Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is an essential part of keeping your home comfortable, protected and cost-effective. The gas valve is an often overlooked part of your heating system—and without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Myers Furnace Company will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or planning ahead, this guide for Belton, Missouri, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Myers Furnace Company.

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

To begin, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. The furnace gas valve manages the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and generate heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

Also a key 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. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Although replacement price varies depending on the type of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

The Furnace Won't Light

One of the indications 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 proper gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Occasionally, homeowners also hear 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 might also indicate  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a damaged sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you notice these signs, 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 start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One clear sign of a gas valve problem is a gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an potentially deadly hazard. A gas leak can lead to 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 contact Myers Furnace Company for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace runs in short bursts instead of running a full cycle. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could trigger your furnace to power off to avoid causing a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to reach out to a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you think your furnace gas valve has malfunctioned, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, shut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve on your own. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also has the potential to 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. Plus, 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 repairing it. 

Call Myers Furnace Company to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Belton, Missouri, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Belton, Missouri, HVAC company—Myers Furnace Company. Our experienced professionals know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, perform the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your system 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 816-370-5244 today for gas valve replacement services from Myers Furnace Company.