Know Before You Call

The homeowner's learning center

35 honest guides to heating, cooling, and plumbing in central Iowa — grouped by what you're trying to do: understand something, weigh a decision, or take the next step.

Learn

20 guides

How your systems actually work, what the ratings mean, and why Iowa's climate changes the answer.

HVAC Replacement Cost What a new furnace, AC, or full system really costs in Des Moines — and what changes the number. Read the guide Heat Pumps in Iowa Do heat pumps really work at -10°F? What cold-climate models can do for Des Moines homes. Read the guide Iowa Water Quality Hard water, nitrates, and what actually protects your family, plumbing, and appliances. Read the guide How a Gas Furnace Works The seven-step sequence your furnace runs every time it fires — and where it usually breaks. Read the guide Manual J Load Calculations Why square footage is the wrong way to size a system — and what a real load calculation measures. Read the guide SEER2, AFUE & HSPF2 What the efficiency ratings on the sticker mean, and which ones matter in Iowa. Read the guide Indoor Air Quality Why Iowa homes trap allergens and radon — and which IAQ upgrades are worth the money. Read the guide Humidity in Iowa Homes Bone-dry in January, sticky in July — why one house swings so far, and how to control it. Read the guide How Ductwork Affects Comfort Leaky, undersized ducts waste a third of what you pay to heat and cool — here's how to spot it. Read the guide Thermostats Explained Programmable, smart, or communicating — what each type does and when it's worth upgrading. Read the guide Air Filters & MERV Ratings Why the most expensive filter can be the worst choice for your system. Read the guide How Long Systems Last Realistic service life for furnaces, ACs, and water heaters in Iowa's climate — and what shortens it. Read the guide The R-454B Refrigerant Change R-410A is being phased down. What that means if your AC is older — or if you're buying now. Read the guide Dual-Fuel Systems A heat pump for mild months, gas for deep cold — the hybrid that suits Iowa's swing seasons. Read the guide Zoned HVAC Systems One thermostat can't serve a cold upstairs and a warm main floor. Zoning can. Read the guide Sump Pumps & Wet Basements How sump systems keep Iowa basements dry, and why the backup matters more than the pump. Read the guide How Water Softeners Work Central Iowa water is hard. Here's what softening actually does — and what it doesn't. Read the guide Sizing a Water Heater Gallons is the wrong number to shop by. First-hour rating is the one that matters. Read the guide Why Pipes Freeze in Iowa Which pipes are at risk, why they burst on the thaw, and the cheap prevention that works. Read the guide Reading Your Energy Bill Therms, kWh, and degree days — how to tell a real problem from a cold month. Read the guide

Compare

5 guides

Head-to-head decisions with the trade-offs laid out honestly — including when the cheaper option is the right one.

Repair or Replace? The honest math for deciding whether to fix your system one more time or invest in a new one. Read the guide Tank vs. Tankless Upfront cost, lifespan, and Iowa's hard-water factor — which water heater actually fits your home. Read the guide Heat Pump vs Gas Furnace Which actually heats an Iowa home for less — and why the honest answer is often both. Read the guide Ductless vs Central Air When a mini-split beats extending your ductwork — and when it's the expensive answer. Read the guide Water Heater: Repair or Replace Which failures are worth fixing on an aging tank — and which mean it's time. Read the guide

Act

10 guides

Checklists and next steps for when something has stopped working, or you're ready to move.

Rebates & Savings How Des Moines homeowners stack rebates, credits, and discounts up to $3,800 off a new system. Read the guide Furnace Troubleshooting Eight safe checks to run before you call — and the two situations where you should call immediately. Read the guide AC Not Cooling Why an AC runs but the house stays warm — from quick filter fixes to the repairs that need a pro. Read the guide Maintenance Checklist The seasonal routine that prevents breakdowns — and the plan that credits every dime back. Read the guide No Hot Water? Start Here Six checks to run before you call — one of them fixes it more often than you'd think. Read the guide Clogged Drain? Do This What to try, what to skip, and why chemical drain cleaner usually makes it worse. Read the guide Choosing a Contractor The questions that separate a real quote from a number scribbled in your driveway. Read the guide Find Your Water Shutoff Five minutes today saves a flooded basement later. Here's where to look. Read the guide Fall Winterizing Checklist The October checklist that prevents the January emergency call. Read the guide Spring AC Startup Test your air conditioner in April, not on the first 90° day in June. Read the guide

Want even more? Browse the full article archive or get quick answers in the FAQs.

Straight Answers

Questions Des Moines homeowners actually ask

Honest answers, no jargon. Can't find yours? Browse all FAQs or just call — a real person picks up.

All FAQs

Is an annual tune-up really worth it?+

In Iowa's climate, yes. An annual furnace and A/C inspection catches small problems before they become breakdowns, keeps efficiency up, and extends your equipment's lifespan. Qualifying MidAmerican Energy customers can even get an AC tune-up for just $44 — MidAmerican pays $85 of the regular $129 price.

Should I repair or replace my system?+

We give you a truly honest assessment — never a high-pressure pitch. As a rule of thumb, if your system is 15+ years old and facing a major repair, replacement often makes more financial sense, especially with up to $3,800 off a new system. Either way, we explain your options and let you decide.

Do you handle emergency plumbing like burst pipes?+

Yes. Burst pipe repair, sump pump replacement, disposal repair, shower installation, water filtration, and more — 24 hours a day. New customers currently save $25 on any plumbing service.

Real People. 24 Hours a Day.

Too hot? Too cold? Water where it shouldn't be?

Call now — we're open 24 hours, every day, and a member of the True Comfort family answers the phone.

515-444-9154 Book Now

License #52783-CL · Licensed & Insured · 505 Sheridan Ave, Des Moines, IA