High Gas Bill: Is Your Furnace the Cause?

Before blaming the furnace, compare the gas you used, not the dollar amount. FortisBC bills show usage in gigajoules (GJ). Look at the same month last year: a colder month or a rate change can raise the bill without the furnace doing anything wrong. If usage really went up, check the thermostat, the filter and your other gas appliances.

Step 1: Compare Usage, Not Dollars

Your FortisBC bill shows how many GJ you used, and your FortisBC account shows your usage history, so you can compare the same period last year. If the GJ number is similar, the difference is the rate, the weather or the number of days in the billing period. If the GJ number jumped, something in the house is using more gas.

Step 2: Things You Can Check

• Thermostat. A higher set point, a lost schedule after a power outage, or someone working from home all day.
• Filter. A clogged filter makes the furnace run longer for the same heat. See filters and airflow.
• Other gas appliances. A gas fireplace with a standing pilot burns gas all year, even in summer. A water heater, gas range or BBQ line also shows up on the same bill.
• New habits. A new family member, longer showers, a hot tub or a new suite tenant.

Step 3: Signs the Furnace Is Using More Gas

Does a Service Lower the Bill?

It can, if the burners are dirty or the airflow is restricted. A $189 yearly service cleans and checks both. We can’t promise a number, because the bill also depends on the weather, insulation and thermostat settings. See what the $189 service covers.

When Replacement Makes Sense

New gas furnaces sold in Canada are high-efficiency (condensing) models. If yours is an older mid-efficiency furnace and also needs repairs, ask for a replacement quote alongside the repair price. FortisBC sometimes offers rebates on high-efficiency equipment. See furnace installation.

Questions About High Gas Bills

Why is my gas bill so high this month?

Compare the gas you used in GJ with the same month last year. Colder weather, a rate change or a longer billing period can raise the bill. If usage went up, check the thermostat, filter and other gas appliances.

Does a gas fireplace pilot light use gas all year?

A standing pilot burns gas all the time it is lit, including summer. Ask about turning it off for the summer if your fireplace allows it.

Will a furnace service lower my gas bill?

It can if the burners are dirty or airflow is restricted. The bill also depends on weather, insulation and settings, so there is no guaranteed saving.

Is an old furnace more expensive to run?

An older mid-efficiency furnace turns less of its gas into heat than a new high-efficiency one. Whether replacing it pays off depends on its condition, your usage and the replacement price.