Why Is My Furnace Gas Bill Higher in Winter Than Last Year?
Published: July 23, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC
Compare Weather Not Bills
Your gas bill depends heavily on outdoor temperatures. Compare your bill to the same month last year, accounting for heating degree days. If your bill increased more than 10% above the weather-adjusted baseline, your furnace efficiency may be declining.
Carbon Tax Impact
The BC carbon tax increases annually by $15/tonne, adding $0.80-0.90 per GJ to natural gas. This alone can account for a 3-5% year-over-year increase in gas costs.
Other Bill Increase Causes
Check for: thermostat accidentally set higher, furnace short cycling wasting startup energy, dirty air filter restricting airflow, or a furnace reaching end of life. A professional combustion analysis can identify efficiency problems.