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 under appreciated part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Gilray Heating and Cooling will highlight the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Wausau, Wisconsin, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Gilray Heating and Cooling.

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

First, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. 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 make heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Though replacement price varies depending on the kind of furnace and whether any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

Furnace Not Igniting

One of the clues 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 is the energy source for combustion. Without adequate 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a faulty flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you experience these problems, it's important to contact 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 light.

Gas Leak

One serious sign of a gas valve problem is a strong odor of gas in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Gilray Heating and Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace runs in short bursts instead of going through its full cycle. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve issue also could force your furnace to power off to avoid causing a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, so it's important to seek out a qualified heating expert 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 has malfunctioned, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, turn off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then turn off your furnace. Don’t try to repair the valve yourself. 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 has some other issue—gas valve repair isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. In addition, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call Gilray Heating and Cooling to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Wausau, Wisconsin, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Wausau, Wisconsin, HVAC company—Gilray Heating and Cooling. Our experienced professionals know just 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 efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 715-515-7221 today for gas valve replacement services from Gilray Heating and Cooling.