Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is an essential part of keeping your home safe, cozy and energy smart. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—and without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, JW Brager Heating and Cooling will break down the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at JW Brager Heating and Cooling.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and How Long Does It Last?

First, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. The furnace gas valve regulates the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, enabling the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. While replacement price can change based on the type of furnace and whether any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $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 proper gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Occasionally, 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 damaged sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you experience these problems, 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.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One serious 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 potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then phone JW Brager Heating and Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace starts, but then quickly stops instead of going through its full cycle. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. The valve malfunction also could force your furnace to turn off to prevent creating a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, so it's important to reach out to a qualified heating expert for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

What to Do If 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, cut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also has the potential to 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 task for someone without specialized tools and training. In addition, when it comes to deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call JW Brager Heating and Cooling to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, HVAC company—JW Brager Heating and Cooling. Our HVAC experts know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your furnace is running smoothly. To save even more power, we can even pair 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 608-523-9293 today for gas valve replacement services from JW Brager Heating and Cooling.