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 overlooked part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace won’t run properly.

In this blog, Farnell Mechanical, Inc. will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Opelika, Alabama, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Farnell Mechanical, Inc..

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and Why is It Important?

To start, it's important to understand 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, providing the fuel necessary for 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 key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Though replacement price varies depending on the kind of furnace and if any other components need fixing, 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 can't ignite. 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  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 call 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One serious sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a strong odor of gas coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an emergency. 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 reach out to Farnell Mechanical, Inc. for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace runs in short bursts instead of running a full cycle. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve malfunction also could force your furnace to power off to avoid causing a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to seek out a professional HVAC technician for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

What to Do If 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 stop the flow of gas, then shut down your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also may void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or isn't working for another reason—gas valve repair isn’t a task for someone without specialized tools and training. Plus, when it comes to deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Farnell Mechanical, Inc. to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Opelika, Alabama, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Opelika, Alabama, HVAC company—Farnell Mechanical, Inc.. Our experienced professionals know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, perform the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your heating equipment is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even match your system with one of our smart thermostats or provide furnace installation service to help you replace your old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 334-524-2458 today for gas valve replacement services from Farnell Mechanical, Inc..