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

In this blog, Olde Towne Heating & Air will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or thinking proactively, this guide for Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Olde Towne Heating & Air.

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

First, it's important to learn what a furnace gas valve is and what it controls. The furnace gas valve controls 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 designed to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. Although replacement price varies depending on the model of furnace and whether any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

One of the clues 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 won’t start up. 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a damaged sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you experience these problems, it's important to call 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 your furnace won't start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Gas Leak

One clear sign of a gas valve problem is a strong odor of gas in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can cause a 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 Olde Towne Heating & Air 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 might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve failure also could force your furnace to shut down to prevent creating a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, 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 suspect your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, cut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then turn off your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk 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 repair isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. Besides, 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 Olde Towne Heating & Air to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, HVAC company—Olde Towne Heating & Air. Our experienced professionals know just 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 furnace is running smoothly. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or provide furnace installation service to help you replace your outdated heating system.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 843-806-2049 today for gas valve replacement services from Olde Towne Heating & Air.