Why does my igniter keep breaking?

Author: Mrs. Lempi Beahan I  |  Last update: Monday, April 21, 2025

Voltage. Ensuring the right amount of voltage is applied to the HSI keeps it functioning. Too much voltage and the HSI and the control board can break. Too little voltage and the ignitor might not burn hot enough.

Why do igniters fail?

Problems can happen if you damage the pyrogen when putting in the igniter or plug, so be sure the tip is in contact with the propellant, but don't jam it in so hard you smash it. And problems can happen if the wires get crossed or twisted.

Why does my oven ignitor keep going bad?

Excessive Build-up: Over time food particles and other contaminants may fall onto the igniter. If this debris builds up it will eventually prevent the igniter from heating up and creating a flame.

How long should an igniter last?

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.

What makes an ignitor go bad?

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.

HVAC Training: 8 Reasons Why Hot Surface Ignitors Fail

What are the symptoms of a bad igniter?

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.

How do I reset my igniter?

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.

Do igniters wear out?

Age and wear: Ignitors typically last three to five years before needing replacement. Physical damage: Cracks or breaks in the ignitor can occur during maintenance or because of debris. Electrical issues: Voltage problems or wiring faults can damage the ignitor.

How much does a new igniter cost?

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.

How do you test an ignition igniter?

A multimeter can be used to help determine if a glow-bar style furnace igniter has sufficient electrical continuity – a continuous electrical path present in the part – for the igniter to function properly.

Why is my gas stove igniter sparking continuously?

If your gas stove keeps clicking even after you turn the unit off, the first and most likely culprit is a clogged ignition system. Food scraps and even grease can sometimes wedge themselves in these systems and cause the stove to continuously click. Solution: Clean your ignition system!

How do you fix a broken oven igniter?

3. Remove and replace the gas igniter
  1. Unplug the two wires or the wire harness from the igniter.
  2. Unscrew the two screws that hold the igniter in place.
  3. Remove the igniter from the oven.
  4. Carefully position the new igniter in the same position as the old one.
  5. Secure the igniter with the same two screws.

Why does my gas oven igniter then go out?

An oven that won't stay lit could be due to a faulty or weak igniter, gas supply problems, or clogged burner ports, which are common culprits for this issue.

Are oven igniters fragile?

The igniter draws an electric current and will heat to a high temperature and glow. Oven igniters come in different configurations depending on your brand and are very fragile.

Why do stove igniters stop working?

The most common reason a gas stove won't light is that the igniter is clogged with debris. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the igniter and prevent it from sparking. If this is the case, you'll need to clean it off in order for the stove to work properly.

How to clean an oven igniter?

Get a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Before you start brushing, gently blow on the igniter to get rid of any loose bits. Now, very gently brush the surface of the igniter. These igniters can be pretty fragile, so use light, short strokes and don't press hard.

How long do oven igniters last?

Introduction. Have you noticed your gas oven is taking too long to heat up, or it no longer heats at all? There's a 95 percent chance you just need to replace a $25 igniter. Gas oven igniters last around eight years.

What is an igniter in HVAC?

The furnace ignitor is essential for initiating the heating process in your furnace. It ignites the fuel, such as gas or oil, to produce the heat required to warm your home. Without a functioning ignitor, your furnace would be unable to start and provide the necessary warmth.

Can you clean a spark ignitor?

For hot surface ignitors, gently clean the ignitor with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt and debris buildup. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as these ignitors are fragile. For spark ignitors, carefully clean the ignitor electrode and the surrounding area to ensure proper spark ignition.

What would cause an igniter not to work?

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.

How do I know if my electric igniter is bad?

Signs of a Faulty Ignitor
  1. Short-cycling: your furnace turns ON and OFF.
  2. Cold air: your furnace blows cold instead of warm air.
  3. No air: your furnace doesn't produce any air.
  4. Short-circuiting: your furnace keeps tripping the breaker.
  5. Unusual activity: your furnace produces strange sounds and smells.

How do you fix an igniter that doesn't spark?

Gas Stove Not Lighting: No Spark
  1. Soak a cotton swab in alcohol and clean the white porcelain igniter thoroughly. Also clean the metal burner cap with a cotton swab.
  2. Try the burner again. If you still hear clicking but don't see a spark then it's time to try option three, thorough cleaning of the metal burner head parts.

How much does it cost to fix an igniter?

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.

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