Changing Furnace Ignitor: 7 Easy Fixes for a Warmer Home

When your heating system fails on a cold winter night, the last thing you want is to wait for a technician. Fortunately, changing furnace ignitor is one of the most common and manageable DIY fixes in home heating repair. If your furnace is not turning on, blowing cold air, or cycling off too quickly, the culprit is often a worn-out or broken ignitor. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing a furnace ignitor safely and effectively so you can restore warmth to your home without unnecessary delays.

Why Changing Furnace Ignitor Matters

Your furnace’s ignitor is a small component with a big job. It lights the burner that heats your home. If it fails, the entire heating process comes to a halt. A bad ignitor is not only inconvenient but can also reduce energy efficiency and strain your HVAC system. That’s why changing furnace ignitor promptly can improve performance, reduce energy bills, and extend your system’s lifespan.

Signs You Need to Change Furnace Ignitor

There are several telltale signs that indicate it’s time to change furnace ignitor. If your furnace doesn’t ignite at all, blows only cold air, or you hear repeated clicking sounds with no flame, your ignitor may be faulty. In many cases, you’ll also see a flashing error code on the furnace control board pointing directly to ignitor issues. If any of these problems appear, changing the furnace ignitor is likely the solution.

Tools and Safety Precautions Before Changing Furnace Ignitor

What You Need for the Job

Before changing furnace ignitor, make sure you have the necessary tools: a screwdriver, multimeter, replacement ignitor compatible with your furnace model, and gloves. It’s crucial to turn off the furnace power supply before starting any work to avoid electric shock. Also, let the furnace cool completely to avoid burns, as the ignitor area can be extremely hot.

Picking the Right Replacement Part

For successful changing furnace ignitor, choosing the correct replacement is essential. Not all ignitors are universal. Check your furnace model number and buy an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part or an approved equivalent. Using the wrong ignitor can cause malfunction or even damage your unit.

Step-by-Step Process for Changing Furnace Ignitor

Step 1 – Shut Off the Power Supply

The very first step in changing furnace ignitor is safety. Locate the power switch near the furnace or turn off the circuit breaker. Ensuring no electricity is running to the unit protects you from electrical hazards.

Step 2 – Remove the Furnace Access Panel

Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the access panel in place. Slide or lift off the panel to expose the burner and ignitor assembly. You’re now ready to begin the hands-on part of changing furnace ignitor.

Step 3 – Locate and Disconnect the Ignitor

The ignitor is usually found near the burners and resembles a small ceramic stick or a forked metal component with wires connected to it. Unplug the ignitor connector or detach it using screws. Handle it carefully; it’s very fragile, especially the ceramic portion.

Step 4 – Test the Old Ignitor (Optional)

Before changing furnace ignitor, some prefer testing the old one using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to ohms and place the probes on each terminal. If you get no reading, the ignitor is faulty and should be replaced.

Step 5 – Install the New Ignitor

Place the new ignitor in the same location and orientation as the old one. Screw it in place securely and reconnect the wire harness. Make sure the connection is tight and there are no loose wires before moving on to the next part of changing furnace ignitor.

Step 6 – Restore Power and Test

Turn the furnace power back on and set your thermostat to heat. Listen and observe to ensure the new ignitor glows and the burners light up as expected. If everything works smoothly, your changing furnace ignitor task was a success.

Step 7 – Replace the Access Panel

Once the furnace is working, screw the access panel back into place. Your heating system is now ready for full operation, and you’ve completed changing furnace ignitor like a pro.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Furnace Ignitor

Skipping Power Disconnection

One of the most dangerous errors when changing furnace ignitor is not turning off the power. Never assume a component is safe just because it’s not visibly active.

Touching the Ignitor Surface

The ceramic and sensor area of the ignitor is sensitive. Touching it with bare hands can transfer oil from your skin and cause it to crack when heated. Always handle with gloves or by the base.

Ignoring Model Compatibility

Using an ignitor that doesn’t match your furnace’s specs can lead to further issues. Always verify compatibility before purchasing, especially when changing furnace ignitor in newer or high-efficiency models.

How Often Should You Be Changing Furnace Ignitor

Ignitors typically last between 3 and 7 years, depending on usage, furnace type, and maintenance. If your system cycles frequently or is in heavy use during winter, it may wear out faster. Regular inspection during annual HVAC maintenance helps prevent emergency changing furnace ignitor situations.

Cost of Changing Furnace Ignitor

If you do it yourself, the cost of changing furnace ignitor is relatively low. Most replacement ignitors range from $25 to $60. Hiring a technician can bring the total cost to $150 or more, depending on labor charges. DIY changing furnace ignitor can save you a significant amount if done safely and correctly.

When to Call a Professional for Changing Furnace Ignitor

While many homeowners successfully complete changing the furnace ignitor on their own, you should contact a licensed HVAC technician if you’re uncomfortable working with electrical components or can’t identify the ignitor type. Also, if replacing the ignitor doesn’t solve the problem, the issue may lie deeper in the control board or gas system, requiring expert attention.

Conclusion

Furnace breakdowns during the coldest days are more than just inconvenient; they can be dangerous. Understanding how and when to change the furnace ignitor can save you time, money, and stress. With a few basic tools and safety precautions, you can restore heat to your home and gain confidence in your ability to manage simple HVAC repairs. Don’t wait for costly technician visits when a straightforward DIY approach to changing the furnace ignitor can get your system running again within the hour.

FAQs About Changing Furnace Ignitor

Q1: How do I know when to start changing the furnace ignitor?

If your furnace isn’t producing heat, makes clicking noises, or fails to ignite, it’s a good sign that changing the furnace ignitor is necessary.

Q2: Can I perform changing a furnace ignitor without any experience?

Yes, many homeowners can do it safely with basic tools. Just follow proper instructions and shut off power before starting.

Q3: How long does changing a furnace ignitor take?

On average, changing a furnace ignitor takes about 30 to 60 minutes for a typical gas furnace.

Q4: What happens if I install the wrong ignitor?

Using an incompatible ignitor can cause the furnace to malfunction or even damage internal components, making proper matching essential.

Q5: Should I replace the ignitor even if it’s not completely dead?

If the ignitor is weak or intermittently failing, preemptively changing furnace ignitor can prevent unexpected heating outages during peak cold periods.

Do you have questions, or are you ready to start your next project? Explore our services at AiRCO Mechanical!