Are you having trouble heating your home? A malfunctioning furnace isn’t just an annoyance; it’s downright dangerous. If you’ve noticed that your furnace isn’t running properly or putting out heat, it could be a valve problem. So what should you do if the furnace gas valve is not opening? Below, we’ll help you troubleshoot the gas valve on your furnace by explaining the most common problems that can cause the valve to become stuck in the closed position.
If you try some of the quick fixes in this guide and your gas valve still won’t open, it’s time to call a professional. At Lion Air Conditioning Cooling and Heating, we’re the top-rated contractor for Coral Springs’ furnace repair service. Our team of qualified HVAC technicians are experts at furnace repair and will have your system back up and running again in no time at all.
What is a Furnace Gas Valve?
You can find gas valves on hot water boilers, gas-fired steam boilers, and gas furnaces. A gas valve is a small device that controls the gas supply from a tank or gas line to the furnace. The valve opens when the furnace is running and then closes once it shuts off. If the valve remains closed, the gas can’t reach the furnace, causing it to run improperly and shut down. Gas valves that remain open even when the furnace is off are extremely dangerous, as they can cause gas leaks or explosions.
Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Furnace Gas Valves
Watch out for these signs indicating your gas valve may be causing the furnace to malfunction:
- Your furnace continually shuts down after you turn up the heat
- You don’t feel any warm air coming through the vents in your home
- You don’t hear the gas valve making a clicking sound
How to Check if Your Gas Valve Won’t Open
Before you attempt to diagnose or fix a gas valve problem, please remember that your safety is paramount. The safest course of action is to contact a professional HVAC technician to fix the problem. However, there are some simple troubleshooting methods you can try before you schedule an appointment:
The Gas Supply Valve is Off
Look at the knob or handle on the gas valve. When it’s in the ON position, the handle should run parallel to the gas line. If the knob is perpendicular, it’s in the OFF position and will not open.
The Gas Valve Switch is Off
A furnace gas valve switch looks just like an ordinary light switch. Check that it’s in the ON position and receiving power.
You Don’t Hear the Ignitor
During proper operation, a control board “tells” the gas valve to open and supply the furnace with gas. However, first, a pressure switch mechanism will verify proper suction and then activate the ignitor. If you turn on your furnace and you don’t hear the ignitor, the problem isn’t the gas valve.
There’s a Problem with the Pilot Light
The pilot light on your furnace must be on for the gas valve to open. When the flame isn’t big enough or won’t stay lit, the pilot safety valve could be closing the valve. It’s a failsafe that prevents your furnace from leaking gas when it’s off.
The Gas Valve is Clogged or Damaged
Over time, gas valves suffer from wear and tear. If your furnace gas valve isn’t opening, it could simply be worn out and need replacing. Another common issue is rust – if your furnace is in the basement, excessive moisture or water can damage the valve and prevent it from opening. In addition, too much dirt, sand, sediment, or other debris can clog the valve and cause it to remain shut.
How Can You Open a Furnace Gas Valve That’s Stuck Closed?
If you’ve verified that the gas valve has become stuck shut in the closed position, how can you open it again? Unless you’re a licensed HVAC technician, you should never attempt to open a stuck gas valve. Forcing it open could cause a gas leak, which is an extreme safety hazard to you or anyone else near your furnace.
Keep Your Furnace in Top-Notch Condition with Regular HVAC Service
The best way to keep your furnace and gas valve in excellent condition is by scheduling regular furnace maintenance from an experienced HVAC company. Remember, troubleshooting gas valves can be dangerous and best left to professionals.
Your furnace gas valve is not opening: now what? We’ve got a team of experts ready to help. Call Lion Air Conditioning Cooling and Heating at 754-317-1404 to schedule an appointment now.
