Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is a vital part of keeping your home comfortable, protected and cost-effective. The gas valve is an often overlooked part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, ACE Solutions will break down the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or planning ahead, this guide for Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at ACE Solutions.

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

First, it's important to know what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. 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 generate heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. While replacement price can change based on the model of furnace and if any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $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 the energy source for combustion. Without adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a bad flame sensor, a malfunction in the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to contact 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 concern—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. 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 ACE Solutions for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes 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. A valve issue also could force your furnace to shut down to prevent creating a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, so it's important to reach out to a qualified heating expert 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 crucial that you take action immediately.

First, turn off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then turn off your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk 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 work isn’t a DIY job. In addition, when it comes to deciding between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call ACE Solutions to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, HVAC company—ACE Solutions. Our experienced professionals know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, perform the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your furnace is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 201-426-0650 today for gas valve replacement services from ACE Solutions.