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

In this blog, Temp Control of Vero Beach will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Vero Beach, Florida, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Temp Control of Vero Beach.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and Why is It Important?

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, allowing the combustion process to occur and make 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 close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. While replacement price varies depending on the model of furnace and whether any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

The Furnace Won't Light

One of the signs 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 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a faulty flame 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 accurately assess whether the problem a thermocouple vs gas valve issue, or if there's another reason your furnace won't light.

Gas Leak

One major sign of a gas valve problem is a strong odor of gas coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then phone Temp Control of Vero Beach 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 instead of running a full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve issue also could trigger your furnace to turn off to prevent causing a gas leak.

That said, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to call a professional HVAC technician for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you believe your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, cut 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 create a deadly gas leak if not done right and also could 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 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 Temp Control of Vero Beach to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Vero Beach, Florida, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Vero Beach, Florida, HVAC company—Temp Control of Vero Beach. Our HVAC experts know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, handle the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your heating equipment is running at peak performance. 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 outdated heating system.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 772-356-0617 today for gas valve replacement services from Temp Control of Vero Beach.