How can homeowners increase the efficiency of their gas furnace?

Increasing the efficiency of a gas furnace can be substantially achieved by sealing duct leaks. Ducts transport heated air throughout a home, and when there are leaks, a significant amount of warm air can escape before reaching its intended destination. This loss forces the furnace to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced efficiency. By sealing these leaks, homeowners can ensure that more of the heated air produced by the furnace actually reaches the living spaces, minimizing waste and significantly improving overall efficiency.

The other options present methods that do not effectively enhance furnace efficiency. Reducing the thermostat setting might decrease energy use but can lead to less comfort, which isn’t necessarily an efficient solution. Increasing gas pressure could create potential safety hazards and is not a standard method for improving efficiency. Replacing the furnace with an electric one does not guarantee improved efficiency, as the performance depends on several factors including the efficiency rating of the new unit and the typically higher operating costs associated with electricity compared to gas in many regions.