How much does it cost to have a furnace ignitor replaced?

Author: Coralie Hilpert  |  Last update: Friday, August 1, 2025

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.

How long does it take to replace a furnace ignitor?

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.

How much does an 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.

Can I replace a furnace ignitor myself?

If you can plug in a power cord and operate a screw driver, you can replace a broken gas furnace ignitor. It is a simple process of a couple screws and a plug. I walk through replacing this part and getting your furnace running again without a costly repair bill!

What are the symptoms of a bad furnace ignitor?

Here are a few indications that you have a faulty ignitor.
  • No Cold Air. ...
  • The Furnace Won't Come On. ...
  • The Furnace Suddenly Stops Blowing. ...
  • Starts, Then Stops, Then Starts Again. ...
  • Tripping the Breaker More Than Once. ...
  • I Hear the Click, But Nothing Happens. ...
  • Flame Sensor Problems. ...
  • Short Circuit.

Furnace Burners not Lighting - Easy Repair

Will a furnace run with a bad ignitor?

1. The Furnace Won't Run. When a furnace doesn't run at all, that could be a sign you have a bad ignitor that needs replacing.

How much does it cost to replace furnace ignitor?

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.

How often do furnace ignitors fail?

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.

Why is my furnace turning on but not igniting?

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.

How much is a new furnace?

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.

Should I clean or replace a furnace ignitor?

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.

How do I reset my furnace ignitor?

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.

Why does my furnace igniter keep failing?

You might not think that a dirty filter could cause an issue, but it's often the culprit for furnace ignition failure. Experts recommend changing your HVAC air filters at least once a season. A filter swap every 30 days is best if the unit works hard or your area is dusty or polluted.

Does a furnace with an ignitor have a pilot light?

Electronic ignition makes furnaces more efficient

Electronic ignition is a device that replaces conventional pilot lights in almost all newly manufactured furnaces. There are two types of electronic ignitions: a hot surface ignition and an intermittent pilot.

What does a furnace ignitor sound like?

A defective gas valve can also lead to gas supply problems. If there is no gas flow when you start your furnace, the igniter will make a clicking noise until you shut off your heat. If your furnace refuses to start, be sure to listen for the flow of gas. If you don't hear anything, try starting your water heater.

How to tell if an ignitor on a furnace is bad?

The most obvious sign that your furnace ignitor is bad is that it won't ignite, and this generally manifests itself in your furnace failing to run when you activate it.

How do I force my furnace to start?

Checking your thermostat is the best place to start. Make sure it's set to “heat” and that you've set the temperature higher than the current room temperature. If that doesn't resolve the problem, try switching your fan to “on” to force the furnace to start working.

Can a bad thermostat cause a furnace not to ignite?

For your furnace to ignite, the thermostat must be set on heat mode. If it's not, your furnace won't ignite the burners. Another possibility is that the thermostat's connections or sensors are faulty.

How much does it cost to have a furnace ignitor replace?

Total Furnace Ignitor Replacement Cost

Combining the parts and labor, most homeowners spend between $150 and $300 on the heater igniter replacement cost.

What is the life expectancy of an igniter?

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.

Is it easy to replace furnace ignitor?

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.

Can a furnace ignitor be cleaned?

Remove the ignitor carefully by holding only the base. Avoid touching the ignitor surface with bare hands. Use compressed air to remove carbon deposits. Gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth or scuff pad until shiny.

Why is my gas heater blowing cold air?

Pilot Lights and Flame Sensors Could Be the Issue

A modern furnace without a pilot light relies on flame detectors to ensure the successful completion of a heating cycle. If the flame detector is covered in dust, dirt, or grime, you will quickly lose heat and your gas furnace will start blowing cold air.

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