Knowing 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 overlooked part of your heating system—and without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Air Masters Heating & Cooling will share the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or planning ahead, this guide for Port Orchard, Washington, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Air Masters Heating & Cooling.

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

To start, 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 produce heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. Though replacement price depends on the kind 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 clues 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 is what fuels the burner. Without enough gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Sometimes, 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 issues, such as a damaged sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you notice these signs, 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 start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Gas Leak

One major sign of a gas valve problem is a noticeable gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can create a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Air Masters Heating & Cooling 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 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 prevent causing a gas leak.

At the same time, 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 You Think Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?

If you think your furnace gas valve has malfunctioned, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, shut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then turn off your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also could void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or isn't working for another reason—gas valve work isn’t a DIY job. Plus, when it comes to comparing options between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call Air Masters Heating & Cooling to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Port Orchard, Washington, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Port Orchard, Washington, HVAC company—Air Masters Heating & Cooling. Our HVAC experts know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, 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 old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 360-233-2573 today for gas valve replacement services from Air Masters Heating & Cooling.