Every year, when the weather starts turning chilly, we all promise ourselves we’ll be more prepared than last time. Maybe we’ll finally seal those drafty windows or change the furnace filters before the first frost. But then life gets busy, and before we know it, the cold sets in, and our heating bills start climbing higher than we’d like.
At Taylor Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we’ve seen it all — all the homes that stay cozy all winter long thanks to a well-tuned furnace, and the ones that struggle because of small issues that could have been prevented. As we head into winter 2025, it’s the perfect time to talk about furnace efficiency and how a few smart steps can help you lower your heating bills without sacrificing comfort.
Why Furnace Efficiency Matters More Than Ever
Energy prices fluctuate, but one thing’s for sure: they rarely go down for long. That’s why furnace efficiency is one of the smartest home investments you can make. The more efficiently your furnace runs, the less energy it uses to keep your home warm, and that means more money stays in your pocket.
Efficiency isn’t just about saving money, though. It’s also about comfort and reliability. A furnace that runs smoothly maintains a steady temperature, keeps the air cleaner, and is far less likely to break down when you need it most. If your system is older, it might only be 60–80% efficient, meaning you’re literally watching 20–40% of your energy go up the chimney.
Modern systems, especially those that are ENERGY STAR rated, can reach efficiencies of 95% or higher. That’s a big difference when you add up the cost of heating over an entire winter in Puyallup, WA.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance and Tune-Ups Before the Cold Hits
We can’t stress this enough: the key to furnace efficiency is maintenance. Just like you wouldn’t take a long road trip without changing your car’s oil, you shouldn’t head into winter without having your furnace inspected and tuned up. A professional furnace maintenance and tune-up can make all the difference between a comfortable, efficient season and one filled with unexpected breakdowns.
During a tune-up, our licensed HVAC technicians check everything from airflow and gas pressure to electrical connections and thermostat calibration. We clean the burners, inspect the heat exchanger, and make sure every component is working safely and efficiently.
Here’s what a good furnace tune-up typically includes:
- Checking and tightening all electrical connections
- Cleaning or replacing filters
- Testing safety controls
- Inspecting vent systems for leaks or blockages
- Lubricating moving parts
These small steps can improve performance, extend your system’s lifespan, and ensure your furnace is running at its peak efficiency before the cold weather arrives.
Replace or Clean Filters Regularly
One of the simplest and most effective ways to boost furnace efficiency is also one of the easiest to forget: changing your filters. Dirty or clogged filters make your furnace work harder to pull air through the system, which increases energy use and puts extra strain on the components.
Clean filters keep airflow steady and ensure your home stays comfortable without unnecessary energy waste. Most standard filters should be checked every month and replaced every one to three months, depending on the type and how much you use your system. Homes with pets or higher dust levels may need more frequent changes.
For homeowners in Pierce County who deal with fall pollen and winter dust, staying on top of this small task can make a noticeable difference. Plus, good air filtration helps improve indoor air quality, which is especially important when we’re spending more time indoors during colder months.
Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Furnace
If your furnace is over 15 years old, there’s a good chance it’s not performing as well as it could. Even with regular maintenance, older systems simply weren’t designed to meet today’s energy standards. Upgrading to a high-efficiency model can save you up to 30% on your annual heating costs, and modern systems are far more reliable, too.
When shopping for a new system, look for:
- AFUE ratings of 90% or higher. (This means 90% of the fuel is converted to heat for your home.)
- Variable-speed motors. They adjust airflow based on your home’s needs instead of running at full speed all the time.
- Smart thermostats. These help optimize your furnace’s performance and reduce wasted energy.
At Taylor Heating, we work closely with our customers to find systems that not only meet Washington building codes but also deliver the best long-term savings and comfort. And thanks to our financing partnerships with organizations like Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union, upgrading to an energy-efficient system might be easier than you think.
Seal Up Air Leaks and Insulate Properly
Even the most efficient furnace in the world can’t save you money if all the heat escapes through poorly sealed doors or uninsulated attics. Air leaks are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to high heating bills, and they’re often overlooked.
Take a walk around your home and check for drafts near:
- Windows and door frames
- Electrical outlets on exterior walls
- Attic hatches and recessed lighting
- Baseboards and flooring gaps
You can use weatherstripping, caulk, and insulation to seal these problem areas. If you’re not sure where the leaks are, a professional energy audit can pinpoint them for you. Pairing proper insulation with a high-efficiency furnace is one of the best ways to keep your home cozy while keeping costs under control.
Use Smart Thermostat Settings and Heating Zones
Technology has come a long way, and smart thermostats are one of the best tools we have for improving furnace efficiency. These devices learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically, so you’re not heating an empty house during the day or while you sleep.
A few small thermostat adjustments can lead to big savings. Lowering your home’s temperature by just one degree can save up to 3% on your heating bill. If you have a zoned system, you can heat only the rooms you use most often, reducing energy waste even further.
Consider setting your thermostat to:
- 68°F when you’re home and awake
- 62–64°F when you’re asleep or away
- A gradual increase before you wake up or return home
We help homeowners integrate these systems as part of our full HVAC services, ensuring everything connects seamlessly with your furnace and ductwork.
Don’t Ignore Your Ductwork
Your furnace might be working perfectly, but if your ducts are leaky or dirty, that efficiency goes right out the window. Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of heated air, forcing your furnace to work overtime to keep up.
Professional duct inspections and cleanings can uncover issues you’d never spot on your own. Sealing and insulating ducts, especially those running through unheated spaces like attics or crawl spaces, can greatly improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Our technicians can also test for airflow imbalances and make adjustments so that every room in your home stays consistently comfortable. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes upgrades that can quietly save you hundreds each year.
When to Call in the Pros
There’s a lot you can do as a homeowner to improve furnace efficiency, but some tasks are best left to the professionals. Licensed HVAC technicians have the training, tools, and experience to diagnose issues before they become expensive problems.
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to schedule furnace services:
- Uneven heating throughout your home
- Strange noises or burning smells
- Frequent cycling on and off
- Rising energy bills with no clear reason
At Taylor Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we handle everything from annual furnace maintenance to full system replacements. Whether you live in Puyallup, WA, or anywhere across Pierce County, we’ll make sure your furnace is ready to handle whatever winter throws your way.
Call Taylor Today for Tailored Furnace Efficiency Solutions!
If you’re ready to take control of your heating bills and keep your home comfortable this winter, now’s the time to act. Don’t wait until the first cold snap to schedule your furnace maintenance. Our team at Taylor Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is here to help you get your system in top shape before the temperature drops.
For more than 35 years, we’ve been helping local families stay warm, safe, and comfortable through every season. From expert tune-ups and clean filters to energy-efficient system upgrades, we’ll make sure your furnace runs smoothly all winter long. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment or request a free estimate from one of our certified comfort advisors. We’d love to welcome you to the Taylor Family and show you how efficient heating can truly be.