Operating Cost Calculator - Furnace Prices.com

Square Footage	Furnace BTU
1,000-1,200 sq. ft. Home	40,000 - 60,000 BTU
1,200-1,500 sq. ft. Home	60,000 BTU
1,500-1,800 sq. ft. Home	60,000 - 80,000 BTU
1,800-2,500 sq. ft. Home	80,000 - 100,000 BTU
2,500-3,500 sq. ft. Home	100,000 to 120,000 BTU

Furnace Operating Cost Calculator

Calculate what your furnace costs to run each month and annually — based on AFUE rating, home size,
and current natural gas rates in your province.

⚡ Monthly & Annual Costs

🇨🇦 Provincial Gas Rates

📊 Compare Models

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Furnace Operating Cost Calculator

Calculate the estimated monthly operating cost of your furnace with this quick quiz.

✓ Free ✓ 2 minutes ✓ Instant result

Step 1 of 7

What is the efficiency of your furnace? (AFUE)

AFUE = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Standard furnaces are ~80–85%, high-efficiency models are 95–98%.

85%

75% (Standard)98% (High-Efficiency)

Step 2 of 7

What is the size of your home?

Select the option that best matches your home’s square footage.

Please select an option to continue.

Step 3 of 7

How well insulated is your home?

Better insulation = your furnace works less = lower monthly cost.

Please select an option to continue.

Step 4 of 7

What is your region / climate zone?

Colder climates mean your furnace runs far more hours per heating season.

Please select an option to continue.

Step 5 of 7

What is your gas rate?

Check your gas bill for the rate per cubic metre (m³). The Canadian average is around $1.20/m³.

$1.20 /m³

$0.50 /m³$2.00 /m³

Step 6 of 7

Would you like to receive a free no-obligation estimate from our local contractor partners as well?

Our certified partners can also give you a quote on a newer high-efficiency furnace that could cut your operating costs significantly.

Please select an option to continue.

Step 7 of 7

Great! Almost done — your result is on the next page.

Please enter your contact details so our Certified contractors can provide estimates as well.

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Step 7 of 7

You’re almost done! Where do we send the results?

Optionally enter your name and email to receive your estimate.

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🎉 Your Estimated Furnace Operating Cost

Approximate Monthly Cost

per month

≈ $0 / year

Important: This is just a very general estimate. This calculator is only meant for informational / educational purposes. Your actual operating costs may vary based on a range of factors.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Furnace in Canada?

The average Canadian household spends $1,200 to $2,800 per year on natural gas heating, depending on home size, furnace efficiency, climate zone, and how well the home is insulated. Monthly heating costs during peak winter months (December–February) can reach $200–$450 for an average 1,800 sq ft Canadian home.

Home Size	Old 80% AFUE	New 95% AFUE	Annual Savings
Under 1,000 sq ft	$900 – $1,200/yr	$750 – $1,000/yr	~$150/yr
1,000 – 1,800 sq ft	$1,400 – $1,900/yr	$1,100 – $1,500/yr	~$300/yr
1,800 – 2,500 sq ft	$1,800 – $2,400/yr	$1,450 – $1,950/yr	~$400/yr
2,500+ sq ft	$2,400 – $3,200/yr	$1,900 – $2,600/yr	~$550/yr

Natural Gas Rates Across Canada (2025)

Natural gas is priced differently across provinces. Your local rate directly affects your operating costs — use your actual utility bill rate for the most accurate calculation.

Province	Avg. Gas Rate (per GJ)	Avg. Annual Heating Cost
Ontario	$12–$16/GJ	$1,300 – $2,200
Alberta	$8–$14/GJ	$1,100 – $1,900
British Columbia	$11–$15/GJ	$900 – $1,600
Quebec	$10–$14/GJ	$1,000 – $1,800
Saskatchewan	$9–$13/GJ	$1,200 – $2,000

Tips to Reduce Your Furnace Operating Costs

🌡️ Smart Thermostat

Installing a smart thermostat saves an average of 10–15% on heating bills by automatically reducing heat when you’re asleep or away.

🔧 Annual Tune-Up

A professional furnace tune-up ($100–$200) ensures your system runs at peak efficiency. A dirty filter alone can increase operating costs by 5–10%.

🏗️ Improve Insulation

Air sealing and attic insulation upgrades often deliver better return-on-investment than furnace replacement, reducing heat loss by 20–40%.

🔄 Replace Filters Regularly

Replace your furnace filter every 1–3 months during heating season. A clogged filter forces the furnace to work harder and increases gas consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my furnace operating cost?

The formula is: (Furnace BTU/h ÷ AFUE) × Hours of Operation × Gas Rate per BTU. Our calculator does this math automatically. For example, a 100,000 BTU furnace at 95% AFUE running 8 hours/day at $0.38/m³ costs approximately $3.20/day to operate.

What is the most efficient furnace available in Canada?

Why is my gas bill higher than expected?

🇨🇦 Rebates Available

Canadian homeowners may qualify for up to

$5,000

in federal and provincial rebates on qualifying systems.

Check Eligibility

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