Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is a critical 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 won’t run properly.

In this blog, Rescue Heating & Air will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Texas, Texas, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Rescue Heating & Air.

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

To begin, it's important to know 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, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. Though replacement price varies depending on the kind of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

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 the energy source for combustion. Without proper 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a bad flame 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 accurately assess whether the problem a thermocouple vs gas valve issue, or if there's another reason the furnace won't ignite.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One major sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can create a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Rescue Heating & Air for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

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 might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could cause your furnace to stop to avoid creating a gas leak.

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

If you think your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.

First, cut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then turn off your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also may 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 good do-it-yourself task. Besides, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Rescue Heating & Air to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Texas, Texas, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Texas, Texas, HVAC company—Rescue Heating & Air. Our HVAC experts know exactly 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 smoothly. To save even more power, we can even match your system with one of our smart thermostats or connect you with furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 361-603-4784 today for gas valve replacement services from Rescue Heating & Air.