Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is an essential part of keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, AZ Air Conditioning and Heating will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Sylmar, California, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and Why is It Important?

First, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. The furnace gas valve regulates the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, allowing the combustion process to occur and make heat. If gas flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

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

Furnace Not Igniting

One of the clues 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 proper 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical issues, such as a bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you notice these signs, it's important to reach out to 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 your furnace won't light.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One clear sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an emergency. 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 phone AZ Air Conditioning and Heating 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 rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could cause your furnace to stop to avoid creating a gas leak.

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

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

If you think your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, cut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to repair the valve yourself. 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 malfunctioning in some other way—gas valve repair isn’t a DIY job. Besides, when it comes to comparing options between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call AZ Air Conditioning and Heating to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Sylmar, California, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Sylmar, California, HVAC company—AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. Our HVAC experts know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, perform the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your system is running at peak performance. 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 (877) 559-6081 today for gas valve replacement services from AZ Air Conditioning and Heating.