Understanding 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 under appreciated part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Air Temperature Control will break down the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or planning ahead, this guide for Macon, Georgia, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Air Temperature Control.

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

To start, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it controls. The furnace gas valve manages the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, allowing 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 key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Though replacement price varies depending on the type of furnace and whether any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

The Furnace Won't Light

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 is what fuels the burner. Without adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. 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 breakdowns, such as a faulty flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you are dealing with these issues, 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 clear sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—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 Air Temperature Control 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 running a full cycle. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. The valve malfunction also could force your furnace to stop to avoid causing a gas leak.

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

What to Do When Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?

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

First, cut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can create a deadly gas leak if not done right 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 DIY job. In addition, 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 Air Temperature Control to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Macon, Georgia, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Macon, Georgia, HVAC company—Air Temperature Control. Our trained technicians know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your furnace 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 compromise your safety or comfort. Call 478-339-3882 today for gas valve replacement services from Air Temperature Control.