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

In this blog, McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for McPherson, Kansas, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing.

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

First, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. The furnace gas valve manages the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. While replacement price varies depending on the model of furnace and whether 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 clues 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 proper 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a faulty flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you experience these problems, it's important to reach out to a certified HVAC technician for an inspection. They'll safely determine whether the problem a thermocouple vs gas valve issue, or if there's another reason the furnace won't ignite.

Gas Leak

One clear sign of a gas valve problem is a gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then contact McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace runs in short bursts instead of going through its full cycle. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could trigger your furnace to turn off to prevent causing a gas leak.

That said, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, so it's important to seek out a qualified heating expert for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.

First, cut 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 repair isn’t a task for someone without specialized tools and training. Besides, when it comes to comparing options between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the McPherson, Kansas, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional McPherson, Kansas, HVAC company—McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing. Our trained technicians know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your system is running smoothly. 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 outdated heating system.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 620-206-2886 today for gas valve replacement services from McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing.