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—but without it, your furnace simply won’t work.

In this blog, Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning will share the key signs of a malfunctioning gas valve. Whether you’re troubleshooting a potential problem or thinking proactively, this guide for Wyandotte, Michigan , homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and when to contact the professionals at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning.

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

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

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. The typical furnace gas valve lifespan is about 10–20 years. Although replacement price varies depending on the kind of furnace and whether any additional repairs are needed, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

Furnace Not Igniting

One of the indications 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 proper 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 also could be signs of  other mechanical breakdowns, such as a damaged sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you experience these problems, it's important to reach out to a certified HVAC technician for an inspection. They'll professionally diagnose 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 serious sign of a malfunctioning furnace gas valve is a gas smell coming from your furnace. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance issue—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can lead to fire, explosion or even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas, leave the home right away, call your gas company or 911, and then phone Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

Faulty gas valve symptoms also include short cycling. Short cycling is when a furnace turns off and on frequently instead of running a full cycle. This is because a faulty furnace gas valve can result in inconsistent gas flow. A valve failure also could cause your furnace to turn off to avoid causing a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling is the result of different underlying issues, so it's important to call a qualified heating expert for evaluation and possible furnace repair. 

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

If you think your furnace gas valve is broken, it’s important to act quickly and safely.

First, cut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then turn off your furnace. Don’t attempt 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 has some other issue—gas valve repair isn’t a good do-it-yourself task. Besides, when it comes to comparing options between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's usually recommended to replace a gas valve instead of repairing it. 

Call Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Wyandotte, Michigan , Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Wyandotte, Michigan , HVAC company—Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians know exactly 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 at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even match your system with one of our smart thermostats or provide furnace installation service to help you replace your outdated heating system.

Don’t compromise your safety or comfort. Call 734-284-1224 today for gas valve replacement services from Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning.