Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is an essential part of keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc will highlight the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or planning ahead, this guide for Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, homeowners will help you know when it’s time for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc.

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

First, it's important to learn what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. The furnace gas valve manages 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 won't give off any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially dangerous gas leak. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10 to 20 years on average. While replacement price varies depending on the kind of furnace and if any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

Furnace Not Igniting

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 adequate gas flow through the system, a furnace can't ignite. Sometimes, 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 faulty flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or insufficient fuel supply. If you notice these signs, it's important to call a certified HVAC technician for an inspection. They'll accurately assess 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 major sign of a gas valve problem is a gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can cause a 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 phone Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes when a furnace runs in short bursts rather than turning on and continuing through its cycle as usual. This may be because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve failure also could cause your furnace to power off to prevent creating a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to call a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.

First, turn off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then shut down your furnace. Don’t attempt to repair the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk and also could void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or isn't working for another reason—gas valve repair isn’t a DIY job. In addition, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, HVAC company—Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. Our HVAC experts know just 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 at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or provide furnace installation service to help you replace your outdated heating system.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call 715-564-8958 today for gas valve replacement services from Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc.