Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is a vital part of keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient. The gas valve is an often overlooked part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Patterson & Stirling will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Fairview, Pennsylvania, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Patterson & Stirling.

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

To begin, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. The furnace gas valve controls the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, enabling the combustion process to occur and generate heat. If gas flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

Also an important 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 a decade or two. Though replacement price depends on the model of furnace and whether any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $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 proper 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical issues, such as a faulty flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you notice these signs, 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 serious sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can create 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 phone Patterson & Stirling for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

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

However, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to call a qualified heating expert for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, turn off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then shut down your furnace. Don’t try to repair the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also could 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 DIY job. In addition, when it comes to deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Patterson & Stirling to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Fairview, Pennsylvania, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Fairview, Pennsylvania, HVAC company—Patterson & Stirling. 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 make sure your heating equipment is running efficiently again. 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 old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 814-739-6977 today for gas valve replacement services from Patterson & Stirling.