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.
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are some of the most common reasons why the ignitor fails. Using The Wrong Ignitor: Ignition failure will happen if your furnace uses an ignitor that has the incorrect voltage. The Limit Switch Becomes Too Hot: Furnaces have a built-in limit switch that detects high temperatures and prevents overheating.
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.
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.
Several factors can lead to ignitor troubleshooting and potential replacement. Understanding these causes can help you prevent future issues and extend the life of your ignitor. Common causes of ignitor failure include: Age and wear: Ignitors typically last three to five years before needing replacement.
Igniter Cost: The igniter costs no more than $30 to $50. Check with your furnace manufacture for the model number of your furnace so you can find the right igniter for your unit.
For instance, the flame sensor is on the left side, while the ignitor is located on the right side of the burners. When the burners produce a flame, the rod-shaped protrusion detects it and sends an electrical signal to the furnace's control board, signifying that everything is functioning correctly.
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.
Reset The Furnace Ignitor
Find the burner door on the furnace and look behind it to find the ignitor. Turn it to “OFF” and wait for five minutes. After you wait, turn it back on and return the door to the burner. It is important to make sure the switch on the door is properly engaged.
For example, pilot lights run constantly, which burns gas even when the furnace is not actively heating. This wastes energy and increases utility costs. Conversely, electronic furnace ignitors only activate when heat is needed, eliminating this constant gas consumption.
No glowing? Your hot surface ignitor is bad.