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 ignored part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.
In this blog, Kapaun & Brown will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Marshalltown, Iowa, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Kapaun & Brown.
What is a Furnace Gas Valve and Why is It Important?
First, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. The furnace gas valve regulates the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and make heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.
Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Though replacement price depends on the type of furnace and if any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.
Your Furnace Won't Ignite
One of the signs it could be time 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. 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 breakdowns, such as a faulty flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you are dealing with these issues, 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 your furnace won't start or the pilot light won't stay lit.
Furnace Smells Like Gas
One major sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can lead to 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 Kapaun & Brown for emergency furnace repair.
Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping
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 cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve issue also could cause your furnace to power off to prevent causing a gas leak.
However, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to reach out to a professional HVAC technician for evaluation and possible furnace repair.
What to Do If You Think Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?
If you believe your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.
First, turn off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to repair the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can create a deadly gas leak if not done right and also could 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 good do-it-yourself task. In addition, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it.
Call Kapaun & Brown to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Marshalltown, Iowa, Cold
To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Marshalltown, Iowa, HVAC company—Kapaun & Brown. Our experienced professionals 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 smoothly. 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 old, unsafe furnace.
Don’t put your home at risk. Call 641-321-6747 today for gas valve replacement services from Kapaun & Brown.