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

In this blog, Covington Air Systems will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or thinking proactively, this guide for Oxford, Georgia, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Covington Air Systems.

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

To begin, it's important to learn 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, enabling the combustion process to occur and generate heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Although replacement price can change based on the type of furnace and if any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

Furnace Not Igniting

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 what fuels the burner. Without adequate 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical issues, such as a damaged sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you notice these signs, 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 your furnace won't start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One major sign of a gas valve problem is a gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then contact Covington Air Systems for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace starts, but then quickly stops instead of running a full cycle. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve malfunction also could trigger your furnace to turn off to prevent creating a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to call 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 suspect 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 attempt to fix the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly 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 good do-it-yourself task. In addition, 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 fixing it. 

Call Covington Air Systems to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Oxford, Georgia, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Oxford, Georgia, HVAC company—Covington Air Systems. Our trained technicians know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your system is running at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or connect you with furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 770-766-8015 today for gas valve replacement services from Covington Air Systems.