Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a critical 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 won’t run properly.

In this blog, Dave's Diversified Services will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Front Royal, Virginia, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Dave's Diversified Services.

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

First, it's important to learn what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. The furnace gas valve controls the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, enabling the combustion process to occur and make 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 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 to 20 years on average. Though replacement price depends on the model of furnace and if any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

Furnace Not Igniting

One of the indications 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 provides fuel for the flame. Without proper gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Sometimes, 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Gas Leak

One major sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can cause 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 phone Dave's Diversified Services for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace runs in short bursts instead of running a full cycle. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve issue also could trigger your furnace to stop to avoid creating a gas leak.

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

What to Do If 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 avoid additional danger, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk 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 task for someone without specialized tools and training. Besides, when it comes to deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Dave's Diversified Services to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Front Royal, Virginia, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Front Royal, Virginia, HVAC company—Dave's Diversified Services. Our trained technicians know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, handle the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your heating equipment is running smoothly. To save even more power, we can even connect 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 540-636-3396 today for gas valve replacement services from Dave's Diversified Services.