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

In this blog, Home Comfort Heating & Air will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or planning ahead, this guide for Elk River, Minnesota, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Home Comfort Heating & Air.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and What Does It Do?

To begin, it's important to learn what a furnace gas valve is and what it controls. The furnace gas valve regulates the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, allowing the combustion process to occur and make heat. If gas flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Though replacement price varies depending on the type of furnace and if any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $800.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

One of the indications 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 provides fuel for the flame. Without enough gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you experience these problems, it's important to call 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.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One serious sign of a gas valve problem is a noticeable gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then contact Home Comfort Heating & Air for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of going through its full cycle. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could trigger your furnace to power off to avoid creating a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to seek out 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 important to act quickly and safely.

First, turn off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also has the potential to void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or malfunctioning in some other way—gas valve repair isn’t a task for someone without specialized tools and training. In addition, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Home Comfort Heating & Air to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Elk River, Minnesota, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Elk River, Minnesota, HVAC company—Home Comfort Heating & Air. Our HVAC experts 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 furnace is running at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even connect 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 delay critical repairs. Call 763-276-0617 today for gas valve replacement services from Home Comfort Heating & Air.