If your gas furnace ignitor isn't glowing, the ignitor itself may be burned out, or the furnace's safety switches are preventing it from receiving power. First, check your blinking diagnostic light. Then turn off the power and test the ignitor with a multimeter.
Some furnaces have a dedicated reset button for the ignition system. Others require cycling the furnace power off and on to reset the control board. Many systems need a short pause—typically 30–60 seconds—to allow safety relays and flame sensors to reset.
If resetting your electronic ignitor doesn't solve your furnace issue, you need to call a professional to look at it. Remember, you cannot light the electronic ignition manually. Contact an HVAC specialist at Sanks to diagnose and repair your furnace as soon as possible.
Homeowners may hear strange furnace inducer motor noise, notice repeated ignition attempts, or find that the system suddenly stops heating altogether. A failing inducer motor can disrupt airflow, reduce efficiency, and strain the entire heating system — often during the coldest stretches of the season.
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.
A: On average, a furnace ignitor lasts between 3 and 7 years. Factors such as usage, maintenance, and system age can impact lifespan. Regular servicing can help extend the time between replacements.
The heat exchanger is often considered the most costly part of a furnace to repair or replace. It is a critical component that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates throughout your home. Over time, heat exchangers can crack due to the constant heating and cooling cycles they undergo.
Capacitors are used in nearly every heating system, from gas furnaces to electric furnaces to heat pumps. Even though other parts can fail, like the ignitor in a gas furnace or the compressor in a heat pump, the capacitor is by far the most common part to fail on a furnace because almost every system relies on one.
The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.
No Ignition at All: If the ignitor does not glow or spark during startup, it is likely failing and may need replacement. Gas Doesn't Ignite: When the ignitor activates but the gas will not light, the problem may involve the gas valve or another critical furnace component.
Inspect the Circuit Breaker: Go to your home's electrical panel and check if the furnace's breaker has tripped. If it has, flip it completely off and then back on to reset it. Check the Furnace Power Switch: Look for a power switch on or near the furnace unit itself and make sure it is in the "on" position.
A frozen pipes furnace failure can cause major problems inside your home. Ice builds up fast in unheated spaces, and when frozen water expands, it can burst pipes wide open. That kind of mess is the last thing anyone wants during a winter heating outage.
If the furnace blower comes on but won't ignite, the igniter might be the problem. A continuous flame that goes out after a few minutes could point to a flame sensor issue. If resetting doesn't work, or you're unsure about identifying components, it's best to call a professional.
All furnaces are equipped with a reset button. They are generally red or yellow and are located inside the blower compartment. The reset button is a safety feature that will shut down the furnace when a problem is detected, often a hot or overheating furnace, before it trips the circuit breaker.
Parts: A new hot surface ignitor typically costs between $30 and $60. Labor: Professional labor costs usually range from $120 to $240, depending on your location and the service provider. Total Average Cost: Most homeowners can expect the total furnace ignitor replacement cost to be between $150 and $300.
The Average Furnace Lifespan
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with furnace repairs can extend its life even longer.
What fails first on a furnace? The most common early failures are the furnace ignitor or flame sensor, as they experience regular wear and tear and are critical to starting the heating cycle.
Furnaces, like people, can suffocate when you restrict air from going in or out of them. You can accidentally suffocate your furnace by: Closing air vents. Not changing the filter.
The life expectancy of an HVAC system typically ranges from 15 to 25 years, depending on factors like usage, maintenance, and system type. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring proper ventilation, can extend the system's longevity.
Short cycling
This is one of the most common furnace problems, and it can stress important furnace components such as the blower motor, limit switch, or flame sensor. There are several potential causes of short cycling, including some that are related to your furnace's built-in safety systems.
Try the Salvation Army, a local church, or a community action agency. Their rules may be different. Ask About Payment Plans: Many local HVAC contractors, including Smart Climate Solutions, offer payment plans for urgent repairs because we believe everyone deserves a warm home.