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 won’t run properly.

In this blog, H&C Heating and Cooling will break down the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Laurel, Maryland, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at H&C Heating and Cooling.

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

To start, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. 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 generate heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. While 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.

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 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 might also indicate  other mechanical issues, such as a faulty flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you experience these problems, it's important to reach out to 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 light.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One clear sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—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 reach out to H&C Heating and 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 starts, but then quickly stops instead of going through its full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve issue also could force your furnace to turn off to avoid causing a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to reach out to a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you believe your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then shut down your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also might void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or isn't working for another reason—gas valve work isn’t a task for someone without specialized tools and training. 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 the broken one. 

Call H&C Heating and Cooling to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Laurel, Maryland, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Laurel, Maryland, HVAC company—H&C Heating and Cooling. Our experienced professionals know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your furnace is running smoothly. To save even more power, we can even connect 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 301-235-2937 today for gas valve replacement services from H&C Heating and Cooling.