Knowing 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 under appreciated part of your heating system—and without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Streamwood, Illinois, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning.

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

First, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it controls. The furnace gas valve controls 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 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 10–20 years. While replacement price can change based on the kind of furnace and whether any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

Furnace Not Igniting

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 is the energy source for combustion. Without enough 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 might also indicate  other mechanical issues, such as a faulty flame sensor, a problem with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you are dealing with these issues, it's important to call a certified HVAC technician for an inspection. They'll safely determine 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.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One major sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then contact Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning 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 running a full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve issue also could cause your furnace to power off to avoid creating 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 You Think Your Furnace Gas Valve Isn't Working?

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

First, turn off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also might 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 task for someone without specialized tools and training. 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 Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Streamwood, Illinois, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Streamwood, Illinois, HVAC company—Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your furnace is running smoothly. 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 put your home at risk. Call 630-948-4591 today for gas valve replacement services from Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning.