An efficient furnace can make a huge difference in your home, saving more than just energy. When you maximize your furnace’s efficiency, you enjoy lower heating bills and a cozy home environment. 

An efficient furnace easily converts fuel or electricity into heat, preventing wasted energy and uneven home heating. Wasted energy equals wasted money, so high furnace efficiency is key to lowering costs and stabilizing temperatures. 

What Is a High-Efficiency Furnace?

Furnace efficiency is how well a furnace converts a fuel source, like electricity or natural gas, into heat. A high-efficiency furnace will waste little energy in the heating process, while a low-efficiency furnace wastes much more energy. A furnace’s efficiency can be determined by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating.

AFUE Ratings

AFUE ratings are on a percentage scale of 0-100%. For example, a 95% AFUE rating means that 95% of energy is used to create heat while 5% is lost as waste. 

A high furnace efficiency rating is over 90% AFUE. Standard furnace efficiency is between 80 and 89% AFUE. Any furnace efficiency rating below 80% is low efficiency. 

Benefits of a High-Efficiency Furnace

• Lower energy bills
• Reduced environmental impact
• Enhanced home comfort

Factors Affecting Furnace Efficiency

1. Age of the Furnace

Older furnace models will have a lower furnace efficiency rating than newer models. Modern models are designed to waste less energy and heat your home evenly. 

However, even high-efficiency furnaces can lose efficiency over time. All furnaces take on wear and tear, resulting in decreased performance. 

2. Maintenance

Dirty filters, clogged ducts, and delayed tune-ups can lower your furnace efficiency, resulting in less heating capability, more wasted energy, and broadly uneven heating. 

3. Home Insulation and Airflow

If your home has poor insulation or experiences constant drafts, your furnace will have to work harder to spread heat throughout every room. By sealing leaks and maintaining proper airflow, you can restore your furnace’s efficiency, allowing it to operate normally. 

4. Size of the Furnace

During furnace replacement or installation, it is critical that an experienced team properly sizes your unit. An oversized or undersized furnace will run inefficiently, constantly cycling or making loud noises. 

5. Fuel Source

Your furnace’s fuel source largely affects its efficiency and cost. Generally, natural gas furnaces will be the most efficient and least costly. Electric furnaces are close behind, with some units occasionally being more efficient than their natural gas counterparts. 

An electric furnace technically has an AFUE of 100%, but it will often cost more to run than a natural gas furnace and doesn’t necessarily use less energy. Oil furnaces are usually less efficient than natural gas and electric, having a typical max AFUE of 90%. 

Tips for Maximizing Furnace Efficiency

1. Regular Maintenance

Annual professional inspections and tune-ups will keep your furnace efficient for years to come. Licensed furnace repair professionals can find any significant issues with your furnace and fix them before they become disastrous. 

You can prevent efficiency issues yourself by cleaning or replacing your air filters every 1 to 3 months. 

2. Upgrade Your Thermostat

Modern thermostats are designed to maximize furnace efficiency and lower your energy bills. A programmable or smart thermostat can heat your home on a schedule, lowering energy waste. 

3. Improve Home Insulation

A critical step in how to maximize furnace efficiency is properly sealing windows and doors. If your home struggles with heat loss, you may want to consider installing attic or wall insulation. 

4. Consider Upgrading to a High-Efficiency Furnace

If you have an older furnace (generally around 15 years old), your unit may struggle to evenly heat your home. Older units have to work harder and use more energy, which can increase your bills and bring unwanted noises inside. 

A new, high-efficiency furnace won’t make an older unit’s clunking sounds. But that’s just one pro in a list of many. A new unit often comes with:

• Generous rebates
• Tax credits
• Lower energy bills
• More heating power
• Even heat distribution

5. Optimize Ductwork

Clean and properly sealed ducts will let air flow throughout the house without interruption. Be sure to address any leaks as they come. Faulty air ducts can result in high energy bills and uneven heating. 

6. Adjust Furnace Settings

When you are out of the house or asleep, lower the temperature to maintain high efficiency and prevent energy waste. You can also use “AUTO” mode instead of “ON” for the fan. These small changes will prevent more wear and tear in the long run. 

Common Furnace Efficiency Myths

1. Turning Off the Furnace Saves Energy

Turning off your lights before bed saves energy. Turning off your TV when you leave home saves energy. But your furnace doesn’t work that way. Short-term shutoffs can increase your furnace’s energy use because furnaces require more power when restarting. 

2. Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Improves Efficiency

When you close vents, you may accidentally create pressure imbalances throughout your home. These imbalances will make your furnace work harder, resulting in higher energy use and lower efficiency.

3. High-Efficiency Furnaces Always Save Money

A high-efficiency furnace must be properly installed and sized to give you the savings you deserve. When you have the wrong unit for your home, you can suffer from inefficient heating and high costs. So, be sure to hire trusted furnace replacement and installation specialists when it’s time for a new furnace. 

Contact Top Gun Heating & Air For Heating Maintenance and Repair

If you’re wondering how to maximize furnace efficiency, pay attention to three items: your furnace’s AFUE rating, its maintenance needs, and your home size. When you properly understand your furnace, you can easily maximize its efficiency. And maximizing efficiency isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making your home more comfortable and environmentally friendly.

A cozy home starts with proper heating, so take the steps to improve your furnace’s efficiency—whether it’s upgrading your thermostat, scheduling a tune-up, or considering a new high-efficiency model. A furnace isn’t the right choice for everyone: heat pump vs. furnace is a common question, and the answer varies by home. 

The right heating system will bring huge savings and years of comfort. Learn your best options by scheduling an appointment with Top Gun Heating & Air’s furnace replacement and installation specialists today.

Your heater is supposed to combat winter chills, not join them. If your teeth are chattering and your heater is blowing cold air, what should you do? 

When your heat pump or furnace is blowing cold air, you must address this issue as soon as possible. A heater may blow cold air for numerous reasons, including a lack of maintenance, a low fuel supply, or a faulty thermostat.

Below, we discuss why your heater is blowing cold air, along with troubleshooting options and preventive measures to ensure that your home stays cozy all winter long.

At Top Gun Heating & Air, we specialize in heating installation, repair, and maintenance. If your heating system isn’t performing as expected, we can arrive promptly, diagnose any issues, and make repairs or recommendations on the spot. 

Common Causes of a Heater Blowing Cold Air

1. Thermostat Settings Issues

Sometimes, there’s a simple fix for your heater’s cold air. Your thermostat fan should be set to “AUTO” instead of “ON.” And be sure that your thermostat is set to “HEAT” instead of “COOL.” We all forget to make the switch sometimes, so give your thermostat a quick look before moving on to other troubleshooting methods. 

2. Lack of Proper Maintenance

Dirty air filters, blocked vents, and dust buildup can reduce your heater’s efficiency and make it blow cold air. Your heating system will run properly if you schedule regular maintenance and change air filters every couple of months. 

3. Pilot Light or Ignition System Problems (Gas Heaters)

A pilot light ignites your furnace’s burners, allowing it to produce heat. Older gas furnaces often suffer from faulty pilot lights, which can be caused by residue buildup or excessive drafts. Many furnaces come with instructions on how to reset the pilot light—we recommend following those. 

Generally, you will want to find the pilot light assembly and its reset toggle. To do this, you should turn off the toggle to turn off the gas and wait a few minutes before turning the switch back on. After setting the switch to “ON,” you should put the reset toggle on the “Pilot” setting. This should allow gas to reach the pilot light. Once you have activated the “Pilot” setting, hold down your furnace’s reset button and put a match in front of the pilot light. You should see a flame form. If a flame appears, then release the reset button. Your furnace should be good to go.

If the pilot light cannot be re-lit or if you are having difficulty in the process, contact Top Gun Heating & Air. Our expert technicians will be able to walk you through the process and restore your furnace’s heating. 

4. Overheated System (Safety Shutoff Triggered)

When a heater is overworked and becomes too hot, the system’s burners shut down to prevent damage to the blower motor. The heater will then blow out cool air to reach a safer temperature. 

The main causes of an overheated heater include restricted airflow and malfunctioning components. In a furnace, restricted airflow can result from dirty filters, which should be changed regularly. 

If changing your system’s air filter does not fix the problem, call Top Gun Heating & Air at (682) 332-7221. Our HVAC experts can diagnose the issue and lay out your next steps. 

5. Fuel or Power Supply Problems

If your gas, propane, or electrical supply is low, your heater will struggle to produce warm air. Be sure to check all connections and contact your utility company about any outstanding issues. 

Advanced Issues That Require Professional Assistance

1. Malfunctioning Heat Exchanger

A faulty heat exchanger creates safety hazards, including carbon monoxide leaks. A leak can result in serious illness or death, so it is important to contact a furnace repair service as soon as possible. If you notice strange smells, soot buildup, or an orange/yellow flame, your heater may have a malfunctioning heat exchanger. 

2. Faulty Blower Motor

If your vents are pushing out little-to-no air, or if you smell a burning odor from the vents, your unit may have a faulty blower motor.  

Should you replace the blower motor or replace the furnace itself? If your furnace isn’t blowing hot air, then you should look at its age, and the cost of a furnace replacement vs a blower motor replacement. An HVAC professional can advise you, making recommendations that balance your financial and heating needs. 

3. Electrical or Control Board Issues

Modern heaters rely on electricity and control boards to efficiently manage heating cycles. If the wiring is faulty or the electricity is cut off, your unit may experience inconsistent or no heating. An HVAC professional can diagnose and repair most control board issues, but the problem may occasionally lie with your utility provider. 

Preventative Measures to Avoid Heater Issues

1. Regular Maintenance

Seasonal HVAC checkups will keep your furnace running efficiently, and a professional will find any issues before they become disasters. You should also replace air filters every 1–3 months. Dirty filters cause most furnace issues. 

2. Monitoring Thermostat Settings

When you correctly program and maintain your thermostat, your heater runs efficiently and meets your heating needs. A well-monitored thermostat will ensure lower energy bills in the long run. 

3. Addressing Issues Early

When you find and solve issues early, you avoid poor heating and high replacement costs. Being proactive is always your best bet, so contact a heating repair service immediately if your heater is blowing cold air and you cannot fix it. 

Contact Top Gun Heating & Air For Heating Maintenance and Repair

If your heat pump or furnace is blowing cold air, the solution can be as simple as adjusting your thermostat or as complicated as replacing the whole system. When your heater is still blowing cold air despite troubleshooting, contact a professional HVAC technician. 

Top Gun Heating & Air will help you stay ahead of heating issues, ensuring comfort all winter long. And when an emergency pops up, we’re more than happy to help. Our heating experts are available 24/7, providing repairs when you need them most. 

As a family-owned company, we know the importance of keeping your loved ones cozy. When your furnace is not blowing hot air, we know exactly what to do, and we’ll return your home to normal as soon as possible. Contact Top Gun Heating & Air for reliable, committed heating services around North Richland Hills.

Heat pumps and furnaces have the same job: heat the air in your home. However, each system differs in price, efficiency, and versatility. For some homes, there is an obvious choice between the two, and for others, the question of heat pump vs. furnace is more complex. 

At Top Gun Heating & Air, we provide top-tier heat pump installations and furnace installations—let us help recommend the best heating solution for you. In the following segments, we break down the pros, cons, and features of both systems so that you know which system best fits your home’s needs. 

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a dual heating and cooling system that transfers heat using electricity. It moves outdoor heat into your home during the winter and does the opposite in the summer, transferring indoor heat outside. 

There are a few different kinds of heat pumps:

• Air-source heat pump: takes heat from the air outside.
• Ground-source heat pump: harnesses heat from the ground outside.
• Hybrid heat pump: works in tandem with a furnace or boiler.
• Mini-split heat pump: uses no ducts and is ideal for smaller spaces/open floor plans.

Heat pumps are optimal in mild climates where winters aren’t typically frigid and have several benefits, including:

• High energy efficiency
• Zero carbon emissions
• Dual heating and cooling functionality

What Is a Furnace?

A furnace burns fuel to generate heat in your home. Natural gas furnaces are the most common variety, followed by electric furnaces; however, some older systems still burn oil. While heat pumps are optimal in milder climates, furnaces thrive in climates with harsh winters. 

Furnaces have powerful heating capabilities and are well-suited for even the worst blizzards and negative-degree days. When regularly maintained, furnaces are highly reliable and rarely encounter issues. 

Key Differences Between Heat Pumps and Furnaces

The answer to the heat pump vs. furnace debate typically lies in the hands of the homeowner. Each has its positives and negatives, so let’s compare efficiency, operating costs, and more: 

Energy Source

Heat pumps run exclusively on electricity, whereas furnaces have three fuel options: gas, electricity, and oil.

Efficiency

When comparing heat pump efficiency vs. furnace efficiency, heat pumps excel. Heat pumps don’t have to create heat—they transfer heat between the inside and outside of a home. Furnaces have to generate their own heat, which requires higher energy use. 

Cost to Install

Heat pump vs. furnace cost depends on the square footage of your home, but furnaces will typically be cheaper to install. According to the American Gas Association, new heat pumps usually cost between $2,500 and $10,000 to install, while a natural gas furnace is between $700 and $3,300. 

Cost to Operate

When comparing heat pump vs. gas furnace operating costs in Texas, heat pumps cost less overall. According to the American Gas Association, heat pumps cost between $156-$185 to operate annually in Texas. Operating a furnace will cost between $168-$203. Note that these are only heat-related costs—air conditioning is not included in these heat pump numbers. 

Performance in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are most effective in states with mild climates like Texas, where extreme cold temperatures are rare. In cases of extreme cold, furnaces are more reliable and generate more heat. 

Environmental Impact

Heat pumps are an eco-friendly heating option, producing zero carbon emissions and relying on heat from the ground and air. As for furnaces, environmental impact depends on your unit. Gas and oil furnaces will burn fossil fuels, but electric furnaces produce zero carbon emissions on their own. An electric furnace’s electricity usage may be sourced from fossil fuels, making its energy efficiency much lower than a heat pump’s. 

Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps

• Pros:

• • Energy efficient, especially in mild climates
  • Dual functionality allows it to cool your home in hot weather
  • Environmentally friendly

• Cons:

• • Less effective in cold climates
  • Higher upfront installation costs
  • May require supplementary heating

Pros and Cons of Furnaces

• Pros:

• • Reliable heat in cold climates
  • Lower initial installation cost (in most cases)
  • Long lifespan with proper maintenance

• Cons:

• • Higher operational costs, especially with fossil fuel-based models
  • Not energy efficient compared to heat pumps
  • Limited functionality (heating only)

Which System Is Best for You?

In the end, deciding between a heat pump and furnace for your home comes down to your personal preferences and specific heating needs. To make sure you’re choosing the right heating system, consult with one of our HVAC professionals to learn more about the benefits of each system. 

It’s important to consider the following when deciding between a furnace and a heat pump: 

• Climate: Are your winters mild or freezing?

• Budget: Which upfront and long-term costs are best for your finances?

• Environmental concerns: Is an eco-friendly option important to you?

• Existing infrastructure: Does your home have ductwork or access to gas lines? 

Contact Top Gun Heating & Air for Your Heat Pump and Furnace Needs

The question of heat pump vs. furnace has many answers, as the right choice for your home may be different than the right choice for a home 10 miles away. The heating experts at Top Gun Heating & Air can give you a thorough consultation for your home heating needs—we will detail installation costs, long-term costs, and heating capabilities to ensure that you know exactly what you’re investing in. 

For a free heat pump/furnace consultation, book an appointment with Top Gun Heating & Air online or call us at (682) 297-3082 today!

Top Gun Heating & Air services is one of the best in the business when it comes to heating repair in the Fort Worth area. That being said, we guarantee that you will receive the absolute best service possible. We also won’t gouge you on the price. Now that the cold weather is coming, it is good to have a general idea of what it takes to repair a furnace. Service fees will typically run from $50 to $100 and could be more in the event of an emergency. The average cost for a furnace repair is around $300. This is for your typical maintenance and if a furnace is not routinely maintained could result in significantly higher repair costs.

Top Gun is completely transparent when it comes to pricing. We like to give our customers the best furnace repair pricing in the Fort Worth area.

Approximate Costs of Common Furnace Repairs

Costs may vary between HVAC companies. The average costs for a furnace repair is as follows:

• Faulty ignitors: $300 – $400
• Replacing the thermostat: $20 – $200+, depending on the new model you select
• Flame sensors: $80 – $250
• Furnace motor: $400 – $1,500, however could be more depending on the severity of the problem

Signs Your Furnace Requires Repair

Top Gun suggests that your furnace is routinely maintained so you can avoid the costly repairs. We can provide you with routine service at a cheap price. Think of this as getting the oil changed on your car. It needs to be done to avoid costly repairs. We don’t want it to be too late before you need to call us for an emergency repair. If your heating system is not producing heat or is making weird noises then it may be time to call us. In the meantime, here are some things to pay attention to:

• New or sudden noises such as grinding, screeching, hissing, rattling, or clanking
• Bad smells such as rotten eggs or anything of that sort
• Any smell of anything burning
• The lack of heat produced by your heating system
• Increased cost of your energy bill

To Repair or Replace a Furnace?

In the event that you experience a high repair cost of your furnace, it may be worth it into looking into replacing your heating system. If your heating system problems comes to this consider the following:

• Age of your furnace: If your furnace is nearing 15 years old, it may be time to replace it with a new, more energy efficient system. Tax credits may be received when upgrading depending on the situation.
• Cost of repairs: If the cost is near half of a new furnace, it may be time to replace your heating system. Typically new systems come with warranties that will help protect you with unforeseen costs
• Frequency of repairs: If your heating system requires constant repair, it may be time to buy a more reliable system.

For any of these needs, Top Gun Air can help you. We will give you the best service for you Fort Worth heating repair. All you need to do is call us or request a quote.

A/C Leak Stop: Good or Bad?

What is Leak Stop?

I Have a Leak, Now What?

• Hard to find leaks
• Leaks is not accessible
• Multiple micro leaks
• System is R22 based and very old

An Ounce of Prevention…