Understanding 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 overlooked part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Ilten's will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or planning ahead, this guide for Cedar Rapids, Iowa, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Ilten's.

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

To begin, it's important to learn 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, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Although replacement price can change based on the type of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $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 is what fuels the burner. Without proper gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Occasionally, 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical issues, such as a faulty flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Gas Leak

One major sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a strong odor of gas in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Ilten's 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 going through its full cycle. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could force your furnace to shut down to avoid creating a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to reach out to a qualified heating expert for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve has malfunctioned, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, shut off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve on your own. 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 isn't working for another reason—gas valve work isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. Plus, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing it. 

Call Ilten's to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Cedar Rapids, Iowa, HVAC company—Ilten's. Our experienced professionals know exactly 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 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 319-343-5158 today for gas valve replacement services from Ilten's.