Should You Turn Your Furnace Pilot Light Off in Summer

The question of whether to turn a furnace pilot light off in summer arises each year as homeowners seek to save energy, reduce risks, and simplify maintenance. This article explains the pros and cons, safety considerations, energy and cost impacts, and best practices for different furnace types so homeowners can make an informed decision.

Consideration	Short Answer
Energy Savings	Minimal for modern pilots; higher for older standing pilots
Safety	Turning off reduces risk of accidental gas use or leaks
Convenience	May require relighting in fall; thermostats or electronic ignition avoid this
When To Turn Off	Extended absence, older pilot systems, or strong safety concerns

Not all furnaces are the same; recommendations differ for standing-pilot systems, electronic ignition, and combination HVAC setups.

Standing Pilot Furnaces

For a furnace with a standing pilot, turning the pilot off will stop a continuous small gas flow. This can reduce gas use and perceived safety risk. If the household is away for an extended time, shutting off the pilot or the gas supply is reasonable.

Best practice: Shut off the pilot if the home will be vacant for more than several weeks and follow manufacturer or technician instructions for safe relighting in the fall.

Electronic Ignition Furnaces

Furnaces with electronic ignition or intermittent pilot do not maintain a continuous flame. They do not require turning off for summer because no standing pilot exists; energy savings are already realized by design.

Combination Heating Systems And Multi-Zone Equipment

Homes with combination boilers, tankless water heaters, or furnaces tied to whole-house systems should involve an HVAC professional for advice. Turning off a pilot may affect other appliances that share the gas line or control electronics.

How To Safely Turn Off And Relight A Pilot

Turning off and relighting a pilot should follow clear safety steps. Incorrect handling can create a gas hazard. Always consult the furnace manual or a certified technician when uncertain.

1. Turn Off Thermostat: Set the thermostat to off to prevent the furnace from attempting to ignite while working.
2. Locate Gas Valve: Find the pilot valve or furnace gas shutoff and rotate to the “off” position. Wait several minutes to allow any residual gas to clear.
3. Turn Off Gas Supply If Needed: For extended absence, turning off the main gas supply for the furnace or the home provides greater safety.
4. Relighting: Follow manufacturer instructions: typically set valve to “pilot,” press and hold while lighting, then release when stable. If a smart ignition is present, follow electronic relighting steps or call a technician.

When To Call A Professional

Some situations require an HVAC or gas technician rather than DIY action. Call a professional if the pilot is difficult to light, frequently goes out, or if there is a smell of gas. Regular inspection and preventive maintenance reduce season-to-season worries.

Problems such as pilot outages caused by drafts, clogged pilot orifice, thermocouple failure, or gas control valve issues are best handled by a certified technician who can also inspect related safety devices.

Environmental And Regulatory Considerations

Turning off a standing pilot reduces fossil fuel consumption, albeit slightly. For homeowners pursuing carbon reduction, replacing a standing pilot furnace with an electronic ignition system yields continuous savings and lower emissions.

Local building codes and utility company recommendations may influence homeowner choices. Some utilities offer incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient furnaces or smart thermostats that reduce standby losses without manual pilot management.

Alternative Strategies To Reduce Summer Gas Use

If the goal is to minimize waste without turning off the pilot, several alternatives exist.

• Upgrade to Electronic Ignition: Replacing a standing pilot furnace with an electronic ignition model removes continuous pilot consumption.
• Smart Thermostats: Advanced thermostats reduce unnecessary furnace cycles and allow remote control when travel plans change.
• Routine Maintenance: Cleaning pilot assembly and ensuring proper airflow prevents nuisance outages and inefficient burning.
• Turn Off Gas At Appliance: For longer absences, shutting off the furnace gas at the appliance or main valve provides added safety.

Common Myths And Misconceptions

Two frequent myths surround pilot lights: that turning off the pilot saves significant money and that leaving it on is inherently dangerous. Reality is more nuanced.

Myth: Turning off the pilot will save a lot of money. Fact: Savings are usually small unless the pilot is large or gas prices are unusually high.

Myth: A pilot light is a major fire hazard. Fact: A properly functioning pilot represents low risk, but turning it off lowers the already small risk even further.

Practical Recommendations

Based on safety, cost, and convenience, the following recommendations help homeowners decide whether to turn the furnace pilot light off in summer.

• Short Vacations (Less Than 2 Weeks): Leave the pilot on for convenience unless advised otherwise by an HVAC professional.
• Extended Absences (Several Weeks Or More): Consider turning the pilot off or shutting off the furnace gas supply, especially for older standing pilot systems.
• Older Furnaces With Standing Pilots: Turning off the pilot or upgrading the ignition system can reduce very small ongoing gas use and address safety concerns.
• New Furnaces With Electronic Ignition: No action needed; the system does not waste gas when idle.

Decision Checklist Before Turning Off The Pilot

Use this short checklist to decide: Is the home occupied? Is the absence extended? Does the furnace have a standing pilot? Are there household members who may need heat unexpectedly? Is the owner comfortable relighting the pilot or hiring a technician?

Question	Action
Home Empty For Weeks	Consider Turning Off Pilot Or Gas Supply
Standing Pilot System	Weigh Small Savings Vs. Convenience; Consider Upgrade
Electronic Ignition	No Action Required
Unsure How To Relight	Call Certified Technician

Final Notes On Practicality And Comfort

For many U.S. households, the decision hinges on personal tolerance for relighting in fall, marginal cost savings, and the perceived safety benefit. The majority of modern homes with up-to-date furnaces experience little to no benefit from turning off a pilot in summer, while older systems may justify the action for extended absences.

Best overall approach: Evaluate the furnace type, duration of absence, and personal comfort with relighting or scheduling a professional service before deciding to turn the pilot off in summer.