Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a vital part of keeping your home comfortable, protected and cost-effective. The gas valve is an often overlooked part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.
In this blog, Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Chillicothe, Missouri, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating.
What is a Furnace Gas Valve and Why is It Important?
To start, it's important to learn 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, enabling the combustion process to occur and generate heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.
Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Though replacement price varies depending on the model of furnace and if 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 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 proper gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Occasionally, homeowners also hear 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 damaged sensor, a problem with 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 professionally diagnose whether the problem a thermocouple vs gas valve issue, or if there's another reason your furnace won't light.
Gas Smell Coming from Furnace
One serious sign of a gas valve problem is a noticeable gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can create a 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 Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating for emergency furnace repair.
Furnace is Short Cycling
Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of going through its full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could force your furnace to stop to avoid 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 Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?
If you think your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.
First, shut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then turn off your furnace. Don’t try 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 task for someone without specialized tools and training. Plus, 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 repairing it.
Call Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Chillicothe, Missouri, Winter
To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Chillicothe, Missouri, HVAC company—Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating. Our trained technicians know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, 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 compromise your safety or comfort. Call 660-646-0540 today for gas valve replacement services from Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating.