Understanding 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—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or planning ahead, this guide for Northridge, California, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating.

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

To start, it's important to learn 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, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and generate heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Although replacement price can change based on the type of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

The Furnace Won't Light

One of the indications 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 enough gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Occasionally, homeowners also notice 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 insufficient fuel supply. If you experience these problems, it's important to call a certified HVAC technician for an inspection. They'll accurately assess whether the problem a thermocouple vs gas valve issue, or if there's another reason your furnace won't start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One major sign of a gas valve problem 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 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 Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of going through its full cycle. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can produce inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could cause your furnace to stop to avoid causing a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to call a qualified heating expert for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

What to Do If You Think 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 avoid additional danger, then shut down 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 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 DIY job. In addition, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Northridge, California, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Northridge, California, HVAC company—Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating. Our trained technicians know just 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 furnace is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or connect you with furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call (818) 727-9993 today for gas valve replacement services from Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating.