Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is an essential part of keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Durable Service will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Holdrege, Nebraska, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Durable Service.

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

First, it's important to learn what a furnace gas valve is and what it controls. The furnace gas valve regulates the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, allowing the combustion process to occur and make heat. If gas flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also a beneficial 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. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Although replacement price can change based on the model 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 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 the energy source for combustion. Without enough 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical issues, such as a bad flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to reach out to 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 your furnace won't start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One serious sign of a gas valve problem 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, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then contact Durable Service for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace starts, but then quickly stops instead of going through its full cycle. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. A valve issue also could cause your furnace to shut down to prevent causing a gas leak.

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

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

If you think your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, shut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can create a deadly gas leak if not done right and also has the potential to 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 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 fixing the broken one. 

Call Durable Service to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Holdrege, Nebraska, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Holdrege, Nebraska, HVAC company—Durable Service. Our HVAC experts 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 heating equipment is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 308-995-8177 today for gas valve replacement services from Durable Service.