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

In this blog, Northwest Services will break down the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Swanton, Ohio, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Northwest Services.

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

First, it's important to learn 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, allowing the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. 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 between $300 and $800.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

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 enough gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Occasionally, 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 might also indicate  other mechanical issues, such as a damaged sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. 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 your furnace won't start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One clear sign of a gas valve problem is a gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then phone Northwest Services for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace starts, but then quickly stops instead of running a full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve issue also could cause your furnace to stop to prevent creating a gas leak.

That said, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, so it's important to seek out a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

What to Do If You Think Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?

If you believe 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 create a deadly gas leak if not done right and also may 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 DIY job. In addition, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call Northwest Services to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Swanton, Ohio, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Swanton, Ohio, HVAC company—Northwest Services. Our trained technicians know exactly 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 furnace 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 aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 419-574-6033 today for gas valve replacement services from Northwest Services.