Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a vital part of keeping your home comfortable, protected and cost-effective. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Balance Point Heating & Cooling will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Harrisonville, Missouri, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Balance Point Heating & Cooling.

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

To start, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it controls. The furnace gas valve manages 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 won't give off any heat.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. Although replacement price can change based on the type of furnace and whether any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

The Furnace Won't Light

One of the indications 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 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical issues, such as a faulty flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to contact 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One serious sign of a gas valve problem is a gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can create a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then phone Balance Point Heating & Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of going through its full cycle. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could cause your furnace to turn off to prevent causing a gas leak.

That said, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, so it's important to call a licensed furnace specialist 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 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 repair the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can create a deadly gas leak if not done right 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 work isn’t a DIY job. In addition, when it comes to deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call Balance Point Heating & Cooling to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Harrisonville, Missouri, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Harrisonville, Missouri, HVAC company—Balance Point Heating & Cooling. Our experienced professionals 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 ensure your system is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 816-265-0448 today for gas valve replacement services from Balance Point Heating & Cooling.