Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is a critical part of keeping your home comfortable, protected and cost-effective. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace won’t run properly.

In this blog, Prudhom Mechanical will break down the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or planning ahead, this guide for Edmond, Oklahoma, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Prudhom Mechanical.

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

To start, it's important to understand 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, enabling the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

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

Furnace Not Igniting

One of the clues 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 what fuels the burner. Without adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. 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 might also indicate  other mechanical issues, such as a damaged sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you experience these problems, it's important to reach out to 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Gas Leak

One clear sign of a gas valve problem is a noticeable gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then contact Prudhom Mechanical for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace starts, but then quickly stops instead of going through its full cycle. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve issue also could cause your furnace to power off to prevent creating a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to seek out a professional HVAC technician for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you think your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, turn off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve on your own. 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 repair isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. Besides, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Prudhom Mechanical to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Edmond, Oklahoma, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Edmond, Oklahoma, HVAC company—Prudhom Mechanical. Our experienced professionals know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your system 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 old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 405-294-4618 today for gas valve replacement services from Prudhom Mechanical.