Understanding 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 under appreciated part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace won’t run properly.

In this blog, Forster Heating 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 Auburn, California, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Forster Heating.

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

First, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it controls. The furnace gas valve controls the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed 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 varies depending on the type of furnace and if any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $800.

The Furnace Won't Light

One of the indications 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 adequate 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a bad flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to call 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 broken furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an urgent safety risk. 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 phone Forster Heating for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

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 is because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve issue also could force your furnace to shut down 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 licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve has malfunctioned, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.

First, cut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then shut down your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk 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 repair isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. 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 Forster Heating to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Auburn, California, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Auburn, California, HVAC company—Forster Heating. Our experienced professionals 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 make sure your system is running smoothly. To save even more power, we can even match your system with one of our smart thermostats or provide furnace installation service to help you replace your outdated heating system.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 530-903-5878 today for gas valve replacement services from Forster Heating.