Understanding 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 overlooked part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Retro HVAC Service & Installation will share 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 Warminster, Pennslyvania, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Retro HVAC Service & Installation.

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

To begin, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. 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 produce heat. If gas flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to close automatically when an issue arises—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 additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

The Furnace Won't Light

One of the clues you may need 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 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 breakdowns, such as a faulty flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to contact 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 start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One major sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can create a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then phone Retro HVAC Service & Installation for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes 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 result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve issue also could cause your furnace to turn off to prevent creating a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to reach out to a professional HVAC technician for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, shut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can create a deadly gas leak if not done right and also might 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 good do-it-yourself task. Plus, 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 repairing it. 

Call Retro HVAC Service & Installation to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Warminster, Pennslyvania, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Warminster, Pennslyvania, HVAC company—Retro HVAC Service & Installation. Our experienced professionals 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 heating equipment is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even match your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 267-485-6219 today for gas valve replacement services from Retro HVAC Service & Installation.