When warm weather arrives, shutting down your furnace is a way to save energy and lower utility costs. If you’re wondering how to turn off your furnace until you need it again, read on!
How to Shut Down Your Furnace After Heating Season
Shutting down your furnace means cutting off the gas line and electrical power that goes to the furnace so it doesn’t waste energy throughout the warmer months.
However, if you have a central air conditioner system, where both furnace and AC are using the same blower fan and other components, you shouldn’t turn off the furnace’s electrical supply through the breaker.
To shut down your furnace:
- Turn off the pilot light.
Pilot lights, which are common in older heating systems, consume gas 24/7 to remain lit. The amount of gas will add up over time. Shut off the gas supply to your gas furnace by turning off the gas valve supplying the fuel to the entire system. The pilot light will go out once the gas valve is turned off, and it will remain out until you ignite it again in the fall.
Turning off the gas valve saves money, but also prevents possible safety problems.
- Switch the thermostat setting.
Set the thermostat from “heat” to “cool” when you’re about to use your air conditioner instead.
- Change the filters.
When shutting off the furnace, it’s a smart idea to inspect and change the filters. The filters would have accumulated a lot of dirt, dust, spores, pet hair and dander, and other contaminants by the end of the season.
If your furnace and AC are sharing the same air handler, dirty filters may negatively impact the efficiency of your cooling system.
- Check your carbon monoxide detector.
Make sure the CO detectors installed in your home are working properly. Test them when shutting the furnace down after the heating season, and before using your furnace in the winter.
- Check your air registers.
Dirt that has built up around the supply vents and air registers may end up on the air handler. It may also circulate throughout your home.
Ensure the air registers are unobstructed and completely open. Also, clean or vacuum the area surrounding the furnace. For safety reasons, make sure there aren’t rags, oil, paint, cardboard boxes, or any flammable materials nearby.
Furnace Maintenance Near Me: We take care of all your furnace needs
Got any problem shutting down your furnace for the season? There may be an issue with the thermostat, wiring, or heating sensors. It’s also possible that the primary controller is damaged. Call a Good Guy and we’ll take a look at your furnace and complete the necessary repairs ASAP.
Our experienced furnace technicians install, maintain, repair, and replace HVAC systems quickly and efficiently. Since 2014, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners like you, and we’re great at what we do.
For all your furnace maintenance or repair needs, book us through the Good Guys Home Services Mobile app or fill out our online form for faster service.
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