Should I Turn Off My Gas Furnace in the Summer?

Furnace

You don’t have to shut down an electronic furnace over the summer in Littleton, CO. It will not use any more energy over the course of the summer than it uses at any other time of the year. On top of this, if you do shut off the electric furnace, you will also be shutting down the circuit breaker for your air conditioner. Older furnaces, or furnaces that are 10+ years older, have a pilot light that works by igniting the furnace burner. When this burner is on, you should see a blue flame. Because your furnace will waste gas when in use, it is a wise idea to turn off the pilot light in the summer. You can do this by turning the furnace valve at a 90-degree angle.

If your furnace has an electronic ignition instead of a pilot light, you will need to take additional steps to turn off the furnace. If your furnace has a mechanical problem, contact a professional. Failure to get this fixed promptly can result in more costly repairs for you to make in the future.

What Are Some Other Steps to Take to Keep Your Furnace Healthy in the Summer?

One step you can take to keep your furnace healthy is by keeping the area around your furnace clean. Having too many items surrounding the furnace can cause your HVAC system to accumulate dirt over the course of the summer. Push aside those boxes and bikes, and your furnace will stay clean.

Next, there may be a clogged air filter in your AC. Make sure to clean the air filter before you run the furnace. This will help increase the lifespan of your furnace.

After you check the AC filter, inspect the vents to ensure that they are all open and not shut off. If they are dirty or dusty, clean them to increase the efficiency of your furnace.

Following these tips will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly. If your furnace needs to be repaired or if you need a furnace installed, go to Littleton Heating & Air Conditioning. In addition to keeping your furnace running well, our team also offers duct cleaning and AC installation/repair services.

Meet the Author
Darek Buczysnki
Darek Buczysnki

Darek Buczysnki is the proud owner of Littleton Heating & Air Conditioning and has over 35 years of experience in the HVAC industry.