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 under appreciated part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Hodgenville, Kentucky, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc..

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

To start, it's important to know 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, enabling the combustion process to occur and generate heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. Though replacement price can change based on the model of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $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 also could be signs of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you experience these problems, 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Gas Leak

One major sign of a gas valve problem is a strong odor of gas in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then phone Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace runs in short bursts rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve issue also could force your furnace to power off 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 qualified heating expert for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, turn off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix 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 malfunctioning in some other way—gas valve work isn’t a DIY job. Besides, when it comes to deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Hodgenville, Kentucky, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Hodgenville, Kentucky, HVAC company—Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. 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 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 provide furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 270-358-3167 today for gas valve replacement services from Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc..