How to Reduce Furnace Energy Costs in Calgary: Tips for a Warmer, More Efficient Winter


With Calgary’s long, cold winters, heating costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your furnace’s energy usage without sacrificing comfort. At Shift Heating & Cooling Services, we help homeowners in Calgary optimize their heating systems to save on energy costs. Here’s a guide on effective ways to cut furnace energy expenses this winter.

1. Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance

Regular furnace maintenance is essential for efficiency and can help you save on heating costs. A professional tune-up ensures your furnace operates smoothly by:

  • Cleaning Burners and Components: Dirt and debris can reduce furnace efficiency. Cleaning ensures proper combustion and airflow.
  • Adjusting Settings: A technician can calibrate your furnace for optimal performance.
  • Replacing Worn Parts: Preventive repairs keep your furnace from overworking to compensate for failing components.

An annual tune-up ensures your furnace runs at peak efficiency, which can reduce energy costs by up to 15%.

2. Replace or Clean Air Filters Regularly

A clogged air filter forces your furnace to work harder to push air through, increasing energy consumption. To maintain proper airflow:

  • Change Filters Every 1-3 Months: Check the filter monthly during high-use months, like December through February, and replace it as needed.
  • Upgrade to Higher-Quality Filters: A good-quality filter can trap more dust, keeping your furnace cleaner and extending its lifespan.

A clean filter keeps your furnace running smoothly and helps maintain good indoor air quality.

3. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperatures based on your schedule, saving energy when you’re asleep or away. For Calgary homeowners, we recommend:

  • Setting Lower Temperatures at Night: Lower the temperature by 2-3°C while you sleep and use warm blankets for added comfort.
  • Scheduling Lower Temperatures When Away: If you’re out during the day, set the thermostat lower and program it to warm up just before you return.
  • Smart Thermostats for Efficiency: Smart thermostats can learn your schedule and optimize heating to save energy.

Using a programmable thermostat effectively can reduce heating bills by up to 10%.

4. Seal Windows, Doors, and Drafty Areas

Drafts allow warm air to escape, forcing your furnace to work harder. Sealing drafts and improving insulation helps maintain indoor temperature and reduces energy costs:

  • Use Weatherstripping and Caulk: Apply weatherstripping around windows and doors and caulk any gaps to keep cold air out.
  • Check Attic and Wall Insulation: Proper insulation prevents heat from escaping, making it easier for your furnace to keep your home warm.
  • Install Door Sweeps: Door sweeps block drafts from entering through the bottom of exterior doors.

By sealing drafts, you’ll improve your home’s overall energy efficiency and keep your heating costs lower.

5. Set the Furnace Fan to “Auto” Mode

Your thermostat likely has two fan settings: “ON” and “AUTO.” For energy savings:

  • Use AUTO Mode: The fan only runs when heating is needed, reducing unnecessary energy use.
  • Avoid ON Mode: Running the fan continuously may improve air circulation, but it increases energy consumption and can raise heating costs.

AUTO mode provides the right balance between comfort and efficiency, so you’ll save on energy bills while maintaining warmth.

6. Keep Vents and Registers Open and Clear

Blocked or closed vents disrupt airflow, causing your furnace to work harder to heat your home. Here’s how to ensure optimal airflow:

  • Keep All Vents Open: Contrary to popular belief, closing vents in unused rooms can create pressure imbalances and reduce furnace efficiency.
  • Avoid Blocking Vents with Furniture: Make sure furniture, rugs, and drapes aren’t covering vents, as this restricts airflow.
  • Regularly Dust and Clean Vents: Clean vents improve airflow and help maintain consistent heating.

Ensuring proper airflow throughout your home helps the furnace distribute heat efficiently, reducing energy costs.

7. Adjust Humidity Levels for Comfort

Calgary’s winters can be dry, which can make your home feel colder. Adding humidity can improve comfort and allow you to keep the thermostat lower. Here’s how:

  • Use a Humidifier: Aim for 30-40% indoor humidity during winter. This moisture helps retain heat and makes your home feel warmer.
  • Built-In Furnace Humidifiers: Some furnaces come with built-in humidifiers, which are convenient and effective for maintaining comfortable humidity levels.

With optimal humidity, your home will feel warmer, and you can reduce energy costs by setting your thermostat a few degrees lower.

8. Insulate Ductwork in Unheated Areas

Ducts in unheated areas, like basements, attics, and crawl spaces, can lose heat, making your furnace work harder to maintain a warm temperature. Insulating ductwork can help:

  • Wrap Ducts in Insulation: Use insulation sleeves or wrap to prevent heat loss.
  • Check for Leaks: Seal any visible gaps or cracks in the ductwork with metal foil tape or mastic sealant.

By insulating your ducts, you can retain more heat, allowing your furnace to operate more efficiently and reducing overall energy costs.

9. Utilize Sunlight for Natural Heat

Natural sunlight can provide additional warmth during the day, especially in south-facing rooms. Here’s how to make the most of it:

  • Open Curtains During the Day: Let sunlight in to warm your home naturally.
  • Close Curtains at Night: Insulated or heavy curtains help trap heat when the sun goes down.

Using sunlight to heat your home reduces the load on your furnace and can lower your energy bill.

10. Consider Upgrading to a High-Efficiency Furnace

If your furnace is over 15 years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency model may be the most effective way to reduce energy costs. High-efficiency furnaces offer benefits like:

  • Higher AFUE Ratings: Modern furnaces have AFUE ratings of 90-98%, converting more fuel into usable heat compared to older models with AFUE ratings below 80%.
  • Two-Stage or Variable-Speed Blowers: These features help maintain consistent temperatures, reduce energy use, and improve comfort.
  • Lower Operating Costs: Although the initial cost is higher, energy savings can offset the investment over time.

A high-efficiency furnace is an investment that can pay off in Calgary’s cold climate by significantly reducing heating costs.

11. Schedule Regular Maintenance and Tune-Ups

Preventive maintenance keeps your furnace running efficiently and helps prevent costly repairs or breakdowns during peak winter months. Regular tune-ups include:

  • Inspecting and Cleaning Components: A technician will clean and inspect parts like the blower motor, burners, and heat exchanger.
  • Lubricating Moving Parts: This reduces friction and keeps your furnace running smoothly.
  • Checking Safety Features: Ensuring all safety controls work correctly gives you peace of mind.

Routine maintenance helps your furnace run at peak performance, which can lower energy costs and extend the life of your system.

Why Reducing Furnace Energy Costs Matters in Calgary

By implementing these tips, Calgary homeowners can stay comfortable throughout the winter while keeping energy costs in check. Reducing furnace energy costs also:

  • Minimizes Environmental Impact: Lower energy use means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, helping you reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Extends Furnace Lifespan: A well-maintained, efficiently operated furnace lasts longer and requires fewer repairs.
  • Provides Peace of Mind: Reliable heating without constant adjustments or worry about high energy bills makes winter more manageable.

How Shift Heating & Cooling Services Can Help

At Shift Heating & Cooling Services, we specialize in furnace maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to help Calgary homeowners maximize furnace efficiency and reduce energy costs. Here’s how we can support you:

  • Professional Tune-Ups: Our certified technicians provide thorough tune-ups to keep your furnace in top shape.
  • Energy-Efficient Furnace Upgrades: We offer high-efficiency furnaces designed for Calgary’s climate, helping you save on heating costs.
  • Transparent Pricing: We provide clear, upfront pricing for maintenance and repairs, ensuring you get the best value.

Conclusion: Save on Heating Costs with an Efficient Furnace

Reducing furnace energy costs doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. By following these tips, Calgary homeowners can maintain a warm home while saving on heating expenses. Simple adjustments, regular maintenance, and, if needed, an upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace can make a significant impact on your energy bill.

Ready to reduce furnace energy costs? Contact Shift Heating & Cooling Services today for expert guidance, maintenance, and solutions tailored to Calgary’s winter climate!

Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
  Expert Lennox Furnace Repair in Calgary: Keeping Your Home Warm and Comfortable As winter approaches in Calgary, ensuring your home's heating system is in top working order becomes a priority. For many Calgary homeowners, Lennox furnaces are the trusted choice for reliable warmth and comfort. However, even the most dependable furnaces can experience issues over time. When your Lennox furnace needs repair, it's crucial to work with experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of these high-quality heating systems. Why Choose Lennox Furnaces? Lennox has been a leader in home heating solutions for over 125 years. Known for their efficiency, durability, and innovative features, Lennox furnaces are a popular choice for Calgary homeowners. Some key benefits of Lennox furnaces include: High energy efficiency ratings, helping to reduce heating costs Quiet operation for minimal disruption Advanced technology for precise temperature control Durable construction designed to ...
Read more
Image
  How to Choose the  Right Air Conditioner for Your Calgary   Home Calgary's unique climate, with its short but intense summers and cool evenings, requires careful consideration when selecting an air conditioning system. As temperatures rise, finding the perfect AC unit for your home becomes crucial for comfort and energy efficiency. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice. Consider Your Home's Size and Layout The size of your space is a primary factor in determining the appropriate air conditioner .  A unit that's too small will struggle to cool your home effectively, while an oversized system will waste energy and lead to inconsistent temperatures. Consider these guidelines: For small apartments or condos (500-1000 sq ft): A mini-split or window unit may suffice. For medium-sized homes (1000-2000 sq ft): A central air system or multiple mini-splits could be ideal. For larger homes (2000+ sq ft): A central air system is typically the most effi...
Read more
Image
  Understanding HVAC Services: A Complete Guide Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are vital components of modern homes and buildings, ensuring comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Understanding HVAC services is essential for homeowners and businesses alike to maintain optimal performance and longevity of their systems. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about HVAC services, from installation to maintenance and repair. What are HVAC Services? HVAC services encompass a range of tasks aimed at installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems. These services ensure that your HVAC system operates efficiently, providing comfort while minimizing energy consumption and costs. Here’s a breakdown of the key HVAC services: HVAC Installation: Purpose: Installing a new HVAC system tailored to your home or building’s heating and cooling needs. Process: Includes system design, equipment selection (e.g., furnace,...
Read more