This might be the time to consider calling a pro. Anthem Heating & Cooling offers 24/7 emergency HVAC services.
Give us a call24/7:
515-249-2581 (Bondurant, IA)
641-485-1998 (Grinnell, IA)
When DIY Fixes Aren’t Enough
If the basic checks don’t solve the problem, here are some signs that the issue is beyond a quick fix:
Unusual Noises – Grinding, banging, or squealing could mean a broken belt or failing motor.
Short Cycling – Furnace turns on and off rapidly, indicating an airflow or sensor issue.
Cold Air Only – If the blower runs but there’s no heat, it may be a gas supply or ignition problem.
Yellow Pilot Light – A steady blue flame is normal. Yellow or flickering means incomplete combustion, which can produce dangerous carbon monoxide.
Safety Tip: If you smell gas, shut off your furnace immediately, leave the home, and call your utility provider. Never attempt gas or electrical repairs yourself.
Why Emergency HVAC Service Matters in Iowa
Sometimes there’s no avoiding it—you need help fast. Here’s why emergency HVAC service is critical in our climate:
Cold Weather Isn’t Just Uncomfortable, It’s Dangerous – Hypothermia and frostbite risks rise quickly in unheated homes during Iowa winters. Indoor temps can fall below safe levels within hours when it’s subzero outside.
Frozen Pipes Can Cost Thousands – Without heat, water in pipes can freeze and burst. The damage from a burst pipe often costs more than the furnace repair itself.
Peace of Mind, 24/7 – Anthem Heating & Cooling keeps trained techs on call day and night. No waiting until “business hours” when your family’s safety is on the line.
👉 For immediate help, contact Anthem today. We proudly serve Bondurant, Ankeny, Grinnell, and all of Central Iowa.
Give us a call:
515-249-2581 (Bondurant, IA)
641-485-1998 (Grinnell, IA)
How to Prevent Future Breakdowns
The best emergency is the one you never have to deal with. Here’s how to keep your furnace reliable all season:
Schedule Annual Tune-Ups – An annual inspection catches small issues before they lead to failure. According to Energy.gov, regular maintenance can cut breakdown risk by up to 95%.
Learn more: Why Regular Furnace Tune-Ups Save You from Costly Breakdowns.
Replace Filters Regularly – Change filters every 1–3 months in peak season. A clean filter keeps airflow steady and protects your blower motor.
Keep Vents Clear – Don’t block vents with furniture, boxes, or rugs. Proper airflow keeps your system balanced.
Ask About Maintenance Plans – Want peace of mind year-round?
Ask about Anthem’s maintenance plans when you call. Regular service keeps your furnace efficient and helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns.
FAQs About Furnace Breakdowns
What’s the first thing to check if my furnace stops working?
Start with the thermostat. Make sure it’s on heat, set above room temp, and has working batteries. Then check the circuit breaker and filter.
How do I know if it's an emergency?
If you smell gas, hear loud banging, or your furnace won’t produce heat in freezing weather, it’s an emergency. Call a pro immediately.
Can I fix a furnace myself?
You can handle simple tasks like changing filters or resetting breakers. But repairs involving gas, electricity, or internal parts should be left to trained professionals.
Why does my furnace keep shutting off?
Short cycling is often caused by airflow issues (dirty filters, blocked vents) or thermostat malfunctions. If replacing the filter doesn’t help, call for service.
Conclusion: Don’t Panic, Just Check
A furnace breakdown on a freezing night is stressful, but not every situation calls for an emergency repair.
By running through this simple checklist, you can rule out easy fixes and save yourself the cost of an unnecessary service call.
But when the problem goes beyond DIY, or when safety is on the line, Anthem Heating & Cooling is here 24/7.
Don’t wait until the cold becomes dangerous. Contact Anthem Heating & Cooling for emergency furnace repair or to schedule preventative maintenance today:
515-249-2581 (Bondurant, IA)
641-485-1998 (Grinnell, IA)