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 ignored part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace won’t run properly.

In this blog, Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning will break down the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or planning ahead, this guide for Bishop, California, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and How Long Does It Last?

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

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed 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 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.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

One of the signs 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 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 breakdowns, such as a damaged sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you experience these problems, 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 your furnace won't light.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One serious sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can create 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 Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of running a full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. The valve malfunction also could trigger your furnace to shut down to prevent causing a gas leak.

That said, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to seek out a qualified heating expert for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also might 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 task for someone without specialized tools and training. In addition, when it comes to comparing options between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Bishop, California, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Bishop, California, HVAC company—Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning. 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 furnace is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your outdated heating system.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 760-938-9833 today for gas valve replacement services from Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning.