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 under appreciated part of your heating system—and without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, B & B Heating & Cooling will break down the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or planning ahead, this guide for Florissant, Missouri, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at B & B Heating & Cooling.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and What Does It Do?

To begin, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. 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 produce heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also an important 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. Though replacement price can change based on the type of furnace and whether any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $800.

Furnace Not Igniting

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 can't ignite. Occasionally, 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a faulty flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or low gas pressure. 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.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One major sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to B & B Heating & Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace runs in short bursts instead of running a full cycle. This might be occurring 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 call a professional HVAC technician 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 important to act quickly and safely.

First, cut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then turn off your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk 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 repair isn’t a DIY job. In addition, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call B & B Heating & Cooling to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Florissant, Missouri, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Florissant, Missouri, HVAC company—B & B Heating & Cooling. Our HVAC experts know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, perform the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your furnace is running smoothly. 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 aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 314-668-8530 today for gas valve replacement services from B & B Heating & Cooling.