Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a vital 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 can’t function.

In this blog, Scott Temperature will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Lawrence, Kansas, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Scott Temperature.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and Why is It Important?

To begin, it's important to understand 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, allowing the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Although replacement price depends on the kind of furnace and whether any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

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 is what fuels the burner. Without proper gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Occasionally, 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 might also indicate  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you notice these signs, it's important to reach out to 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 Leak

One major 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 potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can lead to 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 Scott Temperature for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps 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 might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. The valve malfunction also could cause your furnace to shut down to prevent causing a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, so it's important to call a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you think your furnace gas valve has malfunctioned, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then turn off your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve without a professional. 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 malfunctioning in some other way—gas valve work isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. Besides, when it comes to comparing options between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call Scott Temperature to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Lawrence, Kansas, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Lawrence, Kansas, HVAC company—Scott Temperature. Our HVAC experts know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your furnace is running smoothly. To save even more power, we can even pair 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 785-503-3712 today for gas valve replacement services from Scott Temperature.