Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a vital part of keeping your home safe, cozy and energy smart. The gas valve is an often under appreciated part of your heating system—and without it, your furnace can’t function.
In this blog, Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc. will highlight the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Gardnerville, Nevada, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc..
What is a Furnace Gas Valve and How Long Does It Last?
First, 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, allowing the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.
Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Though replacement price varies depending on the kind of furnace and if any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $800.
The Furnace Won't Light
One of the signs 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 adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Sometimes, 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 also could be signs of other mechanical issues, such as a bad flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you experience these problems, it's important to reach out to 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 gas valve problem is a gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc. for emergency furnace repair.
Furnace Keeps Short Cycling
Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace turns off and on frequently rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve issue also could force your furnace to power off to avoid creating a gas leak.
However, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, so it's important to reach out to a qualified heating expert 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 isn’t working properly, it’s important to act quickly and safely.
First, shut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then shut down your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve on your own. 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 has some other issue—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 fixing it.
Call Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc. to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Gardnerville, Nevada, Winter
To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Gardnerville, Nevada, HVAC company—Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc.. Our experienced professionals know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, 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 offer furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.
Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 775-782-0055 today for gas valve replacement services from Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc..