Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is an essential part of keeping your home comfortable, protected and cost-effective. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Stanford Heating & Cooling will break down the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Bloomfield, Indiana, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Stanford Heating & Cooling.

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

First, it's important to learn 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, allowing the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Although replacement price depends on the model of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

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 provides fuel for the flame. Without enough gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Occasionally, homeowners also report 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 breakdowns, such as a faulty flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you notice these signs, 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 your furnace won't start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One clear sign of a gas valve problem is a strong odor of gas coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—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 reach out to Stanford Heating & Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is 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 issue also could force your furnace to turn off to avoid creating a gas leak.

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

First, turn off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then turn off your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve without a professional. 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 has some other issue—gas valve repair isn’t a DIY job. In addition, 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 it. 

Call Stanford Heating & Cooling to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Bloomfield, Indiana, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Bloomfield, Indiana, HVAC company—Stanford Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your furnace is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even match your system with one of our smart thermostats or provide furnace installation service to help you replace your old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 812-825-8695 today for gas valve replacement services from Stanford Heating & Cooling.