As summer rolls in, many homeowners start preparing for the hot weather by switching off the heat and turning on the air conditioning. While this is an essential move, many people wonder if they should also turn off the pilot light on their furnace during the summer. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of furnace you have and the local climate.
If you’re struggling with this dilemma, you’re not alone. Many homeowners grapple with this question every year, and the decision isn’t always clear-cut. In this article, we’ll help you decide whether to shut off your furnace’s pilot light during the summer months. We’ll outline some of the benefits and drawbacks of turning off the pilot light and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Understanding How the Pilot Light Works
The pilot light is an essential component of a gas furnace. It is a small flame that stays lit continuously and ignites the gas in the burners to produce heat. Older furnaces often have a standing pilot light, which remains on 24/7. Newer high-efficiency furnaces have intermittent pilot lights, which only light when the furnace is turned on.
Understanding how the pilot light works is crucial to making the decision on whether to turn it off in the summer or not. If you have an older furnace, keeping the pilot light on all year round can be costly as it consumes gas even when the furnace isn’t running. However, if you have a newer furnace with an intermittent pilot light, then there is no need to turn it off in the summer as it doesn’t continuously burn gas. It’s important to refer to your furnace owner’s manual to determine if turning off the pilot light in the summer is safe for your particular furnace.
The Pros and Cons of Turning Off the Pilot Light
Turning off the pilot light on your furnace during summer has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the primary benefits of turning off the pilot light is cost savings. The pilot light consumes gas and electricity, which adds up to your utility bills over time. By turning it off, you save money on your utility bills. Additionally, switching it off provides a good opportunity to perform routine maintenance on your furnace. Checking for dirt, debris, or corrosion around the burners or pilot light can prevent damage to your furnace when it’s time to use it in the winter.
On the other hand, turning off the pilot light in the summer can cause issues when it’s time to turn it back on in the winter. When you switch it off, the furnace accumulates moisture, which causes corrosion in the burner channels and limits the furnace’s efficiency. Similarly, when you turn the furnace back on, there may be simple wear and tear of the furnace, so it may be best to leave the furnace can on. Therefore, before making a decision, it’s essential to consider why you want to turn off the pilot light and consult with an expert for advice on how to maintain the furnace.
Energy Savings from Turning Off the Pilot Light
Turning off the pilot light on your furnace during the summer months can result in significant energy savings. Keeping the pilot light on means that the furnace is continuously using a small amount of fuel to keep the pilot flame burning. This constant burning leads to unnecessary energy usage and, consequently, higher energy bills.
By turning off the pilot light, you can reduce the amount of fuel your furnace uses during the summer months, resulting in lower energy bills. It’s estimated that turning off your pilot light during summer can save you anywhere between $10 and $30 per month. While this may seem like a small amount, the savings can quickly add up over time, especially for longer summer months. So, if you want to reduce your energy consumption and save some money on your energy bills, turning off the pilot light on your furnace during the summer is a smart choice.
Safety Concerns of Leaving the Pilot Light On
Leaving the pilot light on in your furnace during the summer can raise safety concerns. The pilot light is a small flame that burns continuously and keeps the gas supply line open. The flame can ignite the gas if it leaks from a faulty line or valve, causing a catastrophic explosion. This is particularly worrisome if your furnace is old and in need of repairs. While a properly maintained furnace is unlikely to pose a serious risk, shutting off the pilot light during the summer can be a sensible precaution to avoid any potential hazards.
Another safety concern of leaving the pilot light on is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas produced when fuel is burned, and it can be deadly if inhaled in large amounts. A pilot light that is not burning properly can produce carbon monoxide gas, which can leak into your home. To avoid this risk, it is recommended to turn off the pilot light during the summer months when the furnace is not in use. This not only saves energy and lowers utility bills but also ensures your family’s safety.
Impact on Indoor Air Quality
Turning off the pilot light on your furnace during the summer may seem like a good idea to conserve energy and reduce utility bills. While it can save you some money, it may negatively impact your indoor air quality. The pilot light of a furnace creates a constant low-level combustion that helps in maintaining the air quality of your home. Turning it off can lead to inadequate air circulation and contamination due to the formation of mold and mildew.
Furthermore, when the pilot light is off, the furnace’s ventilation system goes idle leading to a build-up of contaminants such as dust, contaminants, and pet dander. This can lead to breathing problems, especially for people with allergies or respiratory issues. Therefore, it is important to weigh the cost against the potential risks before turning off your pilot light. Instead, consider other measures to improve energy efficiency without compromising the air quality of your home, such as proper insulation, installation of programmable thermostats, and regular HVAC maintenance.
Maintenance Tips for Your Furnace During the Summer
During the summer, it’s easy to forget about your furnace, but it’s important to remember that it still needs some attention. Here are some maintenance tips to help your furnace run smoothly during the off-season:
1. Change the air filter: Even if you’re not using your furnace, your AC is still running and circulating air through your home. A dirty air filter can impede airflow and cause your system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and potential breakdowns. Replace your air filter every 3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or allergies.
2. Check for leaks: Make sure there are no visible cracks or leaks in your furnace’s ductwork. Leaks can cause your system to lose efficiency and waste energy. Seal any leaks with duct tape or mastic sealant, or have them repaired by a professional. These simple maintenance tips will help keep your furnace in good condition and ensure that it’s ready to go when you need it in the fall and winter months.
Best Practices for Turning Off the Pilot Light in the Summer.
If you’ve decided to turn off your furnace’s pilot light during summer months, there are a few best practices to follow to ensure safety and efficiency. Firstly, turn off the gas supply valve near the furnace. This will prevent gas from flowing into the burners while the pilot light is off.
Next, take the time to clean the furnace. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris that may have built up inside, paying particular attention to the burners. This will help maintain the furnace’s efficiency during the next heating season. Finally, when it comes time to relight the pilot light, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure there are no gas leaks before starting the furnace. Taking these steps will help keep your furnace running safely and efficiently for years to come.
Verdict
As the warmer months approach, you may be wondering whether or not it’s necessary to turn off the pilot light on your furnace. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to go through the hassle of shutting it off and potentially relighting it when temperatures drop again. However, there are some practical reasons why you might consider turning off the pilot light, such as reducing your energy consumption and preventing potential safety hazards.
While it’s not essential to turn off the pilot light on your furnace during the summer, it can be a worthwhile step to take. By doing so, you’ll be conserving energy, saving money on your utility bill, and mitigating the risk of fire or gas leaks. With this in mind, the decision is ultimately yours to make based on your unique circumstances and priorities. No matter what you choose, however, it’s important to keep your furnace well-maintained and to be mindful of any potential issues that may arise.