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Yes. Your furnace won’t typically go on during the summer, but closing the gas supply valve can help you save money on your utility bills and minimize your energy consumption.

Does the Type of Furnace You Have Matter When Deciding If You Should Disable It?

Absolutely. Gas and oil furnaces should definitely be disabled during the summer to avoid burning unnecessary fuel. However, since electric furnaces, heat pumps and hybrid systems can also provide cooling, it may not be necessary to turn those off completely. This is especially true with hybrid systems that share some components, like the blower fan.

When Should You Turn Off Your Furnace?

When you stop using your furnace will depend largely on your personal preferences. During the early spring months, the days can be hot even though the nights get cold. There may even be a short span of weeks where you might have both heating and cooling needs, depending on your sensitivity to the heat or cold. Once it’s consistently hot all day and warm enough at night, or if you’re leaving your house for a trip, then it might be time to disable your furnace.

How to Turn Your Furnace Off

There may be more to turning off your furnace than just lowering the temperature on your thermostat or turning off heating mode. To ensure your furnace is powered down and no longer using energy, you need to shut off its gas supply valve and maybe even its electrical supply if it’s on its own circuit (or oil supply if it's an oil furnace). Just make sure you’re not accidentally cutting off your stove, water heater or other appliances that still require natural gas.

If you have a hybrid system where your central air conditioner and furnace are all interconnected in your HVAC system, then you shouldn’t turn off the electrical supply, as you would be cutting power to your AC as well.

Pros and Cons of Turning Your Furnace Off

There are many benefits to turning your furnace off during the summer, including:

• Significantly reducing your energy consumption and, consequently, the cost of utilities.

• Extending the lifespan of your furnace. Minimizing the frequency of use can prolong its longevity and reduce the need for repairs or replacements.

• Lowering your home’s exhaust emissions and carbon footprint.

With that said, there are some drawbacks to switching your furnace off that you should keep in mind:

• After keeping off your furnace off for an extended period of time, it may take longer for it to start up and heat your home again, which may not be ideal when Maryland winters come back quickly and with force.

• Without your furnace running all the time, you might forget to maintain it or test it prior to heating season. Scheduling maintenance every year in early fall can help ensure you’re never surprised by furnace problems when you go to turn it back on for the first time after summer. The professionals at Home Air Services can quickly address and furnace problems your home might experience.

Never Forget Maintenance Again

Our Home Air Services VIP Club comes with an array of perks, including courtesy maintenance scheduling reminders. We can help ensure your heating and cooling systems are always working at peak efficiency, so you’re never surprised by breakdowns.

Members also receive an automatic 15 percent discount on services, no emergency fees for after-hour service visits, priority scheduling if anything breaks down and more. Best of all, the membership covers all our services, meaning fast, dependable HVAC technicians and plumbers are always just a phone call away.

The Heating and Cooling Experts at Home Air Services Help Rockville, MD Homeowners Save Money with Efficient HVAC Solutions

Home Air Services has been helping homeowners in the North Washington D.C. metro area save money with durable, cost-effective and highly efficient HVAC solutions since 1953. Whether you’re in need of furnace or AC maintenance, repairs or replacements, our skilled and experienced professionals will help. For a free estimate, call (301) 585-8100 or contact us online.