Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a critical part of keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Oxford, Mississippi, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

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

To start, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. 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 produce heat. If gas flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. Although replacement price varies depending on the kind of furnace and whether any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

The Furnace Won't Light

One of the indications 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 provides fuel for the flame. Without proper gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. 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 damaged sensor, an issue with 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 professionally diagnose whether the problem a thermocouple vs gas valve issue, or if there's another reason the furnace won't ignite.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One clear sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a strong odor of gas in your residence. 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, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then phone Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace runs in short bursts instead of running a full cycle. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve malfunction also could trigger your furnace to turn off to avoid creating a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to reach out to a qualified heating expert 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 crucial that you take action immediately.

First, cut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also has the potential to void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or has some other issue—gas valve work isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. Plus, when it comes to deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Oxford, Mississippi, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Oxford, Mississippi, HVAC company—Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, 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 make sure your furnace is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or provide furnace installation service to help you replace your outdated heating system.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 662-281-1231 today for gas valve replacement services from Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.