Knowing when to replace your furnace gas valve is a vital part of keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient. The gas valve is an often ignored part of your heating system—and without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, B&D 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 Safford, Arizona, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at B&D Air Conditioning.

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

To begin, 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, 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 an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed 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. While replacement price can change based on the model of furnace and if any other service is required, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

Furnace Not Igniting

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 what fuels the burner. Without proper gas flow through the system, a furnace won’t start up. Occasionally, 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 issues, such as a bad flame sensor, a malfunction in 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 start or the pilot light won't stay lit.

Gas Leak

One major sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your home. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an urgent safety risk. A gas leak can cause a fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then contact B&D Air Conditioning 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 going through its full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. The valve failure also could force your furnace to stop to avoid causing a gas leak.

However, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, so it's important to seek out a licensed furnace specialist for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you suspect your furnace gas valve isn’t working properly, it’s critical to take the situation seriously.

First, cut off the gas supply to avoid additional danger, then turn off your furnace. Don’t try to repair 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 isn't working for another reason—gas valve work 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 B&D Air Conditioning to Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Safford, Arizona, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Safford, Arizona, HVAC company—B&D Air Conditioning. Our HVAC experts know exactly what to do when it comes to gas valve troubleshooting. We'll diagnose the issue, handle the gas valve replacement safely and make sure 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 aging, inefficient furnace.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 928-506-3166 today for gas valve replacement services from B&D Air Conditioning.