Is Your Furnace Wasting Energy? Tips to Help!
Winter is coming! As temperatures begin to drop, your furnace becomes one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. However, if it’s not running efficiently, you could be paying more for heat than you need to. A furnace that wastes energy doesn’t just increase your utility bills, but it also wears out faster and provides uneven comfort. Plus, the last thing you want is your hard-earned money going to waste!
In today’s blog, let’s discuss five signs that your furnace might be using more energy than it should, and how to fix them before winter hits the Prairies in full force.
1. Energy Bills are Rising
If your heating costs rise each winter, and not because of rate increases, your furnace may be losing efficiency. Dust buildup, worn parts, or a dirty filter can force it to work harder to produce the same amount of heat.
Tip to help: Replace filters every 1–3 months, schedule annual maintenance, and have a technician test your system’s efficiency to see if adjustments are needed.
2. Uneven Heating
If you are noticing that some rooms are cozy while others stay chilly, this is a common sign that your furnace and ductwork aren’t working together efficiently. Air leaks, poor insulation, or an undersized furnace can all waste energy as heat escapes before it reaches certain rooms.
Tip to help: Seal duct leaks, add insulation where needed, and make sure your vents and returns aren’t blocked by furniture or drapes.
3. Furnace Constantly Runs
If your furnace seems to run all the time, it’s probably struggling to reach your thermostat setting which wastes energy in the process. On the flip side, if it turns on and off frequently, which is referred to as short-cycling, it’s also using extra energy to restart repeatedly.
Tip to help: Check your thermostat settings, ensure proper airflow, and have a technician inspect for issues like dirty burners, faulty sensors, or an oversized furnace.
4. Strange Noises
Rattling, banging, or squealing can signal mechanical wear or airflow problems. A system that isn’t running smoothly burns more fuel and operates inefficiently.
Tip to help: Listen for new or worsening noises and schedule a service call. A small repair now can prevent wasted energy and costly breakdowns later.
5. Furnace is 10-15 Years Old
Even if your older furnace still works, it’s likely far less efficient than today’s models. Older units often have efficiency ratings (AFUE) of 60–80%, meaning up to 40% of the energy you pay for literally goes up the flue.
According to Trane, condensing furnaces are natural gas heaters boasting an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 90% or higher. This means that at least 90% of the fuel consumed is used to warm your home, rather than being expelled as flue gas. In contrast, many older models originally rated at 60% see their efficiency decline over time.
Tip to help: Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model, or a modern heat pump. The energy savings alone can often offset the upfront cost over time.
If you aren’t sure if your furnace is ready to bring the heat this winter, it might be time to call in a professional from Action Plumbing & Heating. We can help identify any leaks, insulation issues, and furnace inefficiencies.
Our team is here to help keep your home comfortable and your bills under control all winter long. Contact us today!