Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is a critical part of keeping your home comfortable, protected and cost-effective. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or planning ahead, this guide for Alliance, Nebraska, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces.

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

To start, it's important to learn 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 produce 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 designed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Though replacement price depends on the kind of furnace and whether any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

The Furnace Won't Light

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. 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 bad flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or low gas pressure. 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 your furnace won't light.

Gas Leak

One clear sign of a gas valve problem is a noticeable gas smell coming from your furnace. 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, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace starts, but then quickly stops rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve failure 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 professional HVAC technician for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

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

First, turn off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also may void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or malfunctioning in some other way—gas valve work isn’t a DIY job. 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 Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Alliance, Nebraska, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Alliance, Nebraska, HVAC company—Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces. Our experienced professionals know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your furnace is running efficiently again. 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 outdated heating system.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 308-762-1613 today for gas valve replacement services from Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces.