Furnace Gas Bill Decrease — How to Lower Your Heating Costs
Published: July 23, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC
Free or Low-Cost Savings
Lower your thermostat by 1°C: saves 2-3% on heating ($24-36/year on a $1,200 bill). Set back temperature 3-5°C at night and when away: saves 10-15%. Replace air filter monthly: saves 5-10% (clean filter improves airflow and efficiency). Seal drafts around windows and doors: saves 5-15%. Close curtains at night: saves 2-5%.
Moderate-Cost Improvements
Programmable or smart thermostat ($150-350 installed): saves 10-15%. Attic insulation top-up ($1,000-3,000): saves 10-20%. Duct sealing ($500-1,500): saves 10-20%. Pipe insulation ($50-200): saves 2-5%. These improvements pay back within 1-5 years.
Major Upgrades
New 96% AFUE furnace ($3,500-6,500 after rebate): saves 15-20% vs 80% furnace. Heat pump installation ($8,000-14,000 after rebate): saves 20-40% vs gas furnace. New windows ($8,000-20,000): saves 10-25%. These upgrades pay back over 5-15 years but provide the greatest long-term savings.