Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is an essential part of keeping your home comfortable, protected and cost-effective. The gas valve is an often under appreciated part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace won’t run properly.

In this blog, Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling will highlight the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or thinking proactively, this guide for Circleville, Ohio, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and What Does It Do?

To start, it's important to learn what a furnace gas valve is and what it controls. The furnace gas valve controls the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, allowing the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Although replacement price depends on the type of furnace and whether any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $800.

The Furnace Won't Light

One of the signs 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 provides fuel for the flame. Without adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Sometimes, homeowners also report 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you experience these problems, it's important to call a certified HVAC technician for an inspection. They'll professionally diagnose whether the problem a thermocouple vs gas valve issue, or if there's another reason your furnace won't light.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One clear sign of a gas valve problem is a noticeable gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace starts, but then quickly stops rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could force your furnace to stop to prevent causing a gas leak.

That said, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to call a professional HVAC technician for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

What to Do When Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?

If you believe your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.

First, shut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also has the potential to void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or malfunctioning in some other way—gas valve work isn’t a DIY job. Plus, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Circleville, Ohio, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Circleville, Ohio, HVAC company—Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling. Our HVAC experts know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, perform the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your system is running at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your outdated heating system.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 740-474-5940 today for gas valve replacement services from Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling.