Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is a vital part of keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient. The gas valve is an often overlooked part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace won’t run properly.

In this blog, Point Heating & Cooling will break down the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or planning ahead, this guide for Plover, Wisconsin, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Point Heating & Cooling.

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

To begin, it's important to learn 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 produce heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. While replacement price can change based on the type of furnace and whether any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

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 bad flame sensor, an issue 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 accurately assess 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 clear sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a strong odor of gas coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an emergency. 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 Point Heating & Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps 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 produce inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could cause your furnace to power off to avoid creating a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to call a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you believe your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, turn off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then turn off your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also could 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. In addition, when it comes to comparing options between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call Point Heating & Cooling to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Plover, Wisconsin, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Plover, Wisconsin, HVAC company—Point Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians know exactly 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 system 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 old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 715-814-9741 today for gas valve replacement services from Point Heating & Cooling.