Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a vital part of keeping your home comfortable, protected and cost-effective. The gas valve is an often overlooked part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace won’t run properly.

In this blog, Superior Comfort Systems will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Hendersonville, North Carolina, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Superior Comfort Systems.

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

To begin, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. 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 make heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. While replacement price depends on the model of furnace and if any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $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 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 damaged sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you experience these problems, it's important to reach out to 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Gas Leak

One major sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—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 Superior Comfort Systems 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 may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could trigger your furnace to turn off to prevent causing a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to seek out 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 believe your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, cut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then turn off your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can create a deadly gas leak if not done right 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 work isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. Besides, 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 the broken one. 

Call Superior Comfort Systems to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Hendersonville, North Carolina, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Hendersonville, North Carolina, HVAC company—Superior Comfort Systems. Our trained technicians know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, perform the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your heating equipment 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 aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 828-492-3596 today for gas valve replacement services from Superior Comfort Systems.