Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a critical part of keeping your home safe, cozy and energy smart. The gas valve is an often overlooked part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or planning ahead, this guide for Rockford, Illinois, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and What Does It Do?

To start, it's important to know 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, enabling the combustion process to occur and generate heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a key 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 10 to 20 years on average. Although replacement price depends on the kind 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 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 the energy source for combustion. Without enough gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. 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 issues, such as a faulty flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to call 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.

Gas Leak

One major sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—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 Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is 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 issue also could cause your furnace to power off 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 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 has malfunctioned, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then shut down your furnace. Don’t try to repair 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 task for someone without specialized tools and training. Besides, 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 Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Rockford, Illinois, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Rockford, Illinois, HVAC company—Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your system is running smoothly. 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 (815) 914-6197 today for gas valve replacement services from Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling.