New Year, New Comfort: Why the End of the Year Is the Perfect Time to Check Your Furnace
As the clock winds down on another year, most people are focused on resolutions, celebrations, and staying up late on New Year’s Eve. But while you’re planning what comes next, there’s one thing quietly working overtime in the background: your furnace.
In Central Iowa, late December and early January are often the coldest, most demanding stretch of the entire heating season. That makes the end of the year an ideal moment to check in on your furnace and make sure it’s ready to carry you through winter without surprises.
Why New Year’s Is a Smart Time for Furnace Maintenance
By the time New Year’s Eve arrives, your furnace has already been running hard for weeks. Filters have collected dust, components have cycled thousands of times, and any small issues that started in November can begin turning into bigger problems.
A quick inspection now can:
Catch worn or failing parts before they cause a no-heat emergency
Improve efficiency during the coldest months
Reduce energy bills heading into January and February
Extend the lifespan of your furnace
Think of it like an oil change before a long road trip…small effort, big payoff.
The Coldest Weather Is Still Ahead
Many homeowners assume winter is “half over” once the holidays pass. In reality, January and February are often when Iowa sees its lowest temperatures and harshest wind chills.
That’s when furnaces fail most often, not because they’re bad systems, but because they’re under maximum stress. A furnace that’s slightly dirty, poorly ventilated, or struggling with airflow can suddenly fall behind when the temperature drops below zero.
Checking your system now helps ensure your home stays warm when it matters most.
Small Furnace Issues Don’t Fix Themselves
If you’ve noticed:
The furnace running longer than usual
Uneven temperatures between rooms
New noises or frequent cycling
Rising heating bills
Those are early warning signs. Ignoring them until “after winter” often leads to emergency furnace calls at the worst possible time - nights, weekends, or during major cold snaps.
Addressing them at the turn of the year is far easier and more affordable.
Start the New Year With Peace of Mind
At Obsidian Heating & Cooling, we help homeowners across Ankeny, Des Moines, and surrounding communities start the year with confidence in their home comfort. Whether it’s a simple tune-up, airflow adjustment, or a more in-depth inspection, our goal is to make sure your furnace is safe, efficient, and reliable for the months ahead.
As you toast to the New Year, let us handle the part you don’t want to worry about, keeping your home warm.
Heading Into the New Year? We’re Here When You Need Us
If your furnace hasn’t been checked yet this season, or if something just doesn’t feel right, now is the perfect time to schedule a visit for a diagnostic check, repair, or new install. Starting the year proactively can save you stress, discomfort, and unexpected repairs later on.
Here’s to a warm, comfortable start to the New Year, from all of us at Obsidian Heating & Cooling.
