Understanding 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 can’t function.

In this blog, The Frazier Company will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or thinking proactively, this guide for Omaha, Nebraska, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at The Frazier Company.

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

First, it's important to understand 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 make heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. Although replacement price depends on the model of furnace and whether any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $800.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

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 provides fuel for the flame. Without adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Sometimes, 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical issues, such as a faulty flame 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 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 Leak

One major sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. 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 phone The Frazier Company for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace starts, but then quickly stops instead of running a full cycle. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve issue also could force your furnace to turn off to avoid causing a gas leak.

That said, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to call a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you think 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 shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also might 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. In addition, when it comes to deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call The Frazier Company to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Omaha, Nebraska, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Omaha, Nebraska, HVAC company—The Frazier Company. Our experienced professionals know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your system 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 aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 402-581-9502 today for gas valve replacement services from The Frazier Company.