The igniter glows red and then lights the burners in the gas furnace. Over time, the igniter is continually getting red hot and then cooling, creating stress on the element. Because of this, igniters have a 3-5 year life expectancy. They will eventually crack and need to be replaced.
The Short Answer Is: Warning signs of a bad furnace ignitor include the furnace not starting or heating, a noticeable clicking sound without ignition, or frequent short cycling where the furnace turns on and off rapidly. Additionally, if the ignitor appears cracked or discolored, it may need replacement.
Furnace ignitor cost
A furnace ignitor replacement costs $100 to $250 on average. Most universal hot-surface ignitor prices are $15 to $35 for the part alone. Gas furnace ignitor prices are $20 to $100 for parts from the original manufacturer (OEM). The labor cost to replace a heater ignitor is $80 to $200.
If your furnace filter is dirty, it will block the airflow from reaching the heat exchanger. This will overheat your system, causing the ignitor to shut off. You will find the filter inside the blower compartment. Inspect the extent of damage and accordingly either clean it or go for a replacement.
One of the most obvious signs of a faulty ignitor is a furnace that's not heating or suddenly stops blowing warm air. If your thermostat setting is correct but your home remains cold, the ignitor might be to blame. You may notice that the furnace blower is running, but no warm air is coming from your vents.
Just like most components on your HVAC system, these parts last about five to ten years. Yes, you can get lucky and have one last for twenty years, but it's few and far between. Different hot surface igniters last longer than others.
Oven igniter replacement cost
A gas oven igniter replacement costs $150 to $325 on average, depending on the brand and model. A new oven igniter costs $20 to $50 for the part alone. A broken igniter results in the oven not heating, clicking noises without lighting the gas, and gas leaks.
In short, yes, you can DIY a hot-surface ignitor replacement. It shouldn't be too difficult if you have experience fixing things around the house. However, if you typically feel clueless about troubleshooting household appliances, this may not be the right job for you.
Defective Igniter or Pilot Light
If it clicks but your furnace won't ignite after the combustion cycle, the electronic ignition systems probably need to be replaced. In cases where the furnace ignition starts normally but only stays on for a few minutes and then goes out, a new pilot light likely needs to be installed.
The Average Furnace Lifespan
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
Take an old part, as well as its mounting holes and electrical connector, with you. This part should cost between $25 and $50, which is still much less than a maintenance contract. We can agree that a furnace ignitor replacement is a tricky task and can take up an entire day if you are a novice.
Furnace ignitors require occasional cleaning to prevent carbon buildup. If your furnace suddenly won't light, there's a decent chance a dirty ignitor is the culprit.
You can reset the ignition on your furnace simply. To do this you must cut the power to the furnace first by turning off the circuit that powers it. Once the power is off you can remove the burner door to reveal the ignitor. Turn this to “off” and leave it off for at least 5 minutes.
It is important to note that the cost to replace the igniter can vary from one state to another and even from one area to another. A ballpark figure is approximately $75 to $100.
Furnace Not Igniting Because of Incorrect Thermostat Setting
Make sure the thermostat is set to heating and that the temperature is set high enough to actually turn the furnace on. It may be set at too low of a temperature to activate the furnace.
If there is a strong draft in your basement or attic, or if you are experiencing high winds, the pilot light may not light. In addition, if your furnace has a draft motor or blower that is malfunctioning or dead, the pilot won't light. The purpose of the draft motor is to pull air into and out of your chimney or vent.
First, confirm the switch is in the "on" position, and if it is, see if your furnace starts up. If the switch is flipped down in the "Off" position, then your furnace will not turn on. If your heating system still does not start up, it might be due to a blown furnace fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
Disconnect the hot surface ignitor and measure the voltage coming from the controller. A good reading is 115 to 120 VAC. If there is no voltage and the furnace is cycling for a call for heat, then the furnace control board or ignition controller needs replaced.
The Furnace Doesn't Blow Hot Air.
The furnace ignitor is the light switch in the heating process. Without it, the pilot light cannot recondition air intake. No fire transforms air into heat, resulting in cold air distribution.
Most likely, your furnace is making a clicking noise and not providing heat because your furnace's spark igniter is trying to ignite your pilot light or burners but is failing to do so. In other words, there's an ignition system malfunction that needs to be fixed. Otherwise, your furnace won't start.
Ask twenty professional HVAC contractors the question, “How Much Does A New Furnace Cost?” and you'll probably get the same answer... “It depends.” On average, the cost of a new furnace can range from $2,000 - $14,2001. However, factors like furnace efficiency, type, size, and much more can impact this range.
Because of this, igniters have a 3-5 year life expectancy. They will eventually crack and need to be replaced. If you suspect that you have a damaged HSI, you will most likely be able to change the part yourself. Like a light bulb, they are a regular replacement item.
A spark igniter electrode is made of metal and the base of the igniter is ceramic. This ceramic base can withstand the high temperatures put out by the burners. The ceramic is fragile and over time may crack or may have other damages and it may be shorting to ground and unable to ignite the gas flame.