Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is an essential part of keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient. The gas valve is an often overlooked part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, HCE Systems will highlight 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 Norton, Virginia, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at HCE Systems.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and How Long Does It Last?

To start, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. The furnace gas valve controls the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, allowing the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Though replacement price varies depending on the kind of furnace and whether 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 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 won’t start up. Occasionally, homeowners also report 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 malfunction in the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to contact 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 light.

Gas Leak

One clear sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can create a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then phone HCE Systems for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace starts, but then quickly stops rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve malfunction also could trigger your furnace to power off to avoid causing 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 is broken, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, turn off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to repair the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly 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 work isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. Plus, 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 HCE Systems to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Norton, Virginia, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Norton, Virginia, HVAC company—HCE Systems. Our trained technicians know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your heating equipment is running smoothly. 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 compromise your safety or comfort. Call 276-212-1358 today for gas valve replacement services from HCE Systems.