Winter in the Washington, D.C., area can bring frigid temperatures. During these cold months, a dependable furnace is essential to keep your home comfortable, but how much does it cost to run one?
On average, homeowners in the D.C. area spend approximately $850 annually for a natural gas furnace or $900 annually for an electric furnace. Oil furnaces are comparable at $820 annually. Propane furnaces can run you significantly higher at $1,550 annually.
Understanding these costs can help you prepare for the season and make informed decisions about your heating system.
Many factors influence how much you’ll spend to heat your home each winter. From the average temperatures to your furnace’s efficiency, each element plays a role in determining your utility bills. Here’s a closer look at what can impact your heating costs:
Washington, D.C., has cold winters, with average lows ranging from 37°F in December to 32°F in January and 35°F in February.
Colder temperatures mean your furnace has to work harder and longer to maintain a comfortable indoor environment, which increases your heating costs.
The size and layout of your home significantly affect how much energy is needed to keep it warm.
Larger homes, especially those with two stories or open floorplans, can be more challenging to heat evenly. This often leads to higher energy consumption as your furnace works harder to distribute heat throughout the space.
Having the right-sized furnace for your home is critical. A too-small furnace will struggle to heat your home, running constantly and driving up utility bills. A too-big furnace can short-cycle, turning on and off too frequently, which wastes energy and reduces comfort.
Furnace capacity is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A good rule of thumb is about 30 to 60 BTUs per square foot of your home.
The cost of operating your furnace depends largely on its power source. Natural gas furnaces tend to be slightly more affordable to run than electric models, as gas prices are typically lower.
However, electric furnaces can be a better choice for homes without access to a natural gas line, though they may result in marginally higher utility bills during winter.
Your furnace’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating measures how efficiently it converts fuel into heat.
A higher AFUE rating, such as 90% or above, means less energy is wasted and more is converted into usable heat. Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace can significantly lower your energy bills over time.
The condition and age of your furnace also impact operating costs. Most gas furnaces last 15 to 20 years, and electric furnaces tend to last 20 to 30 years. As they age, they become less efficient.
Signs you might need a new furnace include:
For most homes, 68°F strikes the perfect balance between comfort and energy savings during winter.
Lowering your thermostat to 63 or 65°F when you’re away or sleeping can further reduce heating costs, but 68°F is sufficient to keep your home warm and cozy while minimizing energy consumption.
You may want to turn your thermostat down or off if you’re leaving home for an extended period during winter. We urge you to just turn it down. The lowest temperature you should set your thermostat in winter is 55°F to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Any lower and you risk the water inside your pipes freezing and expanding, potentially causing costly pipe and water damage.
Len The Plumber Heating & Air is your trusted partner for reliable furnace services in the Washington, D.C., area. With over 25 years of experience, we offer expert furnace maintenance to keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
If your furnace is old, inefficient, or driving up your utility bills, we can help you replace it with a modern, energy-efficient model. Our team provides same day service seven days a week, with upfront pricing and no surprise fees.
Contact us today to schedule a furnace tune-up or discuss furnace replacement options to improve your comfort and energy efficiency.