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—and without it, your furnace won’t run properly.
In this blog, Custom Air Systems will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Bridgeport, Connecticut, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Custom Air Systems.
What is a Furnace Gas Valve and How Long Does It Last?
First, it's important to learn 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 make heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.
Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. Although replacement price depends on the kind of furnace and whether any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $800.
The Furnace Won't Light
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 enough gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Occasionally, 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 damaged sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you are dealing with these issues, 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 start or the pilot light won't stay lit.
Furnace Smells Like Gas
One serious 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 potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can create 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 phone Custom Air Systems for emergency furnace repair.
Furnace is Short Cycling
Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace runs in short bursts rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could force your furnace to turn off to prevent causing 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 believe your furnace gas valve has malfunctioned, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.
First, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also could 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. Plus, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one.
Call Custom Air Systems to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Bridgeport, Connecticut, Chill
To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Bridgeport, Connecticut, HVAC company—Custom Air Systems. Our HVAC experts 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 heating equipment 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 outdated heating system.
Don’t delay critical repairs. Call (203) 333-1906 today for gas valve replacement services from Custom Air Systems.