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

In this blog, Watts Electric & AC will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or planning ahead, this guide for Columbia, Mississippi, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Watts Electric & AC.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and How Long Does It Last?

To start, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. The furnace gas valve controls the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, allowing the combustion process to occur and generate heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Although replacement price varies depending on the type of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, 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 adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Sometimes, 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 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 start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Gas Leak

One major 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 potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then contact Watts Electric & AC 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 rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could cause your furnace to power off to prevent creating a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to call 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, turn off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly 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 deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Watts Electric & AC to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Columbia, Mississippi, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Columbia, Mississippi, HVAC company—Watts Electric & AC. Our trained technicians know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your heating equipment is running at peak performance. 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 outdated heating system.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 601-736-7362 today for gas valve replacement services from Watts Electric & AC.