Should You Turn Off Your Heating System During Summer?
As summer approaches and the temperatures climb, your home’s heating system likely gets a well-earned break. But that raises a common question for homeowners: should you turn off your heating system entirely during the warmer months?
It seems logical—why keep a heating system running when you don’t need it? But the answer isn’t always straightforward. In some homes, shutting off the furnace is perfectly safe and energy-smart. In others, it can lead to unintended issues like reduced indoor air circulation, pilot light problems, or loss of hot water access.
In this blog, we’ll break down the benefits and potential drawbacks of turning off your heating system in the summer and walk you through how to do it safely if it makes sense for your home.
What Does “Turning Off Your Heating System” Actually Mean?
When people talk about turning off the heat, they might mean a few different things:
- Shutting off the thermostat or setting it to “cool” mode
- Turning off the furnace power switch
- Shutting off the gas supply to the furnace
- Disabling the entire HVAC system
It’s important to know what type of heating system you have—gas furnace, boiler, electric heat pump, or dual-fuel system—before deciding what should be turned off and when.
Pros of Turning Off Your Heating System in Summer
1. Saves Energy and Reduces Utility Bills
If your system uses a standing pilot light or burns a small amount of fuel during standby, shutting it off can eliminate this unnecessary energy use. Even electric systems consume standby power.
For homes with boilers or older gas furnaces, turning off the system may save more than you think—especially over the course of several months.
2. Reduces Wear and Tear
Even while idle, certain components of your heating system remain active. Shutting down unused equipment can prevent unnecessary cycling, reduce internal dust buildup, and help your system last longer.
3. Allows for Maintenance or Cleaning
Turning off your system in summer makes it a good time for routine cleaning, air filter replacement, or professional maintenance. With the system inactive, it’s safe to inspect or upgrade components without disrupting your comfort.
Potential Drawbacks of Turning Off the Heat
While it might seem like a no-brainer, there are cases where turning off your heating system could cause more harm than good.
1. Your Heating System Powers Other Equipment
In many homes, the furnace or boiler may also be responsible for heating water. Shutting it down could result in loss of hot water for showers, sinks, and dishwashers—especially with older boiler-based systems.
2. Humidity Control and Air Circulation May Suffer
Even when not actively heating, your HVAC system helps circulate air and control humidity. Shutting it off entirely may lead to stale, damp air and increased strain on your air conditioning system.
3. You Might Forget to Turn It Back On
It sounds simple, but many homeowners forget to restart their furnace in the fall, resulting in unpleasant surprises when the first cold snap hits. This could lead to no heat and a rush for emergency service if your system doesn’t restart properly.
Should YOU Turn It Off? A Quick Checklist
Here’s a simple way to determine if turning off your heating system for summer is a smart move:
✔ You don’t rely on your furnace or boiler for hot water
✔ Your HVAC system is fully separate from your air conditioning
✔ You want to save on energy bills
✔ You’re comfortable managing system shutdown and startup procedures
If you checked all of the above, it’s likely safe to proceed.
How to Safely Shut Down Your Heating System
If you’ve decided it makes sense to turn off your heating system for summer, here’s how to do it safely and correctly:
1. Turn Off the Thermostat or Set It to “Cool”
This is the simplest step. Switch your thermostat to “cool” mode or raise the set temperature so that your furnace won’t turn on unnecessarily.
2. Shut Off Power to the Furnace (Optional)
Locate the furnace switch—usually found on the wall near the unit—and flip it to the off position. This cuts off electrical power to the unit.
Note: If you’re using a heat pump or your AC shares components with the furnace, do not turn off the breaker unless advised by a professional.
3. Shut Off the Gas Valve (For Gas Furnaces)
If your furnace has a standing pilot light, you can shut off the gas supply valve. This conserves fuel and prevents small leaks. However, only do this if you’re comfortable relighting the pilot in the fall—or plan to call a pro.
4. Clean the Area Around the Unit
Dust and debris can collect around furnaces over time. Take advantage of the system being off to vacuum around the base, clean vents, and replace air filters.
5. Schedule a Maintenance Visit
Late spring or early summer is a great time for a professional heating system tune-up. You’ll avoid the fall rush and ensure everything is ready when cold weather returns.
Alternative: Just Dial It Back
If you’re not ready to fully shut down your system—or if it powers other systems in your home—another option is to simply dial it back:
- Set your thermostat to a higher temperature, like 80°F, to prevent it from running
- Turn on “fan-only” mode occasionally to keep air circulating
- Use a smart thermostat to monitor energy usage and automate system activity
This approach provides energy savings and airflow benefits, without shutting down essential functions.
Conclusion: Know Your System Before Powering Down
Turning off your heating system during summer can be a smart way to save energy and reduce wear, but it’s not always the best choice for every home. Before flipping any switches, make sure you understand how your system is connected to other equipment like water heaters or air handlers.
At Cohesive Mechanical, we help homeowners optimize energy efficiency year-round, whether that means safe system shutdowns, seasonal maintenance, or HVAC upgrades.
Contact us today to schedule your spring HVAC check-up or ask about turning off your heating system for summer.
