Furnaces
Furnace Ignitor Replacement Costs
By HVAC.com•January 3, 2025
A faulty furnace ignitor is one of the most common reasons for heating systems to fail, but the good news is that replacing it is a relatively straightforward and affordable repair. HVAC.com explains what furnace ignitors are, how they work, what causes them to fail, and what you can expect to pay when having yours replaced.
What Is a Furnace Ignitor?
The furnace ignitor is a small but key part of your heating system. It’s responsible for igniting the fuel (natural gas, propane, or oil) that powers your furnace to produce heat. Without a functioning ignitor, your furnace cannot operate.
There are two main types of furnace ignitors:
- Hot Surface Ignitors (HSIs): These ignitors use an electrical current to heat a silicon carbide or silicon nitride surface until it becomes hot enough to ignite the gas. Hot surface ignitors are common in modern furnaces because they are energy efficient and reliable.
- Intermittent Pilot Ignition: These use an electric spark to ignite a pilot light, which then lights the burner. While less common in newer systems, intermittent pilot ignition systems are still found in some older models.
What Can Cause a Furnace Ignitor to Go Out?
Furnace ignitors are durable but not indestructible. Over time, wear and tear or other issues can lead to failure. Here are some common causes:
- Age and Wear: Ignitors have a limited lifespan, typically 3 to 7 years. Frequent use can cause them to wear out faster.
- Electrical Issues: Power surges or problems with the electrical circuit can damage the ignitor.
- Dirt and Debris: Accumulated dirt or soot can prevent the ignitor from working properly.
- Moisture Damage: Exposure to moisture, such as from a humid environment, can cause the ignitor to corrode or short-circuit.
- Overheating: If your furnace overheats due to restricted airflow or a malfunctioning component, it can damage the ignitor.
- Faulty Installation or Mishandling: Handling the ignitor without care (e.g., touching it with bare hands) can lead to premature failure, especially in sensitive hot surface ignitors.
Furnace Ignitor Cost: What to Expect
The furnace ignitor cost depends on a few factors, including the type of ignitor, your furnace model, and labor rates in your area. Here’s a breakdown:
Ignitor Price
The cost of a furnace ignitor can range from $20 to $100 for the part itself, depending on the type of ignitor and whether the replacement part is universal or from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Labor Costs
Labor charges can vary widely by area but generally range from $75 to $150 for replacing the ignitor. HVAC professionals often include diagnostics, part replacement, and system testing in their labor fee.
Total Furnace Ignitor Replacement Cost
Combining the parts and labor, most homeowners spend between $150 and $300 on the heater igniter replacement cost. However, costs can be higher for specialty furnaces or urgent, after-hours repairs.
How an HVAC Technician Replaces a Furnace Ignitor
Replacing a furnace ignitor is a delicate process that requires precision, expertise, and safety precautions. Here’s how a professional HVAC technician typically handles the replacement:
1. Shut Down the Furnace
The technician starts by turning off the furnace’s power supply for safety, switching off the power at the breaker and shutting off the gas valve.
2. Access the Ignitor
Next, the technician removes the access panel from the furnace to locate the ignitor. In most furnaces, the ignitor is located near the burner assembly.
3. Disconnect and Remove the Faulty Ignitor
The technician carefully disconnects the wires attached to the old ignitor. These wires are usually secured with a clip or plug that needs to be detached. Then, the technician unscrews the mounting bracket that holds the ignitor in place and removes it.
4. Install the New Ignitor
The new ignitor is carefully aligned and secured in place with the mounting screws. The technician makes sure that the ignitor is properly positioned for optimal performance and reattaches the wires for a secure connection to the new ignitor.
5. Test the System
The technician restores power and tests the furnace to verify the ignitor is functioning correctly. They check for proper ignition, monitor the burner’s operation, and confirm that the system is heating as expected. Once the test is successful, the access panel is secured back onto the furnace, and the system is ready to operate.
Replacing a furnace ignitor may seem straightforward, but even small mistakes can lead to system malfunctions or safety hazards. That’s why it’s best to leave this job to trained HVAC professionals who have the skills and tools needed to perform the replacement correctly and safely.
DIY repairs or using non-OEM parts may void your furnace’s warranty. Professional repairs typically maintain warranty coverage.