Knowing 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—and without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, The Chilly Pig will highlight the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Cocoa, Florida, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at The Chilly Pig.

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

First, it's important to learn what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. The furnace gas valve manages 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 can't make any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. While replacement price varies depending on the kind of furnace and whether any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

Furnace Not Igniting

One of the clues 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 the energy source for combustion. Without proper gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. 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 damaged sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. 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 your furnace won't light.

Gas Leak

One clear sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a strong odor of gas in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can cause 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 The Chilly Pig for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

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

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to seek out a professional HVAC technician 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 has malfunctioned, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, shut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then turn off your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also could 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 task for someone without specialized tools and training. Besides, when it comes to comparing options between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call The Chilly Pig to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Cocoa, Florida, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Cocoa, Florida, HVAC company—The Chilly Pig. Our trained technicians know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your heating equipment 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 aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 321-205-1234 today for gas valve replacement services from The Chilly Pig.