It’s September in Rigby, and the days can still feel like summer—afternoons in the 70s or 80s—but mornings and evenings tell a different story. You might flip on the heat before sunrise, only to need the AC by late afternoon. These temperature swings are a clear reminder that colder weather is closing in, and your heating system is about to take center stage.
The good news? Fall is the ideal time to give your home heating system some attention—before the cold really sets in. Upgrading your heating system now can keep your home cozy, lower energy waste, and give you a system that’s reliable and efficient for years to come.
Here are 4 upgrades for your home heating system that make the biggest difference for families across Rigby, Idaho Falls, and the surrounding communities.
1. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace
If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it’s probably not running like it used to. Over time, wear and tear—and all those winters of nonstop use—take a toll. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, older furnaces and boilers often operate at poor fuel efficiency, just 56–70% AFUE.
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Simply put, it’s how much of your fuel actually turns into heat for your home. A 90% AFUE furnace, for example, gives you 90 cents of heat for every dollar of fuel—while the other 10 cents just goes up the chimney. That older furnace of yours? It could be wasting 30–44% of your heating energy, which is why your energy bills feel so high.
The good news: modern high-efficiency furnaces can hit up to 98% AFUE, turning almost all the fuel that you pay for into cozy, usable heat. In other words, you get more warmth for your money—and fewer surprises on your bill.
Why a High-Efficiency Furnace Matters:
- Cuts wasted energy with efficiency ratings up to 98% AFUE
- Provides steady, even heat with variable-speed blowers
- Operates more quietly than older models
- Frees up space with a smaller footprint
Instead of pouring money into fuel that never reaches your living room, you’ll get reliable, steady heat and lower bills month after month.
How This Helps Your Home Heating System:
Imagine waking up to a living room that’s already warm on a chilly morning, or coming home to a house that’s cozy the moment you step in—without hearing your furnace struggle or worrying about a surprise spike in energy bills.
2. Install a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are gaining popularity across Southeast Idaho, and for good reasons. Unlike a furnace that burns fuel, a heat pump transfers heat, moving it from one place to another. In the winter, they pull warmth from the outside air (even when the outside air is freezing) and bring it indoors. In the summer, they reverse the process, acting as an air conditioner, so you get year-round comfort from a single system. “Cold-climate” heat pump models are specifically designed to handle Rigby and Idaho Falls winters, making them a reliable and very efficient option for your home.
Why More Homeowners Choose Heat Pumps:
- Provides both heating and cooling in one system
- Uses less energy by moving heat instead of creating it
- Cold-climate models perform reliably in freezing weather
- May qualify for federal tax credits and Idaho Falls Power rebates
With one upgrade, you’ll reduce your energy use, qualify for incentives, and gain the flexibility of year-round comfort.
How This Helps Your Home Heating System:
No more shivering in the living room on cold mornings. With one system, your home stays comfortable year-round, so you can relax instead of chasing the thermostat.
3. Add a Ductless Mini-Split System
Not every home in Southeast Idaho has ductwork, and not every space is easy to heat. Finished basements, sunrooms, garages, or additions often stay chilly in winter—no matter how high you crank the thermostat. A ductless mini-split is a perfect solution for these problem areas. Each unit heats (or cools) a single room or zone, giving you precise control and eliminating wasted energy spent on empty rooms.
Why Mini-Split Systems Are a Smart Choice for Targeted Comfort:
- Provides zoned heating for additions, basements, or garages
- Avoids wasting energy on unused rooms
- Highly efficient without the need for ductwork
- Installs with minimal disruption to your home
Instead of uneven comfort and sky-high bills, you’ll have the flexibility to keep the rooms you use most perfectly warm without overworking your main system.
How This Helps Your Home Heating System:
Say goodbye to shivering in the basement while the rest of the house is toasty! Or maybe you’ll finally enjoy your garage workspace without bundling up in layers. With a mini-split system, your room can feel just right.
4. Install a Smart Thermostat
Sometimes the smartest upgrade is also the simplest. A smart thermostat helps your current heating system perform better by automatically adjusting to your schedule. It lowers the heat when the house is empty, pre-warms rooms before you wake, and lets you adjust settings from your phone. Many models integrate with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home, making control as easy as a quick command.
Why a Smart Thermostat is a Game-Changer:
- Programs your heating schedule to match your routine
- Remote access from your smartphone for control on the go
- Reduces energy waste when you’re away or asleep
- Compatible with smart home systems
By running your system only when it’s needed, a smart thermostat can cut your heating bills by up to 8% annually, according to ENERGY STAR. That’s often enough to cover the cost of the unit within a season or two.
How This Helps Your Home Heating System:
Imagine getting up on a frosty morning to a kitchen that’s already warm, or turning down the heat with a tap when everyone leaves for school and work—keeping comfort high without thinking twice about it.
A Cozier Season Starts with Smart Home Upgrades
Upgrading your heating system before the deep cold arrives helps you avoid the stress of emergency breakdowns and the spike in seasonal energy costs. Acting now means you can choose the right solution on your terms—not in the middle of a January freeze.
Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for a Home Heating System Upgrade:
- Stay ahead of the cold: September temperatures in the mid-40s can be just a few weeks away from October nights in the 20s.
- Get ahead of rising bills: Heating makes up more than half of household energy use, and older systems drive those costs even higher.
- Enjoy flexible scheduling: Contractors are more available before the first snow hits.
- Take advantage of available incentives and credits: From federal tax credits to Idaho Falls Power rebates, many programs reward you for upgrading now.
Making improvements this season means walking into winter with a home that’s reliably warm, energy-smart, and ready for family life—no last-minute stress, no cold rooms.
Comfort Southeast Idaho Families Can Count On
Whether it’s upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace, exploring a heat pump, solving cold spots with a mini-split, or installing a smart thermostat, these improvements give you control over your comfort and your costs. Advanced Home Services has been helping families in Rigby and Idaho Falls stay warm for decades.
Call Advanced Home Services today to schedule your heating upgrade. Our expert technicians can walk you through your options, match you with the best solution for your home, and take the stress out of installation. It’s warmth you can count on, from the first cold snap to the last snowfall—and beyond.