Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a critical part of keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Luikart Heating & Cooling will break down the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or thinking proactively, this guide for Newark, Ohio, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Luikart Heating & Cooling.

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

First, 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, enabling the combustion process to occur and generate 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. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Though replacement price can change based on the type of furnace and whether any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

Furnace Not Igniting

One of the signs 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 proper gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Occasionally, 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a damaged sensor, an issue 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 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 serious sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Luikart Heating & Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes 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. The valve failure also could force your furnace to turn off to avoid causing a gas leak.

However, 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 critical to take the situation seriously.

First, shut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then turn off your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk 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. Plus, when it comes to comparing options between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call Luikart Heating & Cooling to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Newark, Ohio, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Newark, Ohio, HVAC company—Luikart Heating & Cooling. 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 smoothly. To save even more power, we can even match 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 740-344-5497 today for gas valve replacement services from Luikart Heating & Cooling.