The Real Cost of Running a Gas Furnace in Winter (And How to Lower It)

Gas Heat Ain’t Free—But It Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank 💸

If you’ve got a furnace like the Goodman GR9S960803BN running in the dead of winter, you’re probably wondering: how much is this thing actually costing me?

Here’s the answer: it depends. But don’t worry—I’ll break it down in a way that makes sense, and show you how to make your heat more affordable without sacrificing comfort.

Furnace Efficiency 101: What Does AFUE Mean?

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The GR9S960803BN has a 96% AFUE rating. That means 96 cents of every dollar you spend on gas goes directly to heating your home. Only 4% is lost through exhaust.

To put that into perspective:

• Older furnaces (60–80% AFUE) waste a lot more fuel.

• Upgrading to a 96% model like this one can cut your heating bill by up to 30%, depending on what you’re replacing.

🔗 Learn more about AFUE and furnace efficiency from Energy.gov

What’s the Average Monthly Cost?

Let’s run the numbers on a Goodman GR9S960803BN:

• BTUs/hour: 80,000

• Run time per day in winter: ~6 hours

• Monthly usage: 14,400,000 BTUs

• Natural gas cost (U.S. average): $1.00 per therm (1 therm = 100,000 BTUs)

• Monthly cost: ~$144/month

Now remember, this is just a ballpark—costs can vary depending on:

• House size and insulation

• Outside temperature

• Thermostat settings

• Local gas rates

But it gives you a pretty good sense of what to expect.

Tony’s Top Tips for Lowering That Bill 🧠💡

If you're looking to trim that winter gas bill, here’s what I recommend to my customers (and what I do in my own home):

1. Use a Smart Thermostat
   Set lower temps when you're out or asleep. Something like 65°F at night and 68°F during the day saves 5–10% a year.

   🔗 How programmable thermostats save money – ENERGY STAR

2. Seal Up Air Leaks
   Drafty windows and doors let heat escape. Caulking, weather stripping, and foam gaskets can cut energy loss by 15%.

   🔗 Air sealing basics from DOE

3. Insulate Your Ductwork
   Uninsulated ducts in attics or crawlspaces bleed heat. Wrap them in R-8 insulation and you’ll feel the difference.

4. Change That Filter
   A clogged filter chokes airflow, making your furnace work harder. Check monthly, replace every 60–90 days.

5. Schedule Yearly Maintenance
   A tuned-up furnace runs better, safer, and cheaper. I recommend getting your unit inspected every fall.

Real Talk: Why the Goodman GR9S960803BN Saves You More Long-Term

Here’s why this unit is a solid value:

✅ High Efficiency: At 96% AFUE, you’re maximizing every therm
✅ Single-Stage Simplicity: Fewer parts = lower repair costs
✅ Multi-Speed Motor: Moves air more efficiently and comfortably
✅ Upflow or Horizontal Setup: Flexible installation saves labor $$$

Final Thoughts from Tony 🔧

Let’s face it—winter is expensive. But heating your home with a solid, high-efficiency furnace like the Goodman GR9S960803BN doesn’t have to send your gas bill into panic mode.

With the right habits and a little smart maintenance, you can stay warm and still keep your budget in check.

And hey, if you ever need help choosing the right setup for your house—or want to know if your old furnace is costing you too much—I’ve got your back. 👊

In the next topic you will read about: Is 80,000 BTUs Enough for My Home? Tony Breaks It Down