Furnace Repair & Service in Des Moines, IA
Your furnace stopped working—and Des Moines winters won't wait. When your heating system fails, you need technicians who understand exactly what's broken, why it broke, and how to fix it right the first time. Obsidian Heating and Cooling has been diagnosing and repairing furnaces across Iowa since 2009. We're a veteran-owned team and Tempstar Elite Dealer with deep technical expertise. We show up fast, diagnose with precision, explain what's wrong in plain language, and get your heat back on. Whether it's a blown ignitor at 2 a.m. or a failed heat exchanger on the coldest day of the year, we're ready.
Up to 15-Year Warranty
Parts & Labor
What Sets Our Furnace Repair Service Apart
Need Your Furnace Fixed Fast?
Emergency heat loss is stressful—let's get you warm again:
Common Furnace Problems We Diagnose & Fix
From complete system failures to performance issues, we've seen and fixed every type of furnace problem. Here are the most common issues we encounter and how we solve them.
No Heat at All
Your thermostat is set, but no warm air comes from the vents. This could be a dead ignitor (most common in older furnaces), a failed blower motor, a tripped limit switch, a thermostat malfunction, or a problem with your gas supply. We'll test your ignitor spark, check blower continuity, verify thermostat signals, and confirm gas pressure. One of these components is almost always the culprit—and it's repairable.
What We Check
Ignitor Function
Testing spark and continuity.
Blower Motor
Electrical continuity and operation.
Gas Pressure
Supply line and manifold testing.
Thermostat Signal
Wiring and communication verification.
Limit Switch
Safety component testing.
Control Board
Error codes and functionality.
Furnace Cycles On & Off Rapidly (Short Cycling)
Your furnace starts, runs for 5–10 minutes, then shuts off and repeats. This usually means a clogged air filter, a dirty blower wheel, or a malfunctioning limit switch that's misreading temperature. Short cycling wastes energy, wears out components faster, and leaves your home uncomfortable. We'll clean or replace your filter, inspect your blower, and test your limit switch to stop the cycling and restore normal operation.
Common Causes
Clogged Air Filter
Restricting airflow and causing overheating.
Dirty Blower Wheel
Reduced air circulation efficiency.
Faulty Limit Switch
Misreading temperature signals.
Loud Noises (Banging, Squealing, Grinding)
Furnaces should run quietly. Banging sounds often mean a cracked heat exchanger (dangerous—requires immediate repair or replacement). Squealing indicates a failing blower motor bearing. Grinding suggests a blower wheel striking the housing or internal debris. For a breakdown of what your furnace noises mean, see our guide. These noises are warnings. We'll identify the source immediately and prevent minor issues from becoming major failures.
Noise Types & Causes
Banging Sounds
Potential cracked heat exchanger - immediate attention required.
Squealing Noises
Failing blower motor bearings need replacement.
Grinding Sounds
Blower wheel contact or internal debris.
Immediate Diagnosis
We identify and address the source quickly.
Weak or Inconsistent Heat Output
Some rooms feel warm, others stay cold. Or your furnace runs constantly but never reaches the set temperature. This is usually ductwork leakage, improper ductwork balance, or a failing blower motor. We'll inspect your ductwork for leaks, balance airflow across your home, and test blower performance. Often, a simple ductwork seal repair or blower cleaning restores comfort.
Solutions We Provide
Ductwork Inspection
Finding and sealing air leaks.
Airflow Balancing
Even heat distribution throughout home.
Blower Testing
Motor performance and cleaning.
Furnace Won't Ignite or Keeps Shutting Off After Ignition
Your furnace tries to light, then shuts down after a few seconds. This is often a faulty flame sensor, a dirty burner, or inadequate gas pressure. The flame sensor is the critical safety component—if it can't "see" the flame, the furnace shuts down to prevent unburned gas from accumulating. We'll clean the sensor, verify gas pressure, and test burner operation. Usually a quick fix that restores reliable ignition.
Ignition Components
Flame Sensor
Critical safety component cleaning and testing.
Burner Assembly
Cleaning and proper operation verification.
Gas Pressure
Supply verification and adjustment.
High Heating Bills with No Change in Temperature
Your furnace runs more often than it used to, but your home isn't warmer. This typically means reduced efficiency from a clogged filter, air leaks in ductwork, or component wear. We'll assess your system's efficiency with a combustion analysis, identify where you're losing heat, and recommend repairs that save you money long-term. Often upgrading to regular maintenance prevents this issue entirely.
Efficiency Solutions
Combustion Analysis
Measuring system efficiency accurately.
Heat Loss Identification
Finding where energy is wasted.
Preventive Maintenance
Regular service prevents efficiency loss.
Our Furnace Repair Diagnosis & Service Process
From emergency arrival to final testing, every step is handled with precision and care. Here's what to expect when you call Obsidian Heating and Cooling for furnace repair.
Emergency Arrival & Initial Assessment
When you call, we dispatch the nearest available technician. We'll ask you a few quick questions: Is the furnace completely off, or is it cycling? Do you hear any sounds? Is gas smell present? Have you checked your thermostat batteries? These details help us arrive prepared.
When we reach your home, we'll start with safety. We'll check for carbon monoxide, inspect for gas leaks, and verify the furnace is safe to operate. Then we'll listen to the furnace, observe any warning lights or error codes, and feel airflow at the supply vents. This quick initial assessment often narrows the problem to 2–3 likely causes.
Initial Assessment Checklist
Safety First
Carbon monoxide and gas leak checks.
Error Codes
Reading warning lights and diagnostics.
Airflow Testing
Supply vent temperature and volume.
Sound Analysis
Identifying unusual noises or silence.
Prepared Arrival
Common repair parts on truck.
Diagnostic Questions
Understanding symptoms and history.
Systematic Component Testing
Now we diagnose methodically. We'll test your thermostat—is it sending a signal? We'll check your ignitor with a spark tester. We'll measure gas pressure at the manifold. We'll verify blower motor continuity. We'll inspect your air filter and heat exchanger. We'll test your flame sensor with an ohmmeter. Every component gets tested, not guessed.
If the furnace has a digital control board with error codes, we'll read those codes and cross-reference them against the manufacturer's troubleshooting guide. We have direct access to Tempstar technical bulletins and diagnostic flowcharts—this manufacturer knowledge means we can diagnose problems that general technicians miss.
Testing Procedures
Thermostat Signal
Wiring and communication testing.
Ignitor Testing
Spark verification and continuity.
Gas Pressure
Manifold and supply measurements.
Blower Motor
Continuity and operation verification.
Flame Sensor
Ohmmeter testing for proper function.
Control Board
Error code analysis and diagnostics.
Air Filter
Restriction and condition assessment.
Heat Exchanger
Visual inspection for cracks or damage.
Transparent Explanation & Repair Plan
Once we know what's broken, we stop and explain it to you—not with jargon, but in clear language: "Your ignitor is dead. This is a straightforward repair that takes about an hour. We can do it today, and your furnace will work like new. Alternatively, if your furnace is over 15 years old, replacement might be worth considering." We'll give you the repair cost upfront, discuss whether repair or replacement makes sense, and answer your questions. You decide what to do next.
If the repair is major (heat exchanger, blower motor replacement), we'll discuss the cost versus your system's age and condition. If replacement makes more financial sense, we'll explain why and offer to schedule a furnace installation consultation. We'll never pressure you—this is your home and your money.
What You'll Receive
Plain Language
No jargon, clear explanations.
Upfront Pricing
Itemized parts and labor costs.
Repair vs Replace
Financial analysis for your situation.
Q&A Session
All questions answered before work.
No Pressure
Your decision, your timeline.
Approval Required
We wait for your go-ahead.
Professional Repair & Parts Installation
Once you approve, we'll get to work. We'll turn off gas and electrical supply, remove the furnace panels, and install the replacement part (ignitor, sensor, motor, control board, etc.). We'll use OEM (original manufacturer) or equivalent quality parts—we won't install cheap knockoffs that fail in a month. We'll make all connections secure, test for gas leaks, and verify electrical safety.
After installation, we'll run a startup test. The furnace should ignite smoothly, reach operating temperature, and cycle normally. We'll listen for unusual sounds, check airflow, and verify the thermostat is controlling the furnace properly. We'll also run a combustion analysis to confirm the furnace is operating safely and efficiently.
Installation Standards
Safety Isolation
Gas and electrical supply secured.
OEM Parts
Original or equivalent quality components.
Secure Connections
All electrical and gas connections tested.
Startup Testing
Full operation cycle verification.
Leak Testing
Gas connections safety verified.
Combustion Analysis
Efficiency and safety confirmation.
Sound Check
Listening for unusual operation noises.
Thermostat Control
Proper system response verification.
Handoff Documentation & Preventive Guidance
Before we leave, you'll have documentation. We'll provide a detailed service report describing what was wrong, what we fixed, and the parts we installed. We'll give you the part warranty information (usually 1–2 years for parts, 1 year for labor). We'll also discuss what to watch for going forward: if this same problem happens again within the warranty period, we'll fix it for free.
We'll also recommend preventive care. If your furnace is over 10 years old, we'll suggest switching to a maintenance plan—an annual fall tune-up that catches problems early and prevents emergency repairs. We'll leave you with our contact information and emergency number so you know exactly who to call if your furnace fails again.
Before We Leave
Service Report
Detailed parts and labor documentation.
Warranty Details
Parts and labor coverage explained.
Maintenance Planning
Preventive care recommendations.
Emergency Contact
24/7 service number provided.
Warning Signs
What to watch for going forward.
Next Service
Maintenance visit scheduled if requested.
Emergency Furnace Repair Across Des Moines Metro
We service furnaces throughout Des Moines and surrounding communities:
24/7 Service Available In:
Ankeny, IA
Our team covers north metro Des Moines, serving residential neighborhoods and new construction with fast scheduling and expert technicians. Ankeny's growing housing market means many homes need reliable heating system service, and we've built strong relationships with local homeowners.
Urbandale, IA
We repair furnaces throughout northwest Des Moines and Urbandale, with experience in the area's varied home styles and age profiles. From established neighborhoods to newer developments, we've serviced heating systems in every type of home.
Altoona, IA
Southeast of Des Moines, our team provides expert furnace diagnosis and repair for homeowners who need reliable heating. We understand the area's heating demands and respond 24/7.
Emergency Service Available
When your furnace fails, we're ready 24/7. Call us anytime for emergency heating repair throughout Greater Des Moines and surrounding communities.
Heating Solutions Beyond Emergency Repair
When your furnace is fixed, consider these related services:
Furnace Maintenance & Tune-Up
Preventive service that catches problems early and prevents costly emergency repairs. Regular maintenance extends system life and maintains efficiency.
Schedule Furnace MaintenanceHeat Pump Repair & Service
Year-round heating and cooling systems that eliminate the need for separate furnace and AC. Emergency service available for heat pump failures.
Get Heat Pump RepairCentral AC Repair
Summer cooling emergencies handled with the same 24/7 response. When your AC fails during hot weather, we're ready to restore comfort.
Schedule AC RepairBoiler Repair & Service
If you have hydronic heating instead of forced air, we service and repair boiler systems with the same emergency response and expertise.
Get Boiler Repair ServiceFurnace Installation & Replacement
When repair doesn't make sense, we'll design and install a new, efficient system. Modern furnaces offer significant energy savings over older units.
Explore Furnace ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions About Furnace Repair
Your Furnace Failed—We're Ready to Fix It
Furnace repair is urgent. Without heat, your Des Moines home becomes uncomfortable and unsafe in cold weather. Obsidian Heating and Cooling provides 24/7 emergency furnace diagnosis and repair. We arrive fast, diagnose precisely, explain honestly, and fix the problem right the first time.
Our veteran-owned team brings technical discipline and manufacturer expertise to every repair. We're Tempstar Elite Dealers with 15 years of local experience, and we've repaired thousands of furnaces across Iowa. When you call, you're working with technicians who know exactly how to get your heat back on—whether it's a simple ignitor swap or a complex control board replacement.
Explore All Furnace Services
See everything we handle for furnace systems, or jump straight to a related service.
