Now that winter is finally over, you might be wondering what to do with your furnace during the upcoming warm months. Spring is the ideal time of year to prepare your furnace for summer and have an HVAC contractor inspect the unit so it’s ready for next winter. This guide covers all the basics of preparing your furnace for warmer weather. 

Do You Need to Turn off Your Furnace for Summer? 

Cost savings is the core benefit of turning off your furnace ahead of warmer weather. Furnaces that are left on will continue to consume electricity, gas, or both, causing you to pay more in utilities despite lack of use. The amount of cash you’ll pocket will vary depending on furnace type and setup, but you can expect to save around $45 per year by turning your furnace off during the summer. An HVAC contractor can help you determine the efficiency of your furnace so you can calculate potential savings.

How Do You Turn the Furnace Off? 

The exact steps will vary from unit to unit, but there is a general process to follow for turning off your furnace. First, find the gas valve and turn it off. You’ll know it’s off when the pilot light goes out. Next, flip the breaker switch to your furnace in the fuse box so no electricity is flowing to the unit. If you need any help with the process, or if your furnace has an unconventional setup, reach out to an HVAC contractor for assistance.

Are There Any Exceptions to Turning It Off?

There are some situations where you shouldn’t turn off your furnace using the process described above. If your central air conditioning unit is housed in the same spot as the furnace, you’ll need to be careful you don’t accidentally shut off the electrical power to both units. If the units share a breaker switch, your AC unit won’t expel cool air since the AC and furnace use the same blowers for air distribution. It’s important to understand the configuration of your furnace and AC before making any changes. 

The HVAC professionals at Air Temp of Radcliff have more than 40 years of experience in addressing all kinds of heating and cooling needs. Located in Hardin County, KY, they offer many types of HVAC appliances and services. Visit them online or speak to a representative by calling (270) 351-4311.