Spring has arrived, and so have warmer temperatures. As the weather warms up, you’ve already started to hang your coats back in closets, throw boots into baskets, and dump scarves back in storage. You no longer need layers to keep you warm—and your furnace no longer needs to keep the heat pumping throughout your home.
One important task that many homeowners overlook is properly shutting down their gas furnace for the off-season. Not only can this simple process save you money on energy bills, but it also helps maintain your heating system’s efficiency and longevity.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or simply looking for the correct procedure, this guide will walk you through the safe and proper steps to turn off your gas furnace until you need it again.
Turning Off Your Gas Furnace
Step 1: Switch the mode on your thermostat.
First things first: visit your thermostat. When it’s warm enough to open the windows, or maybe even turn on the A/C, you’ll want to switch the mode on your thermostat from “heat” to “off,” or from “heat” to “cool.”
This simple adjustment stops your furnace from cycling on when temperatures drop slightly during spring and autumn nights. If you have a programmable thermostat, now is also a good time to adjust your temperature settings for the warmer months or disable any heating programs you had set for winter.
Step 2: Replace the furnace filter.
Over time, your furnace filter can get clogged with dirt, dust, mold spores, pet dander, bacteria … you name it. The build-up can compromise your filter’s ability to keep the air circulating throughout your home clean; decreasing your furnace efficiency and increasing energy costs.
We recommend replacing your furnace filter about every one to three months, depending on usage, to keep your system working as it should. By replacing your furnace filter at the end of winter or beginning of spring, your furnace is set and ready to go for fall, when cooler temps start up again.
Step 3: Check the pilot light.
A pilot light is a small gas flame that serves as an ignition source for your furnace. Pilot lights should be kept lit in the offseason, unless you know how to relight the pilot light on your own. Turning the pilot light off during the warm spring and summer months can save on gas and money. To turn off the pilot light, find the valve on the gas line running directly to your furnace. Turn it to the “off” position—a.k.a. pointing away and running perpendicular to the gas line.
Make sure you reposition the gas valve back to “on” when you turn your furnace back on in the fall. Otherwise, the pilot light will be impossible to get going again.
*Bonus* In case of an emergency…
Smell rotten eggs? This could be a sign of a gas leak. If you suspect a leak, turn off the gas immediately. Open your windows, exit your home, and seek safety. Then, call your utility company, so they can take care of the issue and you can get back to enjoying your home.
Enjoy the Season!
Spring and summer don’t last long—especially if you live in Minnesota. Enjoy the seasons to their fullest by spending time outdoors, and letting fresh air into your home. Follow these steps to turn off your gas furnace, save energy, and even save a few extra dollars this season.
Learn more ways to get your home ready for spring with our spring cleaning checklist.
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These guys were my second call when my furnace stopped working properly. The first company I used sent a tech out who said the furnace needed to be replaced, and gave me a quote, but said he "jiggled a wire" and got it running again for the time being.
When it went out again the other day, I called Ray N. Welter. Their tech, Ralph, fixed the problem in half an hour. He told me the furnace is pretty old, but his fix should get me through the winter "and maybe a couple more," and then gave me a quote that was lower than the first company.
These guys are rad.
Dan J.
Minneapolis, MN
Furnace stopped working. When that happens after hours you learn a lot about companies. Today I called RW and got a person on the phone that knows about furnaces and he dispatched a service person Phil within 2 hours. I called them based on personal refer and reviews. They are excellent. Despite having a very old furnace it was the second time that this company said I did not need to replace. If I did replace it I want a Trane and RW would do to the work. For now I will call them for fall/spring tune ups and love that they don't have the club memberships etc. Just good solid customer service for all customers. A really ++ experience. Family run business with integrity.
Kathleen d.
Minneapolis, MN
If you need superior service this is your company!!! We were in Florida experiencing our first year as "snowbirds" when our furnace (in Bloomington) stopped working. Rick Welter personally took our call and not only sent a technician to our cold home, but checked on it for the next two days until our new heating unit could be properly installed. Phenomenal service!
In addition to the great service, their pricing was very competitive. I highly recommend this company for all of your heating or A/C needs!!!
Michael L.
Minneapolis, MN
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