Understanding when to replace your furnace gas valve is a vital part of keeping your home safe, cozy and energy smart. The gas valve is an often under appreciated part of your heating system—however, without it, your furnace can’t function.

In this blog, Brookwood Inc will highlight the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re trying to diagnose a suspected problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Newton, Iowa, homeowners will help you understand when you may need furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at Brookwood Inc.

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

First, it's important to understand 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, providing the fuel necessary for the combustion process to occur and make heat. If gas can't flow, a gas-powered furnace won't give off any heat.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to cut off gas flow in the event of a mechanical issue—preventing a potentially deadly gas leak. A typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about a decade or two. Although replacement price can change based on the model of furnace and if any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

The Furnace Won't Light

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 adequate 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical issues, such as a bad flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or a pressure drop in the gas line. If you experience these problems, it's important to reach out to 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 light.

Furnace Smells Like Gas

One major sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance problem—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can create a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the building quickly, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to Brookwood Inc for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling describes 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. The valve issue also could trigger your furnace to turn off to prevent creating a gas leak.

That said, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to seek out a qualified heating expert for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

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

First, turn off the gas supply to stop the flow of gas, then cut power to 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 may 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 task for someone without specialized tools and training. Besides, 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 Brookwood Inc to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Newton, Iowa, Chill

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Newton, Iowa, HVAC company—Brookwood Inc. Our HVAC experts know just what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll identify the problem, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your furnace 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 outdated heating system.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 641-693-6216 today for gas valve replacement services from Brookwood Inc.