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 under appreciated part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Holbrook, New York, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation.

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

To start, it's important to learn what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. The furnace gas valve controls the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, enabling the combustion process to occur and produce heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Although replacement price depends on the model of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, 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 provides fuel for the flame. Without adequate 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a bad flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you experience these problems, it's important to reach out to 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 your furnace won't light.

Gas Leak

One major sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a noticeable 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, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is 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 produce inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could cause your furnace to turn off to avoid causing 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 When 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, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then turn off your furnace. Don’t try to repair the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also might 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 DIY job. In addition, 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 repairing it. 

Call Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Holbrook, New York, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Holbrook, New York, HVAC company—Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation. Our experienced professionals know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your heating equipment is running efficiently again. 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 631-802-6021 today for gas valve replacement services from Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation.