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 won’t run properly.
In this blog, PS Cool Heat will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or thinking proactively, this guide for Highlands Ranch, Colorado, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at PS Cool Heat.
What is a Furnace Gas Valve and What Does It Do?
First, 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, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.
Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Though replacement price can change based on the model of furnace and whether any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.
The Furnace Won't Light
One of the clues 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 won’t start up. Occasionally, 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 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 contact a certified HVAC technician for an inspection. They'll safely determine 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 broken furnace gas valve is a strong odor of gas in your home. 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, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then contact PS Cool Heat for emergency furnace repair.
Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping
Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of running a full cycle. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve malfunction also could trigger your furnace to turn off to avoid creating a gas leak.
However, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to call 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 has malfunctioned, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.
First, turn off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to repair the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also might void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or isn't working for another reason—gas valve repair isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. 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 fixing the broken one.
Call PS Cool Heat to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Chill
To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Highlands Ranch, Colorado, HVAC company—PS Cool Heat. Our HVAC experts know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, handle the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your system is running smoothly. 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 old, unsafe furnace.
Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 720-613-2210 today for gas valve replacement services from PS Cool Heat.
