With winter chills gone, many homeowners embrace the warmer weather by enjoying open windows or turning the air conditioning on. During this period, heating contractors commonly receive queries about whether the furnace’s pilot light should be turned off or kept on during the warmer months. Turning the pilot light off in spring depends on each homeowner’s needs and preferences. There are several factors you might want to consider before making the decision.

What a Furnace’s Pilot Light Does

A pilot light is a small gas flame found in the combustion chamber of the furnace. This device serves as an ignition source for the furnace’s burner, making it one of the essential parts of a heating system. If you notice any irregularity with the pilot light , hire a heating contractor to address any problem or damage. 

Why Should You Turn Off Your Furnace’s Pilot Light?

Energy Conservation

Keeping the pilot light on means continuously consuming gas to burn a flame. Doing so makes sense during cold winter months, but it could be wasteful during warmer months when you don’t need heating.

Fuel Expense

The furnace only uses a little amount of gas to keep the pilot light on, resulting in a few additional dollars every month. Homeowners who don’t mind spending a few cents a day don’t bother themselves with turning the pilot light off. But if you don’t want to spend extra money on something you don’t need, then turning it off might be a better option.

Convenience

Some homeowners choose not to turn off the pilot light because they don’t want the trouble of re-lighting it in fall. If your pilot light is easy to get to and you don’t need a heating contractor to assist you every time you switch it on and off, it may make sense for you to turn it off for the season.

If you’re looking for HVAC advice and solutions for your home this season, Arc Electric & Air Conditioning & Heating can provide excellent value. Using their 50 years of experience serving clients in Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati area, the HVAC team will repair, replace, and maintain your heating and cooling systems to ensure optimal comfort throughout the year. Their heating contractors will help you if you turn off your pilot light this spring, and they will relight it in the fall. Schedule a free in-home estimate by calling (859) 441-7161 or visiting their website.