Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a critical part of keeping your home comfortable, protected and cost-effective. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace won’t run properly.
In this blog, Tony Beck Heating & Cooling will break down the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Loganville, Georgia and surrounding areas, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Tony Beck Heating & Cooling.
What is a Furnace Gas Valve and Why is It Important?
First, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. The furnace gas valve manages the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, enabling the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.
Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. While replacement price depends on the type of furnace and whether any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.
The Furnace Won't Light
One of the clues it could be time to replace your furnace gas valve is if the furnace is not igniting or if the pilot light won't light. Gas is what fuels the burner. Without adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Sometimes, homeowners also hear that the igniter clicks but there's no flame.
However, a furnace not igniting or a pilot light that won't light or stay lit also could be signs of other mechanical issues, such as a bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you experience these problems, it's important to contact a certified HVAC technician for an inspection. They'll accurately assess whether the problem a thermocouple vs gas valve issue, or if there's another reason the furnace won't ignite.
Furnace Smells Like Gas
One serious sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can create a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Tony Beck Heating & Cooling for emergency furnace repair.
Furnace Keeps Short Cycling
Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace runs in short bursts instead of running a full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could force your furnace to turn off to prevent causing a gas leak.
That said, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to reach out to a qualified heating expert for evaluation and possible furnace repair.
What to Do If You Think Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?
If you think your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s important to act quickly and safely.
First, cut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then turn off your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also could void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or has some other issue—gas valve repair isn’t a task for someone without specialized tools and training. Plus, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it.
Call Tony Beck Heating & Cooling to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Loganville, Georgia and surrounding areas, Chill
To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Loganville, Georgia and surrounding areas, HVAC company—Tony Beck Heating & Cooling. Our experienced professionals know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, handle the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your system is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or connect you with furnace installation service to help you replace your old, unsafe furnace.
Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 770-466-2924 today for gas valve replacement services from Tony Beck Heating & Cooling.
