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 overlooked part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Superior Air Repair will break down the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Bryan, Texas, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Superior Air Repair.

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

To start, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. 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 can't flow, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. While replacement price depends on the kind of furnace and whether any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $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 is what fuels the burner. Without adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Occasionally, 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 might also indicate  other mechanical issues, such as a bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to reach out to 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 light.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One clear 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 CO poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then phone Superior Air Repair for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

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 is because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could trigger your furnace to power off to avoid causing a gas leak.

However, 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 believe your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve without a professional. 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 task for someone without specialized tools and training. Plus, 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 fixing it. 

Call Superior Air Repair to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Bryan, Texas, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Bryan, Texas, HVAC company—Superior Air Repair. Our HVAC experts know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, perform the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your furnace is running smoothly. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or connect you with furnace installation service to help you replace your outdated heating system.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 979-775-8700 today for gas valve replacement services from Superior Air Repair.