April 12, 2021
Furnace Maintenance in Chesapeake, VA

You might not be needing your gas furnace during the summer, but does that mean you can switch if off it for the season? Are there any advantages of turning it off or should you just leave it on, in case you need to use it? Are there any disadvantages of turning off the gas furnace? Read on to find out.

Energy Savings

It a common misconception that if you are not using the gas furnace, you will not be consuming any gas or electricity. If you have a gas furnace with a pilot light, it will continue to use gas to keep this pilot light burning. Although the energy required just for the pilot light might not be as substantial compared to using the gas furnace during winter, it all adds up to your energy bill.

There are some electrical components of the gas furnace that also run throughout the year. This includes the thermocouple and sensors of the furnace. The thermocouple plays the vital role of switching off the gas supply if the pilot light turns off. This avoids any gas being built up in the furnace.

If you do need to turn on the gas furnace during summer, keep in mind that it can tricky to switch on the pilot and it will take some time for the gas furnace to be able to warm the house or water. You also have the option of turning off the gas furnace for the house, but not for water. If you not sure about how to turn off the gas furnace, it wise to use the services of a certified HVAC technician to assist you.

Extend Life of Gas Furnace

It is not uncommon for a well-maintained gas furnace to last more than 20 years. It might require part replacement service and regular cleaning service to keep it in good condition. Switching off the gas furnace for the summer can extend the life of the gas furnace. With regular use, the components of the gas furnace can suffer from regular wear and tear. By reducing the usage, you can minimize the wear and tear of the furnace. The heat exchanger of the gas furnace is especially prone to breakdown due to overheating.

Environmental Impact

You can look to get a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly gas furnace installed but most types of gas furnaces are going to leave a carbon footprint on the environment. Gas heating is cheaper than electrical heating, and according to most studies, it is also more eco-friendly, however, the number of people using energy appliances has risen exponentially, resulting in a severe negative impact on the environment. By switching off the gas furnace for the summer, you can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of using gas furnaces.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Turning Off the Gas Furnace?

When you turn off the gas furnace for the summer, the temperature inside the furnace will drop. This can increase the amount of moisture in the furnace. The cool and moist environment is ideal for water to condense. The amount of moisture will be worse in regions with high humidity. Moisture is a threat to the metal parts of the gas furnace as it can cause the metal to rust and corrode. This can be extremely bad for the gas furnace, leading to leakage and other types of major issues.

Inactive gas furnaces can also attract spiders and insects to take up residence inside the gas furnace. The vents and filters of the gas furnace can get clogged from dust, dirt, and other types of debris. You can avoid these risks by using the services of a certified HVAC technician to switch off or switch on the gas furnace. They will make sure all risks associated with an inactive gas furnace are minimized.

Schedule a Service Appointment With Us at Simmons Heating & Cooling

Are you looking for certified technicians to service your gas furnace? Our technicians at Simmons Heating & Cooling can perform a full range of HVAC and fireplace services. We serve Chesapeake, VA, and all surrounding locations. Our HVAC technicians are highly skilled, experienced, and certified. They are equipped with the latest tools and technology for inspection, repair, installation, and other types of services. Apart from gas furnace services, we offer services for ductwork, boilers, geothermal, air purification systems, generators, and ductless mini-split systems. Call us now to schedule an appointment.

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