Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a vital part of keeping your home safe, cozy and energy smart. The gas valve is an often under appreciated part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace can’t function.
In this blog, A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal will highlight the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Grass Valley, California, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal.
What is a Furnace Gas Valve and How Long Does It Last?
To begin, it's important to learn what a furnace gas valve is and what it controls. The furnace gas valve regulates the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, enabling the combustion process to occur and generate heat. If gas flow is blocked, 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 deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Although replacement price can change based on the model of furnace and whether 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 provides fuel for the flame. Without adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. 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 issues, such as a bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to call a certified HVAC technician for an inspection. They'll safely determine 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 serious sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then contact A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal for emergency furnace repair.
Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping
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 might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve issue also could cause your furnace to turn off to prevent creating a gas leak.
However, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to call a professional HVAC technician 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 is broken, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.
First, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to repair the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also may void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or isn't working for another reason—gas valve repair isn’t a DIY job. In addition, when it comes to comparing options between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one.
Call A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Grass Valley, California, Chill
To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Grass Valley, California, HVAC company—A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal. Our HVAC experts know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your system is running at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or provide furnace installation service to help you replace your old, unsafe furnace.
Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 530-273-1301 today for gas valve replacement services from A&A Air Conditioning, Heating & Sheet Metal.