If you’ve been wondering how to turn off the gas furnace, you’re in the right place. Our team has a step-by-step guide for how to turn off your gas furnace and why you might want to do so. In fact, turning off your gas furnace regularly is an important part of the maintenance process.
You can keep reading to learn more about how to turn off your gas furnace safely. If you have any questions or concerns about how your gas furnace is operating, you can give our team a call anytime. We’re here to help with all of your heating needs and are happy to service your gas furnace if you think that something is wrong.
Steps for Turning Off a Gas Furnace
The first thing you want to do is turn your furnace off using the thermostat, if applicable. But your gas furnace itself has an on/off switch as well. The main body of your furnace will have an electrical panel that contains the internal control settings. This is where you will turn off the furnace completely.
There’s often a difference between changing the thermostat over to cooling and actually turning your furnace off completely. If you don’t turn your furnace off at the source, it may still consume power during the off-season. As an added precaution, you can turn off the appropriate circuit breaker to cut power completely.
The last step to turning your furnace off is identifying the knob or lever that turns off gas supply to your furnace. Turning off the gas valve is the best way to prevent gas from leaking into your home accidentally during the off-season or while you perform simple maintenance tasks. If you have a newer furnace, the controls may be electronic. Older furnaces usually have these controls or switches on the outside instead, which can also be helpful to understand before installing a new furnace.
Why Should You Turn Off a Gas Furnace?
There are many instances when you want to turn off your gas furnace. One is for the end of the heating season. If you won’t be using your furnace for an extended period of time over the spring and summer, it’s a good idea to turn it off completely.
We already mentioned that it will continue to use power even when it is not in operation. But it’s also a good way to reduce the amount of wear and tear your furnace experiences since you’re giving it a legitimate rest period where it is not operating in any manner.
It’s also a good idea to turn off your furnace around during the heating season so that you can complete simple maintenance tasks. You don’t want to open the furnace cabinet and look inside unless you know that the furnace is turned off completely and cooled down.
Once your furnace is completely cool, you can wipe down the inside to eliminate dust and dirt that may have gotten inside. Soot buildup is also very common with gas furnaces that have an open flame. When you keep the inside of your furnace clean, it is able to operate more efficiently and effectively.
You’ll enjoy elevated levels of comfort, while also saving on your monthly energy costs. Plus, if anything looks out of the ordinary inside of the unit, you can give our team a call and schedule service to get it checked out. Monthly inspections are very important for maintaining your furnace and staying ahead of furnace repair needs early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I turn off my gas furnace safely?
Answer: Start by turning the thermostat to Off so the furnace stops calling for heat. Then use the furnace’s power switch or shut off the correct circuit breaker. Finally, locate the gas shutoff valve near the furnace and turn it off if you want a complete seasonal shutdown.
Question: Is turning off the thermostat the same as turning off the furnace?
Answer: No, turning off the thermostat only stops the system from starting a heating cycle. The furnace may still have power running to its controls. To fully shut it down, you need to turn off the furnace switch or breaker, and in some cases shut off the gas supply.
Question: Should I turn off my gas furnace during the summer?
Answer: Turning off a gas furnace during the warmer months can be a good idea if you will not use it for an extended period. It helps reduce standby power use, limits unnecessary wear, and gives the system a rest before the next heating season begins.
Question: When should I shut off the gas valve to my furnace?
Answer: You may shut off the gas valve when the furnace will be unused for the season or before simple maintenance, as long as you know which valve controls the furnace. If you smell gas, leave the home and contact emergency services or your gas provider from a safe location.
Question: What should I do before cleaning inside my furnace cabinet?
Answer: Make sure the furnace is fully turned off, the power is disconnected, and the unit has cooled down. Once it is safe, you can remove dust and dirt from accessible areas. If you see soot buildup, damaged parts, or anything unusual, schedule professional furnace service.
To schedule your gas furnace service, contact Premier HVAC Services today! Our experts are here to help with all of your heating needs.