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

In this blog, Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC will share the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or planning ahead, this guide for Waunakee, Wisconsin, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC.

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

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

Also a key 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 a decade or two. Although replacement price depends on the kind of furnace and if 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 provides fuel for the flame. Without enough 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical issues, such as a faulty flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One serious sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then phone Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace turns off and on frequently rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This might be occurring because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve failure also could force your furnace to turn off to prevent 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 If Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?

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

First, cut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can create a deadly gas leak if not done right 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 fixing the broken one. 

Call Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Waunakee, Wisconsin, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Waunakee, Wisconsin, HVAC company—Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC. Our experienced professionals know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your system 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 aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 608-850-9498 today for gas valve replacement services from Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC.