Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a critical part of keeping your home safe, cozy and energy smart. The gas valve is an often overlooked part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, AW Heating & Air Conditioning will break down the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or thinking proactively, this guide for Lincoln, Nebraska, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at AW Heating & Air Conditioning.

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

To start, 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, allowing the combustion process to occur and make heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a key 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 10–20 years. Although replacement price can change based on the kind of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

One of the signs 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 provides fuel for the flame. Without enough gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. 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 faulty flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to call 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 Smell Coming from Furnace

One clear sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a strong odor of gas in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can create a 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 phone AW Heating & Air Conditioning for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace turns off and on frequently rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could cause your furnace to stop to prevent 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 professional HVAC technician for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve has malfunctioned, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, cut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then turn off your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also might void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or has some other issue—gas valve work isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. Plus, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call AW Heating & Air Conditioning to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Lincoln, Nebraska, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Lincoln, Nebraska, HVAC company—AW Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, handle the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your system is running at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or provide furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 402-438-7992 today for gas valve replacement services from AW Heating & Air Conditioning.