Understanding 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 overlooked part of your heating system—but without it, your furnace won’t run properly.

In this blog, All Solutions Heating & Cooling will share the key signs of a bad gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or just want more information about how a furnace works, this guide for Portland, Oregon, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to call the experts at All Solutions Heating & Cooling.

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

First, it's important to understand what a furnace gas valve is and what it does. 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 generate heat. If gas flow is blocked, a gas-powered furnace is unable to warm your home.

Also a key safety feature, the furnace gas valve is engineered 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. Though replacement price depends on the kind of furnace and if any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of $300 to $800.

Your Furnace Won't Ignite

One of the clues 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 enough 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical issues, such as a faulty flame sensor, a malfunction in 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 accurately assess 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 serious sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an emergency. 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 contact All Solutions Heating & Cooling for emergency furnace repair.

Furnace is Short Cycling

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace starts, but then quickly stops instead of running a full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could cause your furnace to power off to prevent causing a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is caused by other mechanical issues, so it's important to call 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 is broken, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, shut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t attempt to fix the valve yourself. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also might void your warranty and gas valve coverage. Whether the gas valve is stuck open, closed or malfunctioning in some other way—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 fixing it. 

Call All Solutions Heating & Cooling to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Portland, Oregon, Winter

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Portland, Oregon, HVAC company—All Solutions Heating & Cooling. Our experienced professionals know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll pinpoint what's wrong, handle the gas valve replacement safely and ensure your heating equipment is running smoothly. To save even more power, we can even connect your system with one of our smart thermostats or connect you with furnace installation service to help you replace your aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 971-414-2639 today for gas valve replacement services from All Solutions Heating & Cooling.