Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is an essential part of keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient. 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, Struven Heating & Cooling will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or planning ahead, this guide for Crown Point, Indiana, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Struven Heating & Cooling.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and How Long Does It Last?

To start, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. The furnace gas valve regulates the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and make heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Though replacement price depends on the model of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

The Furnace Won't Light

One of the indications 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 the energy source for combustion. Without adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Occasionally, homeowners also notice 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 damaged sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you are dealing with these issues, 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 your furnace won't light.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One major sign of a gas valve problem is a noticeable gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can create a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then contact Struven Heating & Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of running a full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could cause your furnace to shut down to prevent creating a gas leak.

However, 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 Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?

If you suspect your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, cut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then turn off your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can create a deadly gas leak if not done right 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 repair isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. Plus, when it comes to deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call Struven Heating & Cooling to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Crown Point, Indiana, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Crown Point, Indiana, HVAC company—Struven Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your furnace is running at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or connect you with furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 219-292-0956 today for gas valve replacement services from Struven Heating & Cooling.