Iowa winters are hard on heating systems. When it's time for a new furnace, you want it sized correctly, installed by someone who takes their time, and backed by a team you can actually call if something comes up. That's what Hartley has delivered to Cedar Falls homeowners since 1997.
No-pressure estimates · Written quote before any work begins
Not every furnace problem needs a full replacement — but some do. Here's what to look for.
Most furnaces last 15–20 years. Beyond that, efficiency drops and repair costs climb. Replacement usually makes more financial sense.
Older furnaces lose efficiency over time. A new high-efficiency unit can cut your heating costs significantly — often paying for itself within a few years.
If you're calling for service every winter, or facing a repair that costs half the price of a new unit, replacement is likely the smarter move.
Cold spots in certain rooms often indicate a furnace that's no longer distributing heat effectively — a sign of declining performance.
Older heat exchangers can crack and leak CO. If your detector has triggered or you suspect a CO issue, we'll inspect and advise immediately.
Banging, popping, or persistent burning smells from a furnace that's already aging are signs the system is working beyond its reliable lifespan.
We don't just swap units and leave. Our installation process is thorough, clean, and backed by a full system test before we call it done.
Free in-home estimate — we measure your home and review your existing ductwork before recommending a system, so sizing is accurate
Clear explanation of your options — we walk you through efficiency ratings, brands, and pricing without pushing you toward the most expensive unit
Professional removal and disposal of your old system — no mess left behind
Full system commissioning — we test airflow, temperature rise, gas pressure, and safety controls before we leave
Thermostat setup and walkthrough — we make sure you know how to use your new system before we go
When choosing a new furnace, efficiency is measured in AFUE — Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Here's how to think about it without the jargon.
Standard efficiency. 80 cents of every dollar of gas goes to heating your home. Good choice if you're on a tight budget or have limited installation options.
High efficiency. 96 cents of every dollar heats your home. Significant savings on Iowa's long heating season. Requires a condensate drain line.
High-efficiency systems often qualify for utility and manufacturer rebates. We'll help you identify any savings available on your specific installation.
An oversized furnace short-cycles and wears out faster. We do a proper load calculation — not a guess — so your system runs efficiently for years.
We install furnaces from the industry's most reliable brands — and we'll help you choose the one that fits your home and budget.
"Hartley replaced our 22-year-old furnace last fall. The whole process — estimate, install, cleanup — was exactly as described. The tech explained everything, didn't rush, and left our utility room cleaner than he found it. First winter with the new unit and our gas bill dropped noticeably."
"I got four estimates. Hartley was the only company that actually measured my house before recommending a system. Everyone else just guessed. Their price was fair, the install was clean, and the system has been rock solid."
"Mike walked me through two different efficiency options honestly. He told me the higher-end model probably wouldn't pay for itself given how long we plan to stay in the house. That kind of honesty is rare. We went with the right system for us, and I trust this company completely."
Most furnace replacements are completed in 4–6 hours. More complex situations involving ductwork modifications may take longer. We'll give you an honest time estimate before scheduling.
Yes. We offer financing options through our lending partner. Ask us about current rates and terms when you call for your estimate.
Sizing depends on your home's square footage, insulation, windows, ceiling height, and local climate. We do a proper Manual J load calculation — not a rough estimate — so you get a correctly sized unit.
Yes. We pull all required permits and coordinate inspections. You don't need to worry about that side of the process.
Equipment warranties vary by manufacturer — typically 5–10 years on parts, with some brands offering longer coverage on heat exchangers. Our labor carries a 1-year warranty. We'll go over all warranty details before you sign anything.
If your AC is near end of life, replacing both at once can save on labor costs and allows us to match the systems for optimal efficiency. We'll give you an honest assessment of your AC's condition when we do the furnace estimate.