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

In this blog, LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or thinking proactively, this guide for Paxinos, Pennsylvania, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc..

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

First, 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, 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 an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. While replacement price depends on the model 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 signs 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 is the energy source for combustion. Without enough gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a bad flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. 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 start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Gas Leak

One serious sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a strong odor of gas coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace runs in short bursts instead of going through its full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could cause your furnace to power off to avoid creating a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to call a qualified heating expert 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 is broken, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.

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 create a deadly gas leak if not done right 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. Besides, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Paxinos, Pennsylvania, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Paxinos, Pennsylvania, HVAC company—LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. Our trained technicians know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your heating equipment is running at peak performance. 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 outdated heating system.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 570-648-0748 today for gas valve replacement services from LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc..