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

In this blog, Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. will share the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or planning ahead, this guide for Muskogee, Oklahoma, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc..

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

To begin, it's important to understand 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 make heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. While replacement price varies depending on the type of furnace and whether any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

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 is what fuels the burner. Without enough gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Occasionally, 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 damaged sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. 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 Leak

One major sign of a gas valve problem is a noticeable gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can cause a 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 Hix Air Conditioning Service, 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 running a full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve failure also could cause your furnace to shut down to prevent creating a gas leak.

That said, 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 When Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?

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

First, shut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also may void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or isn't working for another reason—gas valve work isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. In addition, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Muskogee, Oklahoma, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Muskogee, Oklahoma, HVAC company—Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.. Our trained technicians 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 efficiently again. 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 aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 918-682-8238 today for gas valve replacement services from Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc..