Spring in Minnesota has always been unpredictable. One day feels like winter never left, the next hints at summer. For HVAC systems, that in-between season is one of the most revealing—and for homeowners and businesses, it’s often when hidden issues first show up.
Since 1974, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning has helped local families and businesses navigate these seasonal transitions, year after year.
These conditions often reveal issues that went unnoticed during steady winter operation.
Experience Matters Most During Seasonal Transitions
Spring problems are rarely dramatic—but they can become expensive if ignored. Over decades of servicing homes and commercial buildings, we’ve learned how to spot:
Airflow imbalances
Early signs of cooling system strain
Aging components that survived winter but won’t survive summer
Comfort inconsistencies tied to ductwork or controls
That kind of insight only comes from years of seeing how systems behave across generations of spring weather.
Helping Customers Prepare for What Comes Next
Spring isn’t just about fixing what broke—it’s about preparing for what’s ahead. Addressing small issues in spring often prevents:
Summer AC breakdowns
Uneven cooling complaints
Emergency service calls during peak demand
For decades, our role each spring has been to help customers move confidently into the next season.
A Season of Continuity
Many of the homes and buildings we service today are ones we’ve seen through countless springs. That continuity allows us to recommend solutions based not just on equipment—but on how each space behaves year after year.
The Bottom Line
Spring is when HVAC systems quietly tell you how ready they are for the rest of the year. With decades of experience navigating Minnesota’s unpredictable spring weather, we help customers address issues early—so comfort stays consistent all year long.
When homeowners start shopping for a new furnace, it’s natural to focus on the upfront price. After all, replacing a heating system is a big decision. But in a climate like Minnesota’s, a furnace isn’t just something you buy—it’s something you live with every day for many years.
That’s why more homeowners are starting to think differently about their heating systems. Instead of asking, “What’s the cheapest option?” they’re asking, “What will perform well, stay reliable, and keep my home comfortable long-term?”
This shift in thinking is where Lennox furnaces often stand out.
A Furnace Is a Long-Term Relationship With Your Home
Most furnaces are expected to last 15–20 years. Over that time, they impact:
Monthly energy costs
Indoor comfort
Noise levels
Repair frequency
Peace of mind during extreme cold
A system that costs a bit more upfront but performs consistently and efficiently over its lifespan often ends up being the better value.
Built for Consistent Performance in Cold Climates
Homes in Minnesota demand more from their heating systems than homes in milder regions. Long heating seasons and extreme cold expose weaknesses quickly.
Furnaces designed for cold climates tend to:
Maintain steady heat during extended run times
Avoid dramatic temperature swings
Operate reliably during peak winter demand
This is one reason many homeowners exploring long-term solutions consider Lennox when planning a furnace replacement.
Efficiency That Adds Up Over Time
Energy efficiency isn’t just about saving a few dollars each month—it’s about how those savings accumulate over years of use.
Higher-efficiency furnaces:
Use fuel more effectively
Reduce wasted heat
Lower overall operating costs
Place less strain on internal components
Over a decade or more, these incremental savings can make a noticeable difference in total ownership cost.
Comfort Features That Don’t Fade After the First Winter
Long-term value isn’t only about efficiency—it’s also about comfort you’ll appreciate every day.
Many modern furnaces offer:
More even heat distribution
Quieter operation
Smoother, longer heating cycles
Better airflow control
These features don’t just improve comfort in year one—they continue to matter year after year, especially during long Minnesota winters.
Reliability Reduces Repair Costs and Stress
A furnace that runs efficiently and consistently experiences less wear and tear over time. That often translates to:
Fewer breakdowns
Fewer emergency service calls
Less disruption during cold weather
While no system is immune to repairs, long-term reliability can significantly reduce both inconvenience and unexpected expenses.
Installation Is What Turns Equipment Into an Investment
Even the best furnace can fall short if it isn’t installed properly. Long-term performance depends on:
Correct system sizing
Proper airflow design
Accurate setup and calibration
Ongoing maintenance
That’s why professional installation is just as important as the brand itself.
Serving residential and full commercial properties across Brooklyn Park and the Twin Cities, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning focuses on system design—not just equipment replacement. When a furnace is sized and installed correctly, it’s far more likely to deliver on its long-term promise.
Thinking Beyond the Purchase Price
When evaluating a new furnace, it helps to look beyond the initial invoice and consider:
Total energy costs over time
Expected lifespan
Comfort improvements
Maintenance and repair history
Reliability during extreme cold
Viewed through that lens, a furnace becomes less of a purchase—and more of a long-term investment in your home or building.
The Bottom Line
A heating system should do more than just turn on and off. It should provide consistent comfort, reliable performance, and predictable costs year after year.
For homeowners and businesses planning ahead, choosing a furnace designed for efficiency, comfort, and longevity—and pairing it with expert installation—can make all the difference.
Few home decisions cause more stress than wondering whether it’s time to repair your furnace or replace it entirely—especially in the middle of a Minnesota winter. When your heating system starts acting up, the choice isn’t always obvious, and the wrong decision can cost you more than necessary.
The good news? There are clear signs that can help you make a confident, practical choice based on comfort, safety, and long-term cost.
Why This Question Comes Up So Often
Most furnaces don’t fail all at once. Instead, they decline gradually—becoming less efficient, more expensive to operate, and more prone to breakdowns.
Homeowners usually start asking “repair or replace?” when they notice:
Rising energy bills
Uneven heating
Frequent service calls
Strange noises or odors
Difficulty keeping the home warm
Understanding what these signs mean can prevent rushed decisions during the coldest days of the year.
When Furnace Repair Often Makes Sense
In many cases, repairing a furnace is the smartest move—especially if the system is still relatively young and well-maintained.
Repair may be the better option if:
Your furnace is under 10–12 years old
The issue is isolated (ignitor, sensor, motor, etc.)
The system has a strong maintenance history
Repair costs are reasonable compared to replacement
A professional diagnosis can determine whether the issue is a one-time fix or a symptom of a larger problem.
When Replacement Becomes the Smarter Choice
At a certain point, replacing a furnace becomes more practical than continuing to repair it.
Replacement may be the better option if:
The furnace is 15–20+ years old
Repairs are becoming frequent
Energy bills continue to climb
Comfort issues persist despite repairs
Parts are becoming harder to source
Older systems often lack the efficiency and comfort features modern homeowners expect—especially during extended Minnesota winters.
The “50% Rule” (A Helpful Guideline)
A commonly used guideline is this: If a repair costs 50% or more of the price of a new system, replacement is usually the better long-term investment.
This isn’t a hard rule, but it helps frame the decision—especially when repeated repairs add up quickly.
Comfort Matters Just as Much as Cost
Many homeowners focus only on upfront cost, but comfort plays a major role too.
Newer systems often offer:
More even heating
Quieter operation
Better airflow control
Improved humidity management
If your home has hot and cold spots, constant cycling, or noise issues, replacement may solve problems repairs can’t fully address.
What About Commercial Heating Systems?
The repair-versus-replace question applies to commercial spaces as well. For businesses, unreliable heating can impact:
Employee comfort and productivity
Customer experience
Equipment performance
Operational costs
Evaluating efficiency, downtime risk, and long-term operating expenses is critical when making heating decisions for commercial buildings.
Why Professional Evaluation Is Critical
Every home and building is different. The right decision depends on:
System age and condition
Energy efficiency
Comfort performance
Repair history
Long-term plans for the property
Serving residential and full commercial properties across Brooklyn Park and the Twin Cities, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning helps customers weigh their options honestly—without pushing unnecessary replacements.
Planning Ahead Makes Winter Easier
The best time to evaluate your furnace isn’t during a breakdown—it’s before one happens. Proactive inspections and honest assessments allow you to:
Plan financially
Avoid emergency replacements
Make decisions without pressure
The Bottom Line
Repairing your furnace can make sense—but only up to a point. When repairs become frequent, costs climb, and comfort suffers, replacement may be the smarter long-term solution.
The key is understanding your system’s true condition and making an informed decision based on more than just today’s repair bill.
If you live in Minnesota, you already know winter isn’t something you casually “get through.” Heating your home isn’t optional—it’s essential. That’s why many homeowners find themselves asking an important question when it’s time to replace a furnace:
Is a high-efficiency furnace actually worth the extra cost in our climate?
The short answer? For many Minnesota homes, yes—but not for the reasons most people think. Let’s break it down in a way that actually helps you decide what’s right for your home.
What “High-Efficiency” Really Means (Without the Jargon)
When people hear “high-efficiency furnace,” they usually think:
Higher upfront cost
Lower monthly bills
More advanced technology
All of that can be true—but efficiency is really about how much heat your home keeps, not just how much fuel your furnace burns.
A high-efficiency furnace is designed to:
Capture and reuse more heat
Run longer, gentler heating cycles
Maintain a more consistent indoor temperature
That matters a lot when temperatures stay below freezing for weeks at a time.
Why Minnesota Homes Benefit More Than Most
In warmer states, a furnace might run hard for a few weeks each year. In Minnesota, your heating system is working overtime for months.
That extended run time means:
Small efficiency differences add up faster
Comfort matters just as much as cost savings
Reliability becomes critical during extreme cold
This is where high-efficiency systems tend to shine.
Comfort Is Often the Biggest Upgrade (Not Just Savings)
One of the biggest surprises homeowners report after upgrading isn’t their utility bill—it’s how the home feels.
High-efficiency furnaces often include:
Variable-speed blowers
More precise temperature control
Quieter operation
Instead of blasting hot air and shutting off, these systems deliver heat more evenly. That means:
Fewer cold rooms
Less temperature swing
A home that feels consistently comfortable, even on the coldest nights
What About Energy Bills?
Yes—high-efficiency furnaces can reduce heating costs. But the real savings depend on:
How long you plan to stay in your home
How well your home is insulated
Whether your current system is oversized, undersized, or aging
In many cases, homeowners see:
Lower monthly heating bills
Less strain on the system
Reduced repair needs over time
Where Lennox Fits In
Lennox is known for building heating systems designed specifically for cold climates. Their high-efficiency furnaces are engineered to deliver steady, reliable warmth without constant on-off cycling.
However—and this part is important—the brand alone doesn’t determine results.
Installation Matters Just as Much as the Furnace
Even the best furnace won’t perform well if it’s not properly installed, sized, and configured for the home.
That’s why homeowners across Brooklyn Park and the Twin Cities trust Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. A high-efficiency system only delivers its full benefits when:
The furnace is correctly sized
Airflow is properly balanced
Ductwork supports even heat distribution
The system is tuned for your specific home layout
This is especially important in older homes or homes that have been remodeled over the years.
Is a High-Efficiency Furnace Always the Right Choice?
Not always—and a trustworthy contractor will tell you that.
A high-efficiency furnace may not be the best fit if:
The home has major insulation or duct issues that haven’t been addressed
You plan to move soon
Your current system is still relatively new and operating efficiently
That’s why a professional evaluation matters. Sometimes improving airflow or sealing ducts delivers more comfort than a full system replacement.
The Bottom Line for Minnesota Homeowners
A high-efficiency furnace can absolutely be worth it in Minnesota—but the decision should be based on:
Comfort goals
Long-term plans for the home
Overall system health, not just the furnace itself
When evaluated and installed properly, many homeowners find it’s not just an upgrade—it’s a noticeable improvement in daily comfort during long winters.
Thinking About Your Heating Options?
Whether you’re exploring high-efficiency systems, troubleshooting comfort issues, or planning ahead for future replacement, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning helps homeowners and light commercial properties make informed decisions that actually make sense for their space.
Not all heating systems are built the same. While most can handle mild winter days, extreme cold reveals which systems are truly designed for long-term performance in harsh climates.
Understanding how heating systems are engineered to handle extreme winter conditions can help homeowners and commercial property owners make smarter decisions—before the coldest days arrive.
What Extreme Cold Demands From Heating Systems
Extended periods of severe cold require heating systems to:
Operate continuously for long stretches
Maintain consistent output without overheating
Recover quickly from temperature drops
Handle increased airflow demands
Systems not designed for these conditions often struggle under pressure.
Consistent Operation Is Critical During Extreme Cold
Heating systems designed for extreme conditions focus on steady performance rather than short bursts of heat.
This approach helps:
Maintain even indoor temperatures
Reduce stress on components
Prevent frequent cycling
Improve overall comfort
Consistency is key when outdoor temperatures stay dangerously low.
Where Lennox Fits Into Extreme Weather Performance
Many heating systems engineered for cold climates emphasize durability, efficiency, and control. Lennox heating systems are designed to handle long run times and fluctuating winter conditions without sacrificing comfort.
Their focus on controlled operation and system durability helps:
Maintain heat during prolonged cold snaps
Reduce component strain
Support consistent performance throughout winter
Deliver predictable efficiency even under stress
Airflow and Design Matter Just as Much as the Furnace
Extreme cold exposes airflow issues quickly. Restricted airflow or poor duct design forces systems to work harder than intended.
Proper winter-ready systems account for:
Balanced airflow
Adequate return air
Correct system sizing
Ductwork designed for sustained operation
Even the best equipment needs the right support system to perform in extreme conditions.
Commercial Systems Face Greater Demands
Commercial buildings often experience:
Greater heat loss due to size
Higher occupancy demands
Continuous operating hours
Critical temperature requirements
Systems designed for extreme winter performance help businesses maintain operations when weather conditions are at their worst.
Installation and Maintenance Complete the Equation
Extreme weather performance isn’t just about equipment—it’s about preparation.
Serving residential and full commercial properties throughout Brooklyn Park and the Twin Cities, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning ensures heating systems are properly sized, installed, and maintained to perform when winter conditions are most demanding.
The Bottom Line
Extreme winter conditions test every part of a heating system. Systems designed for consistent operation, paired with proper airflow, installation, and maintenance, are far more likely to deliver reliable comfort when it matters most.
Preparation and smart system design are what keep spaces warm during Minnesota’s coldest days.
Minnesota winters are long, quiet, and demanding. When cold weather stretches on for weeks—or months—home becomes more than just a place to sleep. It becomes where we rest, recharge, and find comfort while the world outside feels frozen and gray.
Creating a cozy home during winter isn’t about making your space perfect. It’s about making it feel warm, calm, and supportive during a season that asks a lot from both people and homes.
Cozy Starts With How a Home Makes You Feel
Cozy isn’t just a look—it’s a feeling.
A cozy home often feels:
Calm instead of rushed
Warm without feeling stuffy
Soft, quiet, and welcoming
Predictable and comforting
These feelings come from small, intentional choices rather than big changes.
Let Light Work Against the Winter Gloom
Short days and limited sunlight can make homes feel darker and colder than they actually are.
Simple ways to soften winter light include:
Opening blinds during daylight hours, even on cloudy days
Using warm-toned bulbs instead of harsh white light
Adding lamps to corners instead of relying on overhead lighting
Warm, layered lighting can instantly change how a room feels on a winter afternoon or evening.
Add Texture to Counter Cold Surfaces
Winter highlights hard surfaces—floors feel colder, rooms sound quieter, and spaces can feel less inviting.
Adding texture helps:
Area rugs warm up floors
Throws and pillows make seating more inviting
Fabric curtains soften windows and reduce drafts
Upholstered furniture absorbs sound
These details make a home feel warmer without raising the temperature.
Create Spaces Meant for Slowing Down
Winter naturally encourages a slower pace. Cozy homes lean into that.
Consider:
Creating a reading corner or quiet seating area
Rearranging furniture to encourage conversation
Making bedrooms feel especially calm and restful
Spaces designed for rest feel more comforting during long winter evenings.
Keep Air Moving—Gently
Stagnant air can make a home feel stuffy and uncomfortable in winter.
To maintain comfort:
Use ceiling fans on low settings to gently circulate air
Keep interior doors open when possible
Avoid blocking vents or returns with furniture
Balanced air movement helps rooms feel fresher and more comfortable without disrupting warmth.
Embrace Seasonal Routines
Cozy homes often feel cozy because of routine.
Winter routines might include:
Lighting lamps at the same time each evening
Keeping cozy blankets within reach
Adjusting the home gradually as daylight shifts
Predictable rhythms help homes feel stable during a long season.
Experience Makes Winter Comfort More Intuitive
After decades of working in homes throughout Minnesota, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning has seen that the most comfortable winter homes aren’t the fanciest—they’re the ones where homeowners understand how their space responds to cold, light, and long indoor days.
Comfort grows when people work with the season instead of fighting it.
The Bottom Line
Creating a cozy home during long Minnesota winters doesn’t require big upgrades or constant adjustments. Warm lighting, soft textures, gentle airflow, and intentional spaces can transform how a home feels during the coldest months.
When your home supports rest and comfort, winter becomes something to settle into—not just endure.
When extreme weather hits—whether it’s a deep freeze, a heat wave, or severe storms—HVAC systems are pushed to their limits. Some systems power through these conditions with minimal issues, while others struggle or fail outright. In most cases, the difference isn’t luck. It’s maintenance.
Well-maintained HVAC systems are simply better prepared to handle extreme weather because they’re already operating as efficiently and reliably as possible.
Extreme Weather Rewards Prepared Systems
Extreme conditions magnify everything happening inside an HVAC system. Small problems don’t stay small when temperatures swing to extremes.
Well-maintained systems are better able to:
Run for extended periods without overheating or overworking
Maintain consistent airflow under heavy demand
Recover quickly from temperature setbacks
Operate safely during prolonged stress
Maintenance helps systems meet extreme demand without being pushed past their limits.
Clean Airflow Is Critical During Weather Extremes
Airflow problems are one of the most common reasons systems struggle during extreme weather.
When airflow is restricted:
Heat or cooling can’t distribute evenly
Components work harder to compensate
Run times increase
Comfort becomes inconsistent
Routine maintenance helps ensure filters, blowers, coils, and ductwork support proper airflow—especially when demand is highest.
Electrical Components Face Higher Stress in Extreme Conditions
Extreme weather increases electrical load and operating time. Components that are worn or poorly connected are more likely to fail under these conditions.
Maintenance helps:
Identify loose or worn connections
Ensure controls communicate properly
Reduce startup stress during peak demand
Prevent weather-related electrical failures
These checks are especially important before winter cold snaps and summer heat waves.
System Calibration Matters More Than People Realize
Over time, HVAC systems can drift out of optimal calibration.
Poor calibration can cause:
Short cycling
Uneven heating or cooling
Excessive wear
Reduced efficiency
Maintenance restores proper settings so systems respond correctly—even during extreme weather swings.
Where Lennox Fits Into Weather Readiness
Many HVAC systems are designed with extreme-weather performance in mind, but design alone isn’t enough. Lennox systems are engineered for durability and consistent operation, and when they’re properly maintained, those design advantages really show.
Well-maintained Lennox systems are better positioned to:
Deliver steady heating or cooling during extended demand
Protect critical components during power fluctuations
Maintain comfort consistency in challenging conditions
Reduce the likelihood of emergency breakdowns
Maintenance allows the system’s engineering to do its job when it matters most.
Commercial Buildings Depend on Maintenance Even More
In commercial environments, extreme weather impacts:
Larger systems
Longer operating hours
Higher occupancy
Shared air across many zones
Preventive maintenance helps businesses avoid disruptions, protect equipment, and maintain a safe, comfortable environment during severe weather events.
Maintenance Reduces Emergency Calls During Peak Seasons
Systems that receive regular maintenance are less likely to require emergency service during:
Cold snaps
Heat waves
Storm recovery periods
That means fewer urgent disruptions and more predictable system performance—even when service demand across the region is high.
Professional Maintenance Makes the Difference
Not all maintenance is the same. Effective preventive care looks at the entire system, not just one component.
Serving residential and full commercial properties throughout Brooklyn Park and the Twin Cities, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning focuses on system readiness—ensuring heating and cooling systems are prepared for extreme weather before it arrives.
The Bottom Line
Extreme weather exposes HVAC systems to their toughest challenges. Well-maintained systems handle those challenges better because they’re already operating efficiently, safely, and reliably.
Preventive maintenance doesn’t just protect equipment—it protects comfort, safety, and peace of mind when conditions are at their worst.
If your home feels cold in certain rooms—even though your furnace is running and may not even be that old—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common complaints homeowners across the Brooklyn Park and Twin Cities area experience during winter. And the surprising part? A newer furnace doesn’t automatically guarantee even, comfortable heat throughout your home.
Understanding why this happens can help you solve the problem—and avoid wasting money on higher energy bills while still feeling uncomfortable.
The “Cold Room” Problem Is Rarely Just the Furnace
When a homeowner calls Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning about uneven heating, the furnace itself is only part of the equation. Your heating system works as a team, and when one part is off, comfort suffers.
Here are the most common reasons certain rooms stay cold in winter.
Uneven or Restricted Airflow
Your furnace may be producing plenty of heat, but that warm air still has to reach every room. Common airflow issues include:
Ductwork that’s too small or poorly designed
Crushed or disconnected ducts
Closed or blocked vents (often by furniture or rugs)
Dirty air filters restricting air movement
When airflow is limited, the rooms farthest from the furnace—or those on upper levels—often feel noticeably colder.
What this means: Your furnace works harder, runs longer, and still doesn’t deliver comfort where you need it most.
Improper System Sizing
A furnace that’s too small for the home will struggle to keep up during Minnesota’s coldest stretches. One that’s too large can cycle on and off too quickly, never distributing heat evenly.
This often happens when:
A home was renovated or expanded
Insulation or windows were changed
The original system wasn’t properly sized to begin with
Proper sizing isn’t about square footage alone—it involves airflow, insulation levels, ceiling height, and more.
Poor Insulation or Air Leaks
Even a perfectly functioning heating system can’t overcome heat loss. Cold rooms are often:
Above garages
Located on exterior corners of the home
Near older windows or doors
In basements or finished attics
If warm air escapes faster than it can be replaced, those rooms will always feel chilly.
This is why some rooms feel drafty even when the heat is on.
Thermostat Placement Matters More Than You Think
Your thermostat controls the entire home—but it only senses temperature in one location. If it’s installed in a warmer area, the furnace may shut off before colder rooms are comfortable.
In multi-level homes, this imbalance becomes even more noticeable.
Aging or Unbalanced Ductwork
Duct systems naturally shift, settle, and degrade over time. Older homes especially may have:
Leaky duct joints
Poorly sealed transitions
Imbalanced airflow between rooms
A professional airflow evaluation can often reveal issues that aren’t visible to the homeowner.
What Can Actually Fix Cold Rooms?
The solution depends on the root cause, which is why a one-size-fits-all answer rarely works. Options may include:
Airflow adjustments and duct balancing
Duct sealing or repairs
System evaluations to confirm proper sizing
Smart thermostat zoning solutions
Insulation or air-sealing recommendations
This is where experience matters. Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning looks at the entire system, not just the furnace itself.
Why Professional Diagnosis Makes a Difference
Home comfort problems are often misdiagnosed as “you just need a new furnace.” In reality, many homeowners can dramatically improve comfort without replacing their system—when the real issue is identified correctly.
Serving both residential and light commercial properties, Marsh Heating helps homeowners throughout Brooklyn Park and the surrounding Twin Cities area pinpoint the true cause of uneven heating and recommend solutions that make sense for the home and the budget.
Still Cold at Home?
If certain rooms in your house never seem to warm up, it’s a sign that something in the system isn’t working as it should. Addressing it now can improve comfort, lower energy bills, and reduce wear on your furnace during the harsh winter months.
When winter settles into Minnesota, your furnace becomes one of the hardest-working systems in your home or building. But just because it’s running doesn’t always mean it’s running well. In fact, many homeowners and business owners don’t realize their furnace is under stress until comfort drops or energy bills spike.
A furnace that’s working too hard doesn’t just cost more to operate—it can wear out faster and is more likely to break down during the coldest part of the year.
Here are five common signs your furnace may be overworking itself—and what that means for your comfort and energy costs.
Your Furnace Runs Constantly but Still Struggles to Keep Up
It’s normal for a furnace to run more often during cold weather. But if it feels like it never shuts off and your space still doesn’t feel warm enough, something isn’t right.
Possible causes include:
Heat loss due to poor insulation or air leaks
Restricted airflow from dirty filters or duct issues
A system that’s undersized for the space
When a furnace runs nonstop, it uses more energy while delivering less comfort—one of the clearest signs of inefficiency.
Your Energy Bills Are Climbing Faster Than the Temperature Is Dropping
Colder weather usually brings higher heating bills, but a sudden or dramatic increase can signal a problem.
An overworked furnace may:
Burn more fuel to reach the same temperature
Run longer cycles to compensate for airflow or heat loss issues
Lose efficiency as components wear down
If your bills keep rising without a clear reason, your heating system could be working much harder than it should.
Some Rooms Are Too Cold While Others Feel Fine
Uneven heating is more than just an annoyance—it’s often a sign your furnace is straining to push air through the system.
This can happen when:
Ductwork is leaking, blocked, or poorly designed
The system isn’t properly balanced
Airflow is restricted by dirty filters or closed vents
The furnace compensates by running longer, increasing wear and tear while still failing to heat the entire space evenly.
You’re Calling for Repairs More Often
Frequent service calls are a red flag. When a furnace works harder than it’s designed to, internal components experience more stress.
Common symptoms include:
Short cycling (turning on and off repeatedly)
Unusual noises during operation
Ignition or airflow-related issues
Over time, this added strain can shorten the lifespan of the system and lead to inconvenient—and costly—breakdowns.
Your Furnace Is Getting Older and Less Efficient
Even well-maintained furnaces lose efficiency as they age. Parts wear down, technology becomes outdated, and systems simply don’t perform the way they once did.
Older systems often:
Require longer run times
Struggle during extreme cold
Cost more to operate year after year
At a certain point, working harder becomes the norm—and that’s when comfort and efficiency really start to suffer.
Why an Overworked Furnace Costs You More Than You Think
When a furnace runs harder than necessary, it:
Uses more energy
Increases monthly heating costs
Experiences more mechanical stress
Is more likely to fail during peak winter demand
For homeowners, that can mean uncomfortable nights and higher utility bills. For commercial buildings, it can impact employee comfort, productivity, and even equipment reliability.
How Professional Evaluation Makes a Difference
The key to fixing an overworked furnace isn’t always replacement. Often, the real solution involves identifying why the system is struggling in the first place.
That may include:
Airflow and duct evaluations
Filter and maintenance checks
System sizing assessments
Identifying insulation or heat-loss issues
This whole-system approach is where experience matters.
Serving both residential and commercial properties across Brooklyn Park and the Twin Cities, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning helps customers uncover the root causes of inefficient heating—not just treat the symptoms.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
An overworked furnace doesn’t fix itself. Addressing the issue early can:
Improve comfort
Lower energy bills
Reduce the risk of mid-winter breakdowns
Extend the life of your heating system
If your furnace seems to be working overtime this winter, it may be time for a closer look.
When It’s Time for Furnace Repair — or a New Furnace Altogether
If your furnace is constantly working overtime, it may be more than just a temporary issue. In many cases, ongoing strain is a sign that furnace repair is needed — or that it’s time to start thinking about a new furnace installation. Minor issues like dirty components, worn parts, or airflow restrictions can often be resolved with professional furnace repair, helping restore efficiency and lower your energy bills.
However, if repairs are becoming more frequent, energy costs keep climbing, or your furnace is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, replacing the system may be the smarter long-term solution. A new furnace is designed to operate more efficiently, deliver consistent comfort, and reduce monthly heating costs — especially during harsh winters. A professional evaluation can help determine whether a targeted furnace repair will solve the problem or if upgrading to a new, energy-efficient furnace is the better investment for your home.
From blizzards and bitter cold to summer heatwaves and heavy storms, Minnesota homeowners are no strangers to extreme weather. But preparing your home for these temperature swings doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few smart upgrades and regular maintenance, you can protect your home, reduce energy bills, and stay comfortable no matter what the forecast says.
At Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping local homeowners weather every season for over 50 years. Below are cost-effective ways to prep your home—and how we can help you do it.
Seal Your Home’s Weak Spots
Small air leaks can lead to major energy loss. Gaps around doors, windows, and ductwork allow conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to creep in. This forces your heating and cooling system to work harder than it needs to, increasing your energy bill.
What you can do:
Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal drafty doors and windows.
Check for gaps around plumbing pipes and outlets.
Install foam gaskets behind light switch covers on exterior walls.
Why it matters: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your home from extreme temperatures. Proper attic, wall, and basement insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature year-round.
Pro tip: Start with your attic. Heat rises, so poor attic insulation is often a leading cause of winter heat loss.
Get a Pre-Season HVAC Inspection
One of the easiest ways to prepare for extreme weather is by ensuring your heating and cooling system is running at peak performance. An annual tune-up can identify small issues before they become expensive repairs—or worse, system breakdowns during a cold snap or heatwave.
At Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, our seasonal maintenance services include:
Checking refrigerant levels
Cleaning coils and components
Replacing filters
Inspecting for wear and tear
Testing system safety and efficiency
Bonus: Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your system and keeps your warranty valid.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat, like the Lennox iComfort®, can help you stay comfortable while cutting energy costs. These devices learn your habits and adjust temperatures based on your schedule—automatically reducing energy use when you’re away or asleep.
Key benefits:
Remote access via smartphone
Real-time energy use tracking
Zoned temperature control
Integration with other smart home systems
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Lennox System
Older furnaces and air conditioners struggle to keep up with extreme temperatures—and they cost more to run. If your system is more than 15 years old, replacing it with a Lennox high-efficiency model could significantly lower your energy bills and improve your home’s comfort.
Consider:
The Lennox SL28XCV Air Conditioner, which boasts one of the highest SEER ratings on the market.
The Lennox SLP99V Gas Furnace, which offers up to 99% AFUE and variable-speed technology for ultra-precise comfort.
Don’t Forget the Little Things
Small steps can make a big difference when the weather turns nasty:
Use thermal curtains to block out cold air in winter and heat in summer.
Clear gutters to prevent ice dams and water damage.
Reverse ceiling fans in winter to push warm air down.
Protect Your Home with Help from Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning
Weather in the Twin Cities is unpredictable—but your comfort doesn’t have to be. Whether you need a full system upgrade, seasonal HVAC maintenance, or advice on improving your home’s energy efficiency, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help.
We’re a locally owned company with over 50 years of experience, proudly installing and servicing top-of-the-line Lennox systems for homeowners across the region.
