Ready for the spring cooling season? Shutting down your furnace is a good way to get started, and it can be simple. Follow these tips to help protect your furnace until next fall.

Why to Turn Off Your Furnace

After a long season of heating, it makes sense to get your furnace ready for spring and summer. Leaving the furnace on and easily accessible may mean that you end up using more energy than necessary. Wasted energy also translates into higher utility bills.

The right approach depends on your system. If you rely on your furnace’s blower to deliver cool air throughout the home, you will need it operational. In that case, you can still do numerous tasks to improve your energy efficiency and set yourself up for a successful winter later this year.

How to Turn Off a Furnace for the Warmer Months

1. Change the air filter. You should be cleaning or replacing your air filter every season, and switching from heating to cooling is an excellent time. The air filter traps dirt and allergens that can harm your home, but it gets clogged after a few months.
   
   The equipment has varying degrees of filtration depending on the kind you buy. When you schedule maintenance as part of one of our VIP plans, ask your technician for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) that is best for your home.
2. Arrange for repairs on any heating problems. It happens to people every year — your furnace limps along until spring, then returns in fall with huge problems. When you take care of it now, you have a much better chance of good heating when you need it most.
   
   Pay attention to the way your furnace works in the last few weeks of the season. If it starts to make strange noises or provide ineffective heating, request HVAC services from one of our expert technicians. You can find out what is wrong and make a plan to solve it while the heat is off.
3. Shut off fuel valve. If your furnace runs on fuel, shutting off the fuel valve can save you energy and help keep your family safe. Turning the valve 90 degrees may be all you need. If you have a pilot light, you will know the valve is shut when the light goes out. If you do not have a pilot light or are unsure what to do, ask our technicians how to do it safely.
4. Confirm detectors are working. Furnace shutdown is also an ideal time to inspect your detectors. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors both run on batteries. Replace the batteries every time you switch. Many current models feature a test to confirm they are working. Effective detectors may help prevent fire or deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
5. Keep furnace clear. When your furnace is not in use, it can be tempting to pile boxes or other gear around it. It still needs adequate airflow, especially if it works in conjunction with your AC. Prevent a fire hazard or backdraft by leaving at least a foot of empty space around the furnace all year.

Need Help? Contact Us Today

The end of winter can be a dream come true, but be sure to turn off your heater correctly. For more advice about shutting down your furnace this spring, schedule an appointment online or call Mendel Plumbing and Heating.