No, a cracked furnace ignitor will not work. Hot surface ignitors operate via electrical resistance. Even a hairline crack breaks the electrical circuit, preventing the ignitor from generating the heat required to light the gas, and triggering safety systems to shut down the furnace.
If the ignitor is cracked or burned out, it must be replaced. However, the symptoms of a failed ignitor are often mimicked by a dirty flame sensor. This metal rod detects the flame after ignition, and when it gets coated with carbon buildup, it can't "see" the flame and will shut the furnace down as a safety measure.
Without the ignitor, your heater won't blow hot air. It's a critical part of the furnace system since it is responsible for lighting the burner that starts the combustion process that turns fuel into heat. In older units, the furnace ignitor is a traditional pilot light.
A furnace ignitor typically lasts between 3 to 7 years, though exact lifespan depends on its material.
Replacing a furnace igniter generally costs between $150 and $425 for professional repair, with an average, common total around $300–$350. The part itself is inexpensive, costing only $20–$100, while labor makes up the remainder of the cost. DIY replacement is often possible for under $100.
Resetting a furnace igniter usually involves performing a power cycle to clear a system lockout, though some electric models have a physical high-limit reset button. If the igniter is cracked or covered in carbon buildup, it will need to be inspected and potentially cleaned or replaced.
A furnace ignitor typically lasts 3–5 years and costs $30–$100 for the part, with professional installation running $150–$300 total.
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.
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.
6 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Not Igniting
Also don't touch the black part with your bare hands. The oil from your skin will create a hot spot and the element will crack when it gets hot. That is a hot surface igniter. It get really hot glows organs and ignights the gas.
5 Warning Signs It's Time for Furnace Replacement
A malfunctioning furnace ignitor can be caused by various factors: One common cause is normal wear and tear over time. Ignitors are subjected to extreme temperatures and can weaken or crack with extended use. Excessive voltage fluctuations or power surges can also damage the ignitor.
Replacing a furnace ignitor typically takes 15 to 45 minutes. An experienced technician can often complete the job in under 20 minutes. The process involves shutting off the power, removing the access panel, swapping out the part, and reassembling the unit.
So, when you have a faulty furnace ignitor that is not working correctly, the furnace won't be able to ignite, and the heating system comes to a stop as it won't be able to generate and blow hot air.
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.
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.
A furnace typically lasts between 15 and 20 years. However, the exact lifespan varies based on the type of unit and how well it is maintained.
A furnace ignitor typically lasts between 3 to 7 years, though exact lifespan depends on its material.
A furnace igniter typically costs between $𝟏𝟓 and $𝟕𝟎 for the part alone. However, if you hire an HVAC professional for replacement, expect total costs to range from $𝟏𝟓𝟎 to $𝟒𝟐𝟓 for both parts and labor.
To get your furnace to kick on, first verify your thermostat is set to "Heat" and raised at least 5 degrees above room temperature. Next, check that the furnace power switch (usually resembling a standard light switch on or near the unit) is toggled "ON".
If it doesn't start at all, you can press the button one more time. But, if you press the reset button and your furnace goes on and turns off again, don't press the button again. Continuing to press the reset button can damage your system. Doing so will pump more oil into the furnace and worsen any existing issues.
A dirty furnace filter can cause a lot of problems, including failure to ignite. Check the filter and change it if it's dirty. You should change the HVAC filter every 1-3 months, depending on the quality of the filter.