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

In this blog, Halverson Brothers Inc will share 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 Menomonie, Wisconsin, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Halverson Brothers Inc.

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 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 make heat. If gas can't flow, 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. Though replacement price varies depending on the kind of furnace and whether any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

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 proper gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Sometimes, homeowners also hear 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 bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you experience these problems, 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 Smell Coming from Furnace

One clear sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can lead to 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 Halverson Brothers Inc for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of going through its full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could trigger your furnace to turn off to avoid causing a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to reach out to a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you believe your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.

First, cut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also could 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. Besides, 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 Halverson Brothers Inc to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Menomonie, Wisconsin, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Menomonie, Wisconsin, HVAC company—Halverson Brothers Inc. Our HVAC experts know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, handle the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your heating equipment is running smoothly. 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 aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 715-578-8046 today for gas valve replacement services from Halverson Brothers Inc.