Furnace Installation & Replacement in Des Moines, IA
Winter in Des Moines demands reliable heating. When your furnace ages, loses efficiency, or breaks down, Obsidian Heating and Cooling is ready to install a new system that keeps your family warm, runs efficiently, and delivers consistent comfort through the cold months. We've been installing furnaces in Iowa homes since 2009. We're a veteran-owned business and Tempstar Elite Dealer, and we believe that furnace installation is more than bolting on equipment—it's understanding your home's heating demands, sizing the system precisely, integrating it with your existing ductwork, and ensuring it's optimized for Des Moines's cold winters. A properly installed furnace becomes invisible—it simply delivers warmth when you need it, month after month.
Up to 15-Year Warranty
Parts & Labor
Why Obsidian Homeowners Trust Us for Furnace Replacement
Schedule Your Furnace Installation Consultation
Your heating system is critical—let's make sure your replacement is sized and installed perfectly:
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Our Furnace Installation Process — Design Through Startup
From the first assessment to the final combustion analysis, every step is handled with precision and care. Here's what to expect when you choose Obsidian Heating and Cooling for your furnace installation.
Home Assessment & Heating Load Calculation
Furnace installation starts with understanding your home's heating needs. We'll assess your home's square footage, insulation quality (attic, walls, basement), window count and type, air infiltration gaps, and whether you have an attached garage. We'll also evaluate your current ductwork—is it in good condition? Are there obvious leaks? Does airflow seem balanced across rooms?
Using this information, we perform a Manual J load calculation—an industry-standard analysis that determines exactly how many BTUs of heating capacity your home needs. An oversized furnace cycles on and off frequently, wastes fuel, and wears out prematurely. An undersized furnace can't heat your home adequately on extreme cold days. We get sizing right by calculating your actual demand, not guessing.
We'll also discuss your heating goals: do you want consistent warm air from all vents, or are some rooms consistently cooler? Do you prefer draft-free heat, or do you value the comforting feel of traditional warm air? These conversations inform our system recommendations.
What We Assess
Manual J Load Calculation
Industry standard for precise furnace sizing.
Ductwork Inspection
Testing for leaks, blockages, and proper sizing.
Insulation Assessment
R-values in attic, walls, and basement.
Window Analysis
Count, type, and heat loss evaluation.
Air Infiltration
Identifying gaps that increase heating demand.
Comfort Goals
Understanding your heating preferences.
Equipment Selection & Heating System Design
Once we understand your heating load, we present options. Furnaces come in different efficiency tiers: single-stage models are simpler and affordable; two-stage models run quieter and more efficiently on mild winter days; variable-stage models modulate output precisely to demand. We'll explain the trade-offs—upfront cost vs. long-term efficiency savings—and help you choose what makes sense for your budget and heating goals.
We'll also discuss fuel type. Most homes use natural gas—it's efficient and convenient. Some use propane or oil. We'll design your system for your fuel type and explain seasonal costs based on current utility rates. We'll also address your thermostat: do you want a basic programmable model, or would you prefer a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts automatically?
You'll receive a detailed written proposal with equipment specs, efficiency ratings (AFUE %), heating capacity (BTU), warranty coverage, installation timeline, and financing options.
What You'll Receive
Equipment Options
Different efficiency and price tiers explained.
AFUE Ratings
Efficiency comparisons and operating costs.
Cost Projections
Heating cost estimates for each option.
Financing Options
Multiple plans to fit your budget.
Preparation & System Staging
Before installation day, we prepare your home. We'll assess the location where the new furnace will sit—usually a basement, mechanical room, or attic. We'll verify that gas lines, electrical supply, and ductwork are accessible and in acceptable condition. If ductwork repairs or sealing are needed, we'll discuss that upfront. We'll also plan for the removal and safe disposal of your old furnace.
We'll also schedule any prerequisites: gas line installation or conversion, electrical panel upgrades if needed, or ductwork modifications. We'll coordinate with utility companies if gas line work requires their involvement. We'll brief you on installation day logistics—where our crew will be working, how long the process takes, and any inconveniences you might experience during the switchover.
Preparation Checklist
Furnace Location
Accessibility and positioning confirmed.
Gas Line Verification
Supply capacity and condition checked.
Electrical Assessment
Panel capacity and wiring verified.
Ductwork Repairs
Sealing and modifications scheduled.
Old Equipment Removal
Safe disposal planned and scheduled.
Family Briefing
Installation timeline and logistics explained.
Professional Furnace Installation & Gas Integration
Installation day is where expertise shows. Our technicians carefully position your new furnace, making sure it's level, properly supported, and positioned for optimal airflow. They connect the gas line with proper fittings and shutoffs, test all connections for leaks using soapy water and pressure testing, and verify proper gas supply. Electrical connections are made to code—the thermostat wire, 240V power supply (if applicable), and all safety interlocks are connected and verified.
They'll also connect your ductwork properly—sealed connections reduce air leaks, and the furnace must connect to both return and supply ductwork with proper airflow. If ductwork sealing or repairs are needed, they'll complete that work now. The venting system is carefully installed—exhaust gases must exit safely through the chimney or external vent, depending on your furnace type.
Once everything is connected, we'll run a startup test to verify the furnace ignites, burns cleanly, and reaches operating temperature. We'll also test safety interlocks—if something goes wrong, the furnace must shut down safely.
Installation Details
Furnace Positioned
Level, supported, optimal airflow.
Gas Connections
Pressure tested and leak verified.
Electrical Integration
Code-compliant wiring and safety interlocks.
Ductwork Connected
Sealed connections for optimal airflow.
Combustion Analysis, Documentation & Your Training
Once the furnace is running, we perform a combustion analysis—a technical test that measures exhaust gases, carbon monoxide levels, and draft to verify the furnace is operating safely and efficiently. We'll also test airflow at all supply vents to ensure balanced heating throughout your home. We'll verify the thermostat is reading accurately and controlling the furnace properly.
We then walk you through furnace operation: how to set the thermostat, what sounds are normal (ignition clicks, fan ramp-up), how to recognize warning signs, and what to do if your furnace stops working. You'll receive all documentation—equipment manuals, warranty cards, service records, and the combustion analysis report. We'll also schedule your first maintenance appointment before we leave—typically a fall tune-up before heating season to ensure everything is ready.
Before We Leave
Combustion Analysis
Safety and efficiency verification.
Airflow Testing
Balanced heating throughout home.
Full Documentation
Manuals, warranties, and analysis report.
Maintenance Scheduled
First tune-up appointment set.
Furnace Installation Throughout Des Moines Metro
We install new furnace systems across Des Moines and surrounding communities.
Serving Our Neighbors in & Around:
Not Sure If We Service Your Area?
We're dedicated to serving Greater Des Moines and our surrounding communities. Give us a call if you're not sure if we come to you—chances are we do.
Ankeny, IA
North metro Des Moines residents trust us for furnace installation and replacement. We've installed systems in hundreds of Ankeny homes and know the area's housing stock intimately.
Furnace Installation in AnkenyUrbandale, IA
Throughout northwest Des Moines and Urbandale, we install furnaces in every home type and age. Our experience with the area's varied ductwork configurations ensures smooth, efficient installations.
Furnace Installation in UrbandaleAltoona, IA
Southeast of Des Moines, we provide expert furnace installation for homeowners who want reliable, efficient winter heating. Our attention to detail ensures every system operates at peak efficiency.
Furnace Installation in AltoonaGrimes, IA
North of Des Moines, Grimes residents trust us for furnace expertise. We understand the area's climate demands and install systems optimized for Iowa winters.
Furnace Installation in GrimesClive, IA
West of Des Moines, we install furnace systems in Clive's neighborhoods. Our 15 years of local experience means we've serviced virtually every home type in the area.
Furnace Installation in CliveComplete Home Heating & Cooling Solutions
Beyond furnace installation, we offer full-home comfort solutions.
Heat Pump Installation
Systems that heat and cool year-round, eliminating the need for both furnace and AC. Heat pumps are increasingly popular for their efficiency and dual-season capability.
Explore Heat Pump InstallationCentral AC Installation
Paired with your new furnace for complete seasonal climate control. We design integrated systems that work together efficiently.
Get Central AC InstalledMini-Split Installation
Ductless zone heating and cooling for additions or specific rooms. Perfect when traditional ductwork isn't practical.
See Ductless OptionsFurnace Repair & Maintenance
Keep your existing furnace running smoothly until replacement is needed. Regular maintenance extends system life and prevents breakdowns.
Schedule Furnace ServiceIndoor Air Quality Solutions
Improve air filtration and humidity control alongside your furnace. Clean air is part of complete home comfort.
Improve Your Indoor AirFrequently Asked Questions About Furnace Installation
Ready to Install a New Furnace in Your Des Moines Home?
Winter heating is non-negotiable in Iowa. A new, properly sized and professionally installed furnace ensures your family stays warm, your energy bills are reasonable, and your system runs reliably through the cold months. Obsidian Heating and Cooling is ready to assess your home, design a heating system that fits your needs, and install it with precision and integrity.
Our veteran-owned team serves Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Altoona, Grimes, and Clive with expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to your satisfaction. We're Tempstar Elite Dealers with direct manufacturer support, and we've installed furnaces in thousands of Iowa homes. When you call us, you're working with technicians who understand Des Moines winters and know how to keep homes warm.
Explore All Furnace Services
See everything we handle for furnace systems, or jump straight to a related service.