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—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Woody's Sudden Service will share the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or planning ahead, this guide for Manassas Park, Virginia, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Woody's Sudden Service.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and Why is It Important?

To begin, it's important to understand 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, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and make heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Although replacement price depends on the type 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 indications 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 the energy source for combustion. Without adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Sometimes, 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 also could be signs 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 notice these signs, 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 gas valve problem is a strong odor of gas coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—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 Woody's Sudden Service for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of running a full cycle. This may be 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.

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

What to Do When 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, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk 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 repair isn’t a task for someone without specialized tools and training. In addition, 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 repairing it. 

Call Woody's Sudden Service to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Manassas Park, Virginia, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Manassas Park, Virginia, HVAC company—Woody's Sudden Service. Our HVAC experts know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, handle the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your system is running at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even match your system with one of our smart thermostats or connect you with furnace installation service to help you replace your old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 703-291-0095 today for gas valve replacement services from Woody's Sudden Service.