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 can’t function.

In this blog, DNA Heating & Air will break down the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or planning ahead, this guide for Columbus, Georgia, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at DNA Heating & Air.

What is a Furnace Gas Valve and What Does It Do?

To begin, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it is responsible for. The furnace gas valve regulates the flow of natural gas or propane into the unit's burner assembly, allowing the combustion process to occur and make heat. If gas isn't flowing, a gas-powered furnace can't make any heat.

Also a beneficial safety feature, the furnace gas valve is designed to shut if a problem is detected—preventing a potentially life-threatening gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Although replacement price can change based on the type of furnace and whether any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of between $300 and $800.

Furnace Not Igniting

One of the signs 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 what fuels the burner. Without enough gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Sometimes, homeowners also report 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 malfunction in 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 accurately assess 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 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 lead to fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then phone DNA Heating & Air for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

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 produce inconsistent gas flow. A valve issue also could trigger your furnace to power off to avoid causing a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to call a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you think your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then shut down your furnace. Don’t try to fix the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can pose a safety risk 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 work isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. Besides, when it comes to weighing gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call DNA Heating & Air to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Columbus, Georgia, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Columbus, Georgia, HVAC company—DNA Heating & Air. Our trained technicians know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, perform the gas valve replacement safely and make sure your furnace is running efficiently again. To save even more power, we can even pair your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t delay critical repairs. Call (706) 349-1414 today for gas valve replacement services from DNA Heating & Air.