Wapello County, Iowa
Heating and AC repair in Ottumwa, IA
Call and describe the problem, whether the furnace will not light, the heat pump is iced over or the air conditioner is blowing warm air, and you will be connected with an independent HVAC contractor serving Ottumwa.
Your call is connected to an independent HVAC contractor, subject to availability in your area. HVAC Nation may receive compensation when your call is connected with a participating provider. Providers are independent businesses.
Ottumwa at a glance
Heating and cooling climate
NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the OTTUMWA INDUSTRIAL AP, IA station (about 6 miles away) show about 6,145 heating degree days and 985 cooling degree days in a typical year, with about 130 nights at or below freezing and 19 days reaching 90°F or more. Heating demand is far larger than cooling demand here, so the furnace, boiler or heat pump carries most of the load and a breakdown in a cold snap is the most pressing kind of call.
How homes in Ottumwa are heated
According to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, 78% of occupied homes in Ottumwa heat mainly with utility gas and 19% with electricity. Gas-fired furnaces and boilers are the most common setup, which means igniters, flame sensors, gas valves and venting come up often on heating calls.
Housing age and HVAC systems
The median year built for housing in Ottumwa is 1955, and about 80% of its 11,395 housing units were built before 1980. Many older homes here were built around hot-water or steam boilers and radiators, and some have had forced-air systems and central air added later, which can mean older ductwork and mixed equipment.
Services most relevant in Ottumwa
- Furnace Repair (79% of homes heat with gas, propane or oil)
- Boiler Repair (median home built in 1955)
- AC Repair (about 19 days a year at 90°F or more)
- AC Replacement (median home built in 1955, many systems on their second or third AC)
- HVAC Repair (one call when you are not sure which part failed)
Owners, landlords and tenants
About 62% of occupied homes in Ottumwa are owner-occupied and 38% are rented. Homeowners, landlords and property managers can call to be connected; tenants should contact their landlord or property manager about heating or cooling problems first.
Nearby places
Ottumwa is in Wapello County. Places within about 30 miles include Oskaloosa (22 mi), Fairfield (24 mi), Albia (20 mi) and Bloomfield (19 mi).
Closest listed locations
Ottumwa is currently the only Iowa location listed. The closest listed locations in other states are Rock Island, IL (100 mi), Freeport, IL (168 mi) and Jefferson City, MO (170 mi).
Questions
Is HVAC Nation an HVAC company in Ottumwa?
No. HVAC Nation is a referral service. Calls from Ottumwa are connected to an independent HVAC contractor, subject to availability in Wapello County.
How do most homes in Ottumwa heat?
Census survey data shows about 78% of homes heat mainly with utility gas, 19% with electricity, 1% with propane and 0% with fuel oil.
How cold and hot does it get around Ottumwa?
NOAA normals for the OTTUMWA INDUSTRIAL AP, IA station average about 130 nights a year at or below 32°F and 19 days at 90°F or above.
Is a permit needed to replace a furnace or air conditioner in Ottumwa?
Many cities and counties require mechanical or electrical permits for equipment replacement. Check with the local building department for Ottumwa or Wapello County, and ask the contractor.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Leave the home right away without using switches or phones inside, then call the gas utility emergency line or 911 from outside.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 population estimates; American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year (tables B25040 house heating fuel, B25034, B25035, B25003); 2024 Gazetteer; NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (heating and cooling degree days, base 65°F).