Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is an essential part of keeping your home safe, cozy and energy smart. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Freed Heating & Air Conditioning will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or thinking proactively, this guide for Moline, Illinois, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning.

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

First, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. The furnace gas valve regulates the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and make heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

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

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. 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 might also indicate  other mechanical issues, such as a damaged sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you notice these signs, 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One major sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a gas smell 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 carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Freed Heating & Air Conditioning 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 produce inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could trigger your furnace to power off to avoid creating a gas leak.

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

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

If you believe your furnace gas valve has malfunctioned, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, cut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can create a deadly gas leak if not done right and also has the potential to void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or isn't working for another reason—gas valve repair isn’t a DIY job. In addition, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call Freed Heating & Air Conditioning to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Moline, Illinois, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Moline, Illinois, HVAC company—Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. Our experienced professionals know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your system is running smoothly. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or connect you with furnace installation service to help you replace your old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 309-865-5115 today for gas valve replacement services from Freed Heating & Air Conditioning.