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, Clean Air HVAC will highlight the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Pacheco, California, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Clean Air HVAC.

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

First, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. 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 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 supposed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. While replacement price varies depending on the model of furnace and if any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

Furnace Not Igniting

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 the energy source for combustion. Without adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a faulty flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you experience these problems, 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 gas valve problem is a noticeable gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can create 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 Clean Air HVAC for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace turns off and on frequently rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve failure also could force your furnace to shut down to avoid creating a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, so it's important to call a professional HVAC technician for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.

First, shut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then turn off your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also may 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. Besides, 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 Clean Air HVAC to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Pacheco, California, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Pacheco, California, HVAC company—Clean Air HVAC. Our trained technicians know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your system is running smoothly. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 925-267-6219 today for gas valve replacement services from Clean Air HVAC.