Why does my heating bill keep increasing every year?

Your heating bill is likely increasing due to a combination of rising energy costs, aging equipment efficiency loss, and potentially inadequate home insulation or air sealing issues.

Energy prices in Ontario have seen significant increases over the past few years, with natural gas rates fluctuating based on market conditions and carbon pricing policies. Enbridge Gas rates for the GTA have increased approximately 15-25% since 2022, and this trend is expected to continue with federal carbon tax increases. Additionally, if your furnace is over 10-15 years old, it's operating at reduced efficiency compared to when it was new - even well-maintained units lose 2-3% efficiency per year.

Home envelope issues are often the hidden culprit behind rising heating costs. Many Toronto-area homes, particularly century homes in neighborhoods like Cabbagetown or The Beaches, suffer from air leaks around windows, doors, and basement rim joists. In older homes, settling can create gaps that weren't there when you first moved in. Similarly, insulation settles over time, reducing its R-value effectiveness. Toronto's freeze-thaw cycles are particularly hard on building materials, creating new gaps and reducing the effectiveness of weatherstripping.

Your heating system itself may be working harder to maintain the same comfort level. Dirty furnace filters (which should be changed every 1-3 months during heating season), blocked vents, or ductwork issues force your system to run longer cycles. If you have a forced-air system, leaky ducts in unconditioned spaces like crawlspaces or unfinished basements can waste 20-30% of your heated air. HVAC contractors in the GTA typically find significant duct leakage in homes over 20 years old.

Climate factors also play a role - Toronto has experienced more extreme cold snaps in recent winters, and your heating system works exponentially harder when outdoor temperatures drop below -15°C. Additionally, if you've made lifestyle changes like working from home more often, you're likely heating your home during previously unoccupied daytime hours.

Next steps include getting an energy audit through programs like Enbridge's Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (offering up to $5,000 in rebates), having your furnace serviced annually by a TSSA-licensed technician, and checking for obvious air leaks around windows and doors. If your furnace is over 15 years old and your bills have increased dramatically, it may be time to consider a high-efficiency replacement - new units can achieve 90-98% efficiency compared to 60-80% for older models. Many GTA homeowners see 20-40% reductions in heating costs after upgrading to a properly sized, high-efficiency system with improved insulation and air sealing.

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