Understanding 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 under appreciated part of your heating system—and without it, your furnace won’t run properly.

In this blog, Wallpe Heating & Cooling will break down the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Greensburg, Indiana, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Wallpe Heating & Cooling.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and What Does It Do?

First, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. The furnace gas valve manages the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, enabling the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Though replacement price depends on the model of furnace and whether any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

The Furnace Won't Light

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. Sometimes, 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 might also indicate  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you notice these signs, 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One serious sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then contact Wallpe Heating & Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of running a full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could force your furnace to turn off to avoid creating a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to call a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

What to Do When Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?

If you believe your furnace gas valve has malfunctioned, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, turn off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also could 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 good do-it-yourself task. 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 fixing it. 

Call Wallpe Heating & Cooling to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Greensburg, Indiana, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Greensburg, Indiana, HVAC company—Wallpe Heating & Cooling. 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 furnace is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your outdated heating system.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 812-663-7252 today for gas valve replacement services from Wallpe Heating & Cooling.