Should I Turn My Furnace Off Over the Summer?

Nov 15, 2025News & Updates

Yes, you should turn off your furnace over the summer to save energy and money, reduce wear and tear, and minimize potential risks like gas leaks. For modern furnaces without a pilot light, you can simply turn the thermostat to a low setting, but for older models, turning off the gas and power to the furnace is the best option.

Reasons to turn off your furnace

Save money: A furnace can still use energy even when the heat isn’t on, especially if it has a pilot light that consumes gas year-round. Turning it off saves you money on utility bills.

Reduce wear and tear: Shutting down the furnace eliminates unnecessary wear on its components, which can extend its lifespan and reduce the risk of a premature breakdown.
Decrease risks: Turning off the gas supply eliminates the risk of a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Limit moisture and corrosion: Leaving the pilot light on can lead to moisture buildup on furnace parts, causing rust and corrosion.

How to turn off your furnace

Modern furnaces: Set the thermostat to the lowest possible setting so it won’t turn on.

Older furnaces with a pilot light: Turn the gas valve to the “OFF” position. You may also want to turn off the electrical switch to the furnace, which is often a light switch near the unit itself.
When in doubt: If you are unsure how to turn off your specific furnace, contact an HVAC technician to have them do it and explain the process for when you need to turn it back on in the fall.