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 under appreciated part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Haselhoff Air Solutions will break down the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or planning ahead, this guide for Ames, Iowa, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Haselhoff Air Solutions.

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

To begin, it's important to learn what a furnace gas valve is and what it controls. The furnace gas valve controls 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 is unable to warm your home.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Though replacement price can change based on the model of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $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 enough gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Sometimes, 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical issues, such as a bad flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or low gas pressure. 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One major sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—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 phone Haselhoff Air Solutions for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of running a full cycle. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve malfunction also could cause your furnace to shut down to prevent creating a gas leak.

At the same time, 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 Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?

If you believe your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, cut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then turn off your furnace. Don’t try to repair the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can create a deadly gas leak if not done right and also may 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 deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call Haselhoff Air Solutions to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Ames, Iowa, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Ames, Iowa, HVAC company—Haselhoff Air Solutions. Our experienced professionals 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 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 outdated heating system.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 515-450-8739 today for gas valve replacement services from Haselhoff Air Solutions.