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 won’t run properly.

In this blog, Parker County Cooling & Heating will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or thinking proactively, this guide for Weatherford, Texas, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Parker County Cooling & Heating.

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 is responsible for. 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 make heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Although 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 roughly $300–800.

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 is what fuels the burner. Without proper gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. 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 breakdowns, such as a bad flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you experience these problems, it's important to call a certified HVAC technician for an inspection. They'll professionally diagnose 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 clear sign of a gas valve problem is a strong odor of gas in your residence. 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, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then contact Parker County Cooling & Heating for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace runs in short bursts instead of running a full cycle. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve malfunction also could trigger your furnace to stop to prevent causing a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, 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 has malfunctioned, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, cut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then shut down your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve without a professional. 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 isn't working for another reason—gas valve work isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. In addition, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call Parker County Cooling & Heating to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Weatherford, Texas, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Weatherford, Texas, HVAC company—Parker County Cooling & Heating. 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 furnace is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or connect you with furnace installation service to help you replace your old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 817-587-4899 today for gas valve replacement services from Parker County Cooling & Heating.