Furnace Efficiency Tips for Fall 2025

When you return home from a great day shopping at one of the many farmers’ markets in Minneapolis this fall, the last thing you want to face is an inefficient furnace. When your furnace isn’t running efficiently, it can cause a range of issues and cost you quite a lot of money. Fortunately, the go-to furnace experts at Dean’s Home Services have some helpful furnace efficiency tips in Minneapolis for the fall season to help you make sure that everything runs smoothly before winter arrives. You’ll also learn about some key signs to look for that may indicate you have an inefficient furnace.

Why Furnace Efficiency Matters in Minneapolis’s Climate

First, it’s paramount to understand why furnace efficiency matters in Minneapolis’s climate. Here are some reasons why it’s so important to make sure that your furnace runs as efficiently as possible. 

Fall temperature fluctuations

During the fall, outdoor temperatures in Minneapolis tend to fluctuate and may end up being lower than you expected. When the temperatures dip, you may need to use your furnace much earlier than you originally planned. If your furnace is not running efficiently, it can leave you and your family in the cold.

Inefficiency and energy bills

When your furnace is inefficient, it has to work harder to heat your home. An inefficient furnace needs to consume more power (usually either natural gas or electricity) to raise the temperature and keep the inside of your home warm. As a result, you may notice a significant increase in your monthly energy bills. 

Improved efficiency has environmental benefits

Not only will a more efficient furnace run reliably and cost less money to operate, but it also has some environmental benefits. Improved efficiency reduces the amount of harmful greenhouse gases your furnace produces. It also reduces the amount of harmful pollutants that enter the atmosphere, which can harm animals, humans, and the environment as a whole. 

Seasonal maintenance once per year, ideally in early fall, is one of the best ways to improve furnace efficiency. Now that you know why an efficient furnace is so important, here are some quick DIY fall furnace maintenance tips to help your furnace work better before winter. 

Tip #1: Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up

Scheduling a routine professional furnace tune-up in Minneapolis provides a range of benefits. First, regular maintenance extends your furnace’s lifespan and protects your investment by keeping the manufacturer’s warranty valid and preventing costly breakdowns that could require a replacement. Seasonal maintenance also improves safety and efficiency thanks to routine inspections, cleanings, and tune-ups. Dean’s is a local, family-owned company with over 25 years in business, and we understand the unique climate and needs of our customers, which means we know Minneapolis furnaces better than anyone. 

Tip #2: Replace or Clean Your Air Filter

A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow in your furnace and throughout your home, which forces the system to work harder and may result in higher energy bills. Ideally, you should replace your furnace air filter every 30 to 60 days, per the manufacturer’s instructions, to improve furnace performance. However, you may need to replace it more frequently due to Minneapolis’s air quality. Our area is also considered “dusty,” which means that your air filter can easily become clogged much sooner than you expected it to. 

Tip #3: Seal Leaks in Ductwork & Around the Home

If you’re wondering how to save on heating bills in Minneapolis, sealing leaks in your ductwork and around the home is a good place to start. Sealing these leaks and adding more insulation helps to prevent warm air loss. Check your windows, doors, air ducts, and attic for drafts and add more weatherstripping or other sealing materials as needed. If you’re not sure where the heat loss is coming from or how to address it, call the pros at Dean’s to schedule service, and we’re happy to help.

Tip #4: Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

One of the best and most effective energy-efficient heating tips is to upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat. This simple, affordable upgrade gives you more control over the temperature inside your home and how long your furnace runs. The ability to program your thermostat and turn it off helps you save money, especially when you’re not home. We recommend setting your thermostat to around 68 to 70 degrees for fall in Minneapolis.

Tip #5: Keep Vents & Registers Clear

If your return or supply vents and air registers are blocked, your furnace can’t run efficiently to warm your home. Prevent blockages and improve airflow by removing objects like furniture or area rugs from your vents. When the registers and vents are clear, you’ll notice more even heat distribution throughout your home. If you need help with your vents, registers, or furnace, contact us for professional Minneapolis HVAC services.

Bonus Tip: Consider a High-Efficiency Furnace

Fall is the best time for furnace maintenance in Minneapolis because it allows you to identify and repair minor issues before they turn into costly breakdowns when the harsh winter temperatures arrive. However, a full furnace replacement may be a better option, depending on factors like the age of your furnace and how frequently you’re scheduling repairs. One way to improve efficiency and save money is by installing a new high-efficiency furnace.

When to Replace or Repair

Remember these tips to help you decide whether it’s best to pay for furnace repairs or schedule a professional replacement.

• If your furnace is less than 10 years old, a repair could be the better choice, while furnaces that are 10 to 15 years old or older likely need to be replaced.
• Furnaces that experience frequent breakdowns or require repeated repairs may need to be upgraded.
• If your furnace makes loud noises or produces unpleasant odors, you may need a replacement.
• When repairs cost up to 50% or less than the cost of a new furnace, it’s usually better to fix the issue, but any repairs that cost around 50% or more than the cost of a new furnace should signal a replacement instead.
• If you’ve already paid for repeated repairs but your energy bills continue to spike each month, it might be time to upgrade to a high-efficiency model.

Energy savings potential in Minneapolis homes

Upgrading to a new high-efficiency furnace can reduce your annual Minneapolis home heating costs significantly, potentially saving you between $200 and $400 per year. New furnaces with higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings use more electricity or natural gas to produce heat, resulting in less waste. Any furnace with an AFUE rating of 80% or higher will always save you more money on energy costs than an older furnace with a lower AFUE rating of between 60% and 80%. 

Signs Your Furnace May Already Be Inefficient

If you’re not sure whether your furnace is already inefficient, look for these signs.

• Uneven heating: If your furnace stops evenly heating your home, or if you start to notice hot and cold spots in your home, it’s likely due to an aging furnace, lost efficiency due to excess wear and tear, or a major malfunction.

• Frequent cycling: A furnace that turns on and off frequently before reaching the desired temperature (also called short-cycling) is not running efficiently and may lead to costly breakdowns or higher energy bills.

• Strange noises: Unusual banging, hissing, grinding, or rattling noises are all signs of damage that can cause a decrease in efficiency and your furnace should either be repaired or replaced.

• High energy bills: A sharp rise in monthly energy bills without a change in usage is one of the most common signs of an inefficient furnace. 

Contact Dean’s for Furnace Maintenance Today!

Keep your Minneapolis home warm and efficient this winter with fall maintenance from Dean’s Home Services. From inspections and cleanings to tune-ups, our experienced crew will make sure that your furnace runs as efficiently as possible before winter arrives. To book your furnace tune-up, contact us today!