Should I Turn Off My Gas Furnace in the Summer?
When, Why, and How to Turn Off Your Gas Furnace
Summers in Radford, VA, are hot and humid. You definitely won't need the heat from your gas furnace during the summer months. You may wonder if you should turn it off during the summertime. Read on to learn more about when it's a good idea to turn off a furnace, why you should do it, and how to do so safely.
When to Turn Off a Gas Furnace
Our technicians recommend turning off your gas furnace in late spring or early summer. From June through September, nighttime low temperatures average 54 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, so it's unlikely you'll need your furnace during these months of the year. In July and August, nighttime low temperatures are in the 60s, which is comfortable sleeping weather.
Why You Should Shut Down Your Furnace for the Summertime
Most older gas furnaces have a pilot light that's always on. The pilot is always using some natural gas. During the summer, the pilot light will waste up to $10 of natural gas every month. It will also cause some unnecessary wear and tear on the gas valve and pilot sensor. Newer furnaces have a hot-surface ignition or an intermittent pilot, so they don't constantly burn gas.
How to Safely Power Down Your Gas Furnace
To shut off your gas furnace for the summer, switch your thermostat to "cool." Close the gas supply to the pilot. Next, turn off the power to your furnace. Most furnaces have a switch near the air handler. Go to your circuit breaker, and then turn off the breaker for your furnace.
At New River Heating & Air, our technicians are ready to provide you with dependable heating system maintenance in Radford, VA, and the surrounding areas. We also offer reliable air conditioning maintenance and heating and cooling repair, replacement, and installation services. Our generators, indoor air quality products, tankless water heaters, and duct cleaning services can keep your home comfortable, safe, and efficient. If you own a business in Radford, you can also reach out to us for reliable commercial HVAC services. To learn more about shutting down your gas furnace for the summer season, call us today.