If your energy bill seems to skyrocket every winter, you’re not alone. For homeowners in Minnesota, staying warm during long stretches of subzero temperatures is essential—but it doesn’t have to come at a steep cost. Often, the causes of high heating bills are avoidable or easily fixable. A few strategic changes can significantly reduce your energy use while keeping your home warm and comfortable.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons your heating bill may be higher than it should be—and what you can do about it.

🔍 Why Your Heating Bill Might Be Too High

1. An Outdated Furnace

If your furnace is over 15 years old, it’s likely operating at 70–80% efficiency, even with regular maintenance. That means for every dollar you spend on energy, 20–30 cents may be going to waste.

Older models lack the modern features that newer systems have—like variable speed blowers or modulating heat—which help regulate comfort without constantly running at full power.

Solution: Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model like the Lennox SLP99V, which boasts up to 99% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)—one of the most efficient furnaces available today.

2. Poor Home Insulation

Even the best furnace can’t do its job if your home is leaking heat. Drafty windows, gaps under doors, and poorly insulated attics or basements let warm air escape and cold air seep in. As a result, your heating system has to work harder and longer to maintain your desired temperature.

Solution:

• Seal gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.

• Insulate attic spaces, rim joists, and crawlspaces.

• Use thermal curtains or window film in older homes to retain heat.

Not only will this help reduce your heating costs, but it also improves overall home comfort.

3. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow throughout your home, causing your system to run longer and work harder to distribute warm air. In fact, this one simple issue can increase your heating costs by 10–15% and contribute to uneven temperatures in your home.

Solution: Replace or clean your furnace filter every 1–3 months, depending on usage and household factors like pets or allergies. It’s a low-cost habit that pays off in both efficiency and indoor air quality.

4. Inefficient Thermostat Use

Many households set their thermostats too high—or leave them running when no one is home. Heating an empty house wastes energy and money, and frequently adjusting the thermostat manually can lead to inefficient cycles.

Solution: Install a smart thermostat, such as the Lennox iComfort® model. These devices learn your patterns and automatically adjust temperature settings based on your daily routine and weather conditions. Some models even use geofencing to reduce heating when you’re away and increase it just before you return.

💡 Smart Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill

🔧 Schedule Regular Maintenance

Routine furnace maintenance ensures your system runs as efficiently as possible. Technicians can identify worn parts, calibrate settings, and clean components that affect performance. A well-maintained system uses less energy, lasts longer, and delivers more consistent heat.

🏠 Seal and Insulate Key Areas

Draft-proofing your home doesn’t require major renovations. Start small with:

• Door sweeps

• Window film

• Foam gaskets for outlets on exterior walls

• Insulating your attic and exposed ductwork

These improvements may qualify for utility rebates or energy incentives, saving you even more.

🔄 Upgrade Your Heating Equipment

A modern high-efficiency furnace like the Lennox SLP99V offers:

• Variable-capacity heating

• SilentComfort™ technology for whisper-quiet operation

• Smart integration with iComfort® thermostats

• Outstanding efficiency that helps reduce heating costs year after year

While upgrading is an investment, the long-term savings on energy bills—and the increased home value—make it worthwhile.

📱 Install a Smart Thermostat

Beyond convenience, smart thermostats help automate energy savings. Features like:

• Remote access from your phone

• Learning schedules

• Energy usage reports

…make it easier to monitor and control heating costs in real-time.

🛠️ Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning Is Here to Help

For over 50 years, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning has been helping Minnesota homeowners stay warm while keeping their energy bills in check. Whether you need a furnace tune-up, a home energy audit, or are ready to upgrade to a high-efficiency Lennox system, our experienced team is here to help.

We offer:

• Precision system diagnostics

• Honest equipment recommendations

• Certified Lennox installations

• Maintenance plans to keep your system running smoothly

📞 Call Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning today at 763.536.0667 or visit MarshHeating.com to schedule a consultation. Let us help you lower your heating bills—without sacrificing comfort.