Furnace Efficiency Guide | American Heating and Cooling

Save 20-40% on Heating Costs

Following these efficiency tips can significantly reduce your winter energy bills while improving comfort.

Quick Start Efficiency Checklist

Start with these immediate actions for instant efficiency improvements:

Replace or clean your air filter
Set thermostat to 68°F when home, lower when away or sleeping
Clear all vents and registers of obstructions
Check that your thermostat is in "heat" mode, not "fan only"
Ensure outdoor vents are clear of snow, leaves, and debris
Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise rotation

1. Filter Maintenance

Why It Matters

A dirty filter is the #1 cause of furnace inefficiency. It forces your system to work harder, using up to 15% more energy while reducing heating effectiveness.

What To Do:

Check monthly during heating season
Replace every 1-3 months depending on usage and conditions
More frequently if: you have pets, allergies, or construction/renovation dust
Use the right MERV rating: 8-11 for most homes (higher isn't always better)
Install correctly: arrow should point toward the furnace/air handler

💰 Potential Savings: 5-15% on heating costs = $50-150 per winter

2. Optimize Thermostat Settings

The Magic Number: 68°F

The Department of Energy recommends 68°F when you're home and awake. For every degree you lower the temperature, you save approximately 3% on heating costs.

Recommended Schedule:

Awake & Home: 68°F
Sleeping: 62-65°F (warm blankets compensate for lower temperature)
Away at Work: 60-65°F (8+ hours away)
Vacation: 55-60°F (prevent pipe freezing while saving energy)

Programmable Thermostat Benefits:

Automate your savings with a programmable or smart thermostat:

Never forget to adjust temperature when leaving
Wake up to a warm house without overnight heating costs
Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust automatically
Control from your phone when plans change

💰 Potential Savings: 10-12% on heating costs = $100-250 per winter

3. Annual Professional Maintenance

Why Professional Service Matters

A well-maintained furnace runs 20-30% more efficiently than a neglected one. Professional maintenance also prevents mid-winter breakdowns and extends your system's lifespan by years.

What Gets Done During Maintenance:

Clean burners and flame sensor
Inspect heat exchanger for cracks
Check and adjust gas pressure
Test safety controls
Lubricate moving parts

Clean or replace filter
Test thermostat calibration
Check electrical connections
Test carbon monoxide levels
Inspect blower assembly

When to Schedule:

Best time: September through November, before heating season begins. This ensures your system is ready and lets you avoid the rush during cold snaps.

💰 Potential Savings: 20-30% efficiency improvement = $200-400 per winter

4. Seal Air Leaks

Stop Paying to Heat the Outdoors

Up to 30% of your home's heat can escape through air leaks. Sealing these leaks is one of the most cost-effective efficiency improvements you can make.

Common Problem Areas:

Windows and door frames
Electrical outlets on exterior walls
Recessed lighting fixtures
Attic hatches and pull-down stairs

Fireplace dampers
Plumbing and wire penetrations
Baseboards and crown molding
Dryer vents and exhaust fans

DIY Sealing Solutions:

Weatherstripping: For movable components like doors and windows
Caulk: For stationary cracks and gaps around window/door frames
Foam sealant: For larger gaps around pipes, wires, and vents
Door sweeps: For gaps under exterior doors

💰 Potential Savings: 10-20% on heating costs = $100-300 per winter

5. Upgrade Insulation

Keep Heat Where It Belongs

Proper insulation is like a blanket for your home. Missouri homes should have R-38 insulation in the attic and R-13 to R-15 in walls.

Check Your Attic:

The easiest way to check if you need more insulation: If you can see your attic floor joists, you need more insulation. The insulation should cover the joists completely.

Priority Areas:

Attic: Heat rises, so this is where you lose the most
Basement/Crawl Space: Cold floors mean heat loss to the ground
Exterior Walls: More complex but valuable for very old homes
Ductwork: Insulate ducts running through unconditioned spaces

💰 Potential Savings: 15-25% on heating costs = $150-400 per winter

6. Additional Efficiency Tips

Use Ceiling Fans

Run ceiling fans clockwise on low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling without creating a cooling breeze.

Maximize Solar Heat

Open south-facing curtains during the day to let sunlight warm your home naturally. Close them at night for insulation.

Close Unused Rooms

Close vents and doors in rarely used rooms to focus heating where you spend time. Don't close more than 20% of vents.

Dress Warmer

Wearing warm clothing indoors allows you to keep temperatures lower while staying comfortable—free savings!

Use Humidifier

Proper humidity (30-50%) makes the air feel warmer, allowing you to lower the thermostat comfortably.

Consider an Upgrade

If your furnace is 15+ years old, a new high-efficiency model (90-98% AFUE) could cut heating costs in half.

Your Efficiency Action Plan

This Week:

Replace air filter
Adjust thermostat settings
Clear vents and registers

This Month:

Seal visible air leaks
Schedule professional maintenance
Check attic insulation

This Season:

Add insulation if needed
Consider programmable thermostat
Evaluate furnace age and efficiency

Complete Furnace Efficiency Guide