Understanding 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—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning will break down the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or planning ahead, this guide for Mission Viejo, California, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning.

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, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and generate 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 shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Though replacement price can change based on the model of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $800.

Furnace Not Igniting

One of the clues 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 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a damaged 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One clear sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a strong odor of gas coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then phone 1st Choice 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 runs in short bursts instead of going through its full cycle. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve issue also could trigger your furnace to stop to avoid creating a gas leak.

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

First, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also has the potential to void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or has some other issue—gas valve repair isn’t a task for someone without specialized tools and training. Besides, when it comes to deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Mission Viejo, California, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Mission Viejo, California, HVAC company—1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. Our experienced professionals know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure 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 offer furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 949-762-8644 today for gas valve replacement services from 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning.