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 under appreciated part of your heating system—and without it, your furnace won’t run properly.

In this blog, County Line Mechanical LLC will break down the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Reinholds, Pennsylvania, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at County Line Mechanical LLC.

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

To begin, 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 flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. While replacement price depends on the model 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 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 the energy source for combustion. Without proper 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 faulty flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you notice these signs, it's important to reach out to 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One major sign of a gas valve problem is a strong odor of gas in your residence. 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, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then phone County Line Mechanical LLC for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace runs in short bursts rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. The valve issue also could force your furnace to power off to avoid causing a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to seek out a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve has malfunctioned, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, shut 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 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 DIY job. Plus, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call County Line Mechanical LLC to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Reinholds, Pennsylvania, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Reinholds, Pennsylvania, HVAC company—County Line Mechanical LLC. 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 make sure your heating equipment is running at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or provide furnace installation service to help you replace your old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 717-583-8648 today for gas valve replacement services from County Line Mechanical LLC.