Understanding 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 under appreciated part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Stieferman Heating Company Inc will share the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Jefferson City, Missouri, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Stieferman Heating Company Inc.

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

To start, it's important to learn 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 make heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. While replacement price can change based on the type of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

The Furnace Won't Light

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 enough gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. 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 might also indicate  other mechanical issues, such as a faulty flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you experience these problems, it's important to contact 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 strong odor of gas in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Stieferman Heating Company Inc for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace runs in short bursts rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. A valve issue also could force your furnace to stop to prevent causing a gas leak.

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

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

If you think your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, turn off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also has the potential to 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 DIY job. Plus, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Stieferman Heating Company Inc to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Jefferson City, Missouri, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Jefferson City, Missouri, HVAC company—Stieferman Heating Company Inc. 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 ensure your system is running efficiently again. 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 delay critical repairs. Call 573-635-3547 today for gas valve replacement services from Stieferman Heating Company Inc.