Being a critical appliance in ensuring the comfort of your home, a furnace comprises several components that ensure your home is warm even in the cold months. However, a problem in either of these components means that the furnace efficiency will take a toll and will need to be inspected by a heating and air conditioner repair technician. One of those critical components is the gas valve.
A furnace gas valve is a crucial component of a gas-powered furnace, as it controls gas flow to the burners. When the furnace is turned on, the gas valve opens to allow gas to flow to the burners, where it is ignited and used to heat the air. However, a damaged or malfunctioning gas valve can cause several problems that require the attention of a heating and air conditioner repair technician. Some of these problems can be identified by the following signs:
Your Furnace Does Not Turn On or Ignite at All
Is your furnace not turning on or igniting at all? That could mean that the gas valve is clogged or damaged. The gas valve controls the gas flow into the furnace. If this component is clogged or damaged, it may inhibit the ignition or turn on the furnace. Occasionally, a clogged gas valve can be caused by debris or other foreign materials that have entered the valve and blocked the gas flow. Do you suspect that the furnace gas valve is clogged or faulty? Ensure that an experienced heating and air conditioner repair technician inspects and repairs it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the furnace will not heat your home correctly. It may even result in hazards like fires and explosions.
Your Furnace Turns On and Off Frequently
The other sign that your furnace gas valve may be clogged or even damaged and requires the attention of a heating and air conditioner repair technician is short-cycling. Short cycling is a common issue that can occur with furnaces, and it is often a sign that the furnace’s gas valve is clogged or damaged. Short-cycling refers to the furnace turning on and off repeatedly without completing an entire heating cycle. This can cause the furnace to run inefficiently and can also cause it to wear out more quickly.
If your furnace is short-cycling, it is essential to have it inspected by an experienced and qualified heating and AC repair technician immediately. The technician will be able to diagnose the problem and determine if the gas valve is the cause. If it is, the technician will be able to clean or repair the gas valve, which will help restore the furnace to proper functioning. Failing to address the issue can result in the furnace not heating your Burleson, TX home correctly. It is essential to promptly take care of any issues with your furnace to ensure its continued safe and efficient operation.
Strange Noises
Are you hearing strange noises, such as banging, popping, or hissing, coming from your furnace? It may signify that the furnace’s gas valve is clogged. However, you can only know if an experienced heating and air conditioner repair technician inspects it. The gas valve is responsible for controlling the flow of gas to the furnace. If it is clogged, it may result in various issues that might render these noises. These noises can be caused by various things, such as air bubbles forming in the gas lines or gas escaping from the furnace through a small opening. The noises can be loud and startling and indicate a problem with the gas valve.
Sometimes, a clogged gas valve may be caused by debris, dirt, or other materials that might have entered it, blocking the gas flow. Alternatively, the gas valve may be faulty, preventing its proper functioning. If you hear strange noises from your furnace, it is essential to have it checked and repaired by a qualified heating and air conditioner repair technician as soon as possible. This is critical in ensuring that the furnace properly heats your home and averting any fire or explosion risk.
The Furnace Produces a Yellow or Orange Flame
If the furnace gas valve is damaged, it could result in excess gas being released into the furnace. It is because it may not be able to regulate the flow of gas properly. This excess gas will mix with the air being drawn into the furnace, resulting in a yellow or orange flame instead of a blue one. A yellow or orange flame is a sign that the gas-to-air ratio in the furnace is incorrect, which can be dangerous. It should be addressed immediately by an experienced, licensed heating and air conditioner repair professional. The technician will remove any non-combustibles in the burner to ensure complete combustion.
Rotten Egg Smell
A malfunctioning furnace gas valve can allow gas to leak into the furnace and out into the surrounding area. If this gas leak is not detected and addressed promptly, it can pose a severe safety risk. One of the most popular gases in furnaces is natural gas, which is odorless. To make it easier to detect gas leaks, a chemical called mercaptan is added to natural gas, which gives it a distinctive rotten egg smell. If a furnace gas valve is malfunctioning and allowing gas to leak, it may produce a rotten egg smell in your Burleson, TX home. This is a clear sign of a gas leak, and the furnace should be shut off and repaired immediately by an experienced heating and air conditioner repair professional.
Have you noticed either of the signs above on your gas furnace? It could mean the gas valve is clogged or severely damaged if you have. Rather than repair it yourself, contact us at Minuteman Heating & Air, your reliable heating and air conditioner repair company in Burleson, TX. Call us now for a free quote.