5 Signs You Need a New Furnace in Grafton, WI

If you have a gas heater to keep your Sheboygan home warm all winter, it has a valve that supplies fuel to the system. A furnace not igniting quickly is a major issue and could indicate a faulty valve. Do you know how to know if a furnace gas valve is bad?



When getting professional furnace maintenance in Sheboygan, WI, the technician will evaluate the heater's gas valve and make necessary repairs or replacements. However, it still helps to know what signs to look for in a bad valve to avoid serious complications. 

Learn more in our post below. 

Warning Signs To Look for in a Faulty Furnace Valve in Sheboygan

Sometimes, to know whether a gas valve on your furnace has failed, look for error code indicators on the heater's control panel. If the gas valve malfunctions, there may be blinking LED lights or another indicator on the control panel, depending on your model. 

Other warning signs include the following. 

The Furnace Doesn't Produce Heat

Another obvious sign that your Sheboygan home has a heater with a failing gas valve is a lack of heat throughout the residence. The valve must release enough fuel into the combustion chamber to ensure an adequate combustion process.

If your heater turns on but only blows warm air, it may be due to gas flow issues. If your furnace stops working altogether, the culprit could be a faulty thermocouple, a safety feature that detects a pilot light. The furnace will stop working if it has pilot light problems to prevent the valve from leaking harmful gas. 

The Heater Cycles Constantly

Want to learn how to know if your furnace gas valve is bad? Pay attention to your system's heat cycles.

Suppose your heater constantly turns on and off, yet your Sheboygan home still never seems warm enough. In that case, you might assume the thermostat settings need an adjustment.

However, if the thermostat settings are correct but the constant on-and-off cycle continues, your furnace is short-cycling. This is an indicator of poor performance and reduced efficiency. A malfunctioning gas valve is just one reason this issue develops. 

In this situation, it's best to turn on the heater and contact a qualified HVAC technician. They will inspect the system to identify the cause of the inefficiency. 

The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off

Does your carbon monoxide alarm go off inside your home? Don't ignore it! 

A failing gas valve could leak fuel into the furnace and seep into the air within your living spaces. Natural gas is flammable and dangerous to inhale. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, turn off the furnace immediately, evacuate the building, and contact a local HVAC company for help. 

You Notice a Flood or Leak Around the Heater

You might not expect flooding around gas furnaces, but it happens. Unfortunately, moisture around the heater could impact the valve, flame sensor, and other vital parts. Contact an HVAC professional to assess your equipment and ensure each component is fully functional without water damage. 

Troubleshooting Your Furnace Valve: What To Do

After learning how to know if a furnace gas valve is bad, you should also learn how to troubleshoot it. Here are the primary steps to take:

Inspect Valve Wires

Valve wires can degrade over time, leading to cracks or fraying. Replacing them may resolve furnace issues. 

Check the Valve Coil

After looking at the wiring, move on to the gas valve coil. Use a manometer or multimeter to test the coil's resistance. An OL reading indicates a bad coil. 

Assess the Ignition Source

Your gas furnace either has a pilot light or an electronic ignition system. Both components are near the bottom of the furnace.

You can look under the heater to see if the pilot light is out. For an electronic ignition, turn the furnace on and look for a glow under it. If you just hear clicking, the ignitor has a problem. 

Get Help With Your Furnace With Sheboygan's Leading HVAC Company

Learning how to know if a furnace gas valve is bad can be tricky, but you can always count on our experts at Professional Services to keep your heating system in great condition. As one of the top HVAC services providers in Sheboygan, WI, we know everything from the primary causes of a furnace blower not working to how to conduct valve continuity tests to check a furnace's electrical flow. 



From heater repairs to routine maintenance, our skilled technicians do it all. Contact Professional Services today to request an appointment.