How Can I Make My Furnace More Efficient?

If you’ve opened your heating bill recently and winced, you’re not alone. Heating accounts for over half of the average American household’s energy use, with furnaces being one of the biggest culprits behind the cost. An inefficient furnace might not only be inflating your bills but also struggling to keep your home comfortable. The good news? At Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning, over our 50 years of HVAC experience, we’ve found plenty of ways to enhance your furnace’s efficiency.

In this post, we will help you identify signs that your furnace might not be operating efficiently, the benefits of improving its performance, and provide actionable tips to ensure you’re getting the most from your heating system.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Efficiency Improvement

Not sure if your furnace is costing you more than it should? Here are some common signs that it might be due for efficiency improvements:

Rising Energy Bills  

If your heating bills are climbing without any significant change in how much you’re using your furnace, inefficiency is often the culprit.

Uneven Home Heating  

Are certain rooms in your home consistently colder or warmer than others? Poor air circulation and an overworked furnace could be to blame.

Frequent Furnace Cycling  

If your furnace is turning on and off more often than it should, it could indicate improper airflow, a clogged filter, or an efficiency problem that forces it to work harder.

Strange Noises  

Rattling, squealing, or banging noises can signal that your furnace is struggling mechanically, which can negatively affect its performance.

Old Age  

Most furnaces last about 15–20 years. If yours is approaching the end of its lifespan, it’s likely not operating efficiently anymore.

Dry Air and Dust  

An inefficient furnace can worsen indoor air quality. More dust in the air and an unusually dry home environment can point to a system that needs help.

If you’re noticing any of these issues, your furnace could benefit from some attention—and improving its efficiency might be easier than you think.

The Benefits of Improving Furnace Efficiency

Aside from the obvious benefit of lower energy bills, there are several other advantages to making your furnace more efficient:

Increased Comfort  

An efficiently running furnace can provide consistent and even heating, eliminating cold spots and improving overall comfort.

Reduced Environmental Impact  

By using less energy, an efficient furnace also reduces your impact on the environment.

Extended Lifespan  

Efficiency improvements can prolong your furnace’s life, delaying the need for a costly replacement.

Better Air Quality  

A well-maintained and efficient furnace can help filter out pollutants and allergens from your home’s air, improving indoor air quality.

Tips to Improve Furnace Efficiency

Now that you know the signs of an inefficient furnace and the potential benefits, here are some practical steps to get your furnace running more effectively:

1. Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance  

Annual tune-ups from a professional technician are crucial for keeping your furnace in peak condition. They’ll clean critical components, check for potential issues, and ensure the system is operating efficiently.

2. Replace or Clean Air Filters Regularly  

A clogged air filter forces your furnace to work harder to push air through, increasing energy usage. Replace or clean your filter every 1–3 months during the heating season to ensure optimal airflow.

3. Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat  

A programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, helping to save energy when you’re not home. Smart thermostats take it a step further by learning your preferences and automatically adjusting settings to optimize furnace efficiency.

4. Seal Air Leaks  

Gaps around doors, windows, and ductwork allow heated air to escape, causing your furnace to work overtime. Use weatherstripping, caulk, and duct tape to seal leaks and keep warm air where it belongs.

5. Consider a Furnace Upgrade  

If your furnace is over 15 years old and repairs are becoming frequent, it might be time to invest in a high-efficiency model. Modern furnaces with high AFUE ratings (above 90%) use fuel more effectively, providing better performance and long-term savings.

Stay Warm and Save Big with Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning!

Making your furnace more efficient doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With these tips and a little proactive maintenance, you can enjoy a drop in costs and improved comfort in your home. Contact Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning today for all of your heating needs and let us help you get the most from your furnace!