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

In this blog, J.L. Brady Company LLC will share the key signs of a broken gas valve. Whether you’re dealing with issues or thinking proactively, this guide for Moline, Illinois, homeowners will help you recognize the need for furnace gas valve replacement—and how to reach out to the trusted team at J.L. Brady Company LLC.

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 is responsible for. 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 won't give off any heat.

Also an important safety feature, the furnace gas valve is supposed to close automatically when an issue arises—preventing a potentially dangerous 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 whether any other components need fixing, replacing a furnace gas valve costs an average of roughly $300–800.

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 provides fuel for the flame. Without adequate 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 can sometimes be symptoms of  other mechanical issues, such as a bad flame sensor, an issue with the thermocouple or low gas pressure. If you notice these signs, 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 the furnace won't ignite.

Gas Smell Coming from Furnace

One clear sign of a broken furnace gas valve is a noticeable gas smell in your residence. This isn’t just a furnace maintenance concern—it’s an emergency. A gas leak can create a fire, explosion or even CO poisoning. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately, call your gas company or 911, and then reach out to J.L. Brady Company LLC for emergency furnace repair.

Your Furnace Keeps Starting and Stopping

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 cause inconsistent gas flow. A valve malfunction also could force your furnace to shut down to prevent causing a gas leak.

At the same time, sometimes furnace short cycling has other causes, so it's important to reach out to a professional HVAC technician 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 is broken, it’s crucial that you take action immediately.

First, shut off the gas supply to prevent any further risk, then cut power to your furnace. Don’t try to repair the valve without a professional. DIY gas valve repair can result in dangerous situations if done incorrectly and also could 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 DIY job. Besides, when it comes to comparing options between gas valve repair and gas valve replacement, it's almost always recommended to replace a gas valve instead of fixing the broken one. 

Call J.L. Brady Company LLC to Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for the Moline, Illinois, Cold

To replace your furnace gas valve safely, contact the professional Moline, Illinois, HVAC company—J.L. Brady Company LLC. Our experienced professionals 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 at peak performance. To save even more power, we can even match your system with one of our smart thermostats or offer furnace installation service to help you replace your old, unsafe furnace.

Don’t put your home at risk. Call 309-865-5564 today for gas valve replacement services from J.L. Brady Company LLC.