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 under appreciated part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace won’t run properly.

In this blog, Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning will break down the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or planning ahead, this guide for Derby, Connecticut, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning.

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

First, it's important to learn 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, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. While replacement price depends on the kind 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 indications 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 proper gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Sometimes, homeowners also notice 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 might also indicate  other mechanical issues, such as a faulty flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you experience these problems, it's important to call 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One serious sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then contact Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes 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 shut down 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 reach out to a qualified heating expert 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, shut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve without a professional. 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 malfunctioning in some other way—gas valve work isn’t a task for someone without specialized tools and training. Plus, 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 Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Derby, Connecticut, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Derby, Connecticut, HVAC company—Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure 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 offer furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 203-941-5099 today for gas valve replacement services from Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning.