As the weather warms up and your furnace takes a break, it’s important to shut it down the right way. Preparing your furnace for summer not only saves energy—it also extends the life of your equipment and prevents musty smells or dust buildup when you turn it back on in the fall.
Here’s how to do it right.
Turn Off the Furnace
- Set your thermostat to “off” or switch it from “heat” to “cool.”
- If you have a furnace-only system (no central AC), turn off the power at the switch or breaker.
Clean or Replace the Filter
- End-of-season is the perfect time to change your furnace filter.
- A clean filter prevents dust and debris from sitting in your system all summer.
Need a new filter? Order from our online store and have it delivered to your door.
Check and Clean the Furnace Area
- Vacuum around the base of the furnace to remove any accumulated dust.
- Make sure there are no flammable materials or storage boxes too close to the unit.
Inspect the Vents and Air Ducts
- Walk through your home and check that all supply and return vents are open and clean.
- Vacuum registers and grilles to help improve airflow for your air conditioning system.
Book Off-Season Maintenance
- Summer is the perfect time to get your annual furnace tune-up when demand is lower.
- Our technicians will inspect the heat exchanger, clean internal components, and make sure your system is ready for next fall.
Bonus Tip: Consider a Smart Thermostat
If you’re switching to cooling mode, it’s a great time to install or upgrade to a smart thermostat. These devices can help you save energy all summer and make it easier to schedule heating again in the fall.
Ready to Shut Down Your Furnace the Right Way? Affordable Comfort can help you clean, inspect, and maintain your system for the off-season. Ask us about filter delivery, smart thermostat upgrades, and annual maintenance plans.









