Knowing 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 overlooked part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Total Assurance AC & Heating will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or planning ahead, this guide for Corpus Christi, Texas, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Total Assurance AC & Heating.

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

To start, 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 can't make any heat.

Also a beneficial 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 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 roughly $300–800.

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 can't ignite. 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 might also indicate  other mechanical issues, such as a damaged sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. 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 clear sign of a gas valve problem is a gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can create a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Total Assurance AC & 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 instead of running a full cycle. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve failure also could cause your furnace to stop to prevent creating a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, 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 think your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, cut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to repair 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 work isn’t a task for someone without specialized tools and training. 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 Total Assurance AC & Heating to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Corpus Christi, Texas, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Corpus Christi, Texas, HVAC company—Total Assurance AC & Heating. Our HVAC experts know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, handle the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your heating equipment is running at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or provide furnace installation service to help you replace your outdated heating system.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 361-446-6925 today for gas valve replacement services from Total Assurance AC & Heating.