Knowing 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 overlooked part of your heating system—and without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Air-Right Energy Design will highlight the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or planning ahead, this guide for Manassas, Virginia, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Air-Right Energy Design.

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 is responsible for. 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 can't make any heat.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Although replacement price varies depending on the model of furnace and whether any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

One of the clues 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 what fuels the burner. Without proper 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical issues, such as a faulty flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to call 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.

Gas Leak

One clear sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a strong odor of gas in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then contact Air-Right Energy Design 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 running a full cycle. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve failure also could trigger your furnace to power off to avoid causing a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to seek out a licensed furnace specialist 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 prevent any further risk, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can create a deadly gas leak if not done right and also may void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or malfunctioning in some other way—gas valve work isn’t a DIY job. In addition, 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 it. 

Call Air-Right Energy Design to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Manassas, Virginia, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Manassas, Virginia, HVAC company—Air-Right Energy Design. 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 ensure your system is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even match your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 703-260-9467 today for gas valve replacement services from Air-Right Energy Design.