A faulty furnace ignitor is a common reason homeowners experience heating issues, especially during the colder months in Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri.
While the component itself is small, its role in your furnace’s operation is critical. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent system failures and keep your home safe and comfortable.
This guide outlines how furnace ignitors work, warning signs to watch for, and when it’s time to call in a professional for inspection or repair.
What Is a Furnace Ignitor?
A furnace ignitor is a small but essential component in your heating system. It’s responsible for igniting the fuel that starts your furnace’s heating cycle. Without it, your home won’t get warm.
In Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri, you may also hear it referred to as a “glow plug,” a nod to how some ignitors visibly glow when in operation. Regardless of the name, a faulty ignitor is one of the most common causes of heating failure during colder months.
How Does a Furnace Ignitor Work?
When your thermostat signals the need for heat, the furnace ignitor activates and creates the spark or heat necessary to ignite the gas. This starts the burner, which then heats the air that circulates through your home.
In modern systems, this process is both highly efficient and relatively quiet. But when the ignitor fails—whether due to wear, dirt buildup, or electrical problems—you’re likely to notice it very quickly.
Types of Furnace Ignitors
Furnace ignitors vary by system type, and understanding these differences can be helpful when it’s time for furnace ignitor replacement or troubleshooting. Here are the three main types found in residential heating systems:
- Electric Hot Surface Ignitors: These use electricity to heat a ceramic element until it reaches a sufficiently high temperature to ignite the gas. They’re common in newer furnaces for their efficiency and reliability. Because they don’t rely on an open flame, they offer improved safety and are less prone to drafts or air pressure issues.
- Intermittent Pilot Ignitors: These devices use a small electric spark to ignite a pilot flame only when heat is required, thereby reducing fuel waste. This design helps reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs, making it a wise choice for modern homeowners.
- Standing Pilot Ignitors: These feature a constantly burning pilot flame. While less common in today’s systems, many older homes still use furnaces with this setup due to long-term durability.
The Warning Signs of a Faulty Furnace Ignitor
Knowing what to look for can help you catch problems early. Here are the most common indicators of a faulty furnace ignitor:
- No heat or inconsistent heat: If your furnace blows cold air or cycles frequently without warming the space, the ignitor may not be lighting properly.
- Furnace won’t start: A faulty ignitor often prevents your furnace from starting at all.
- Clicking sounds without ignition: Repeated clicking with no ignition is a classic symptom.
- The burner starts then stops quickly: The system may light briefly but then shut off because the ignitor can’t maintain a flame.
- Dirty ignitor sensor: Accumulated soot or debris can block sensors, affecting ignition.
- Tripped breaker or visible damage: Cracks, corrosion, or blown fuses often point to an ignitor failure.
When you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Prompt attention helps avoid damage to other furnace components.
Furnace Ignitor FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Should I Try to Clean My Furnace Ignitor?
A: While some articles suggest cleaning a dirty ignitor sensor yourself, it’s not usually recommended. Ignitors are fragile and electrically sensitive. Attempting to clean or repair them without proper training can cause damage or pose safety hazards. It is best to call a trained technician who can diagnose and safely service the issue.
Q: How can I Test My Home Furnace’s Ignitor?
A: Technicians use a multimeter to test the ignitor for electrical continuity. If the reading indicates no continuity, the ignitor has failed and needs to be replaced. This type of testing should be performed by a qualified professional to prevent electric shock or system damage.
Q: How Long Does a Furnace Ignitor Last?
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.
Q: What Does a Furnace Ignitor Look Like?
A: Most ignitors are small, flat, and ceramic, with metal prongs and wires attached to them. Electric hot surface ignitors resemble a thick stick or fork. Some may be labeled with part numbers, but due to their similarity in appearance, identifying the type usually requires a professional assessment.
The Importance of Furnace Repair for a Bad Ignitor
Delaying furnace ignitor replacement can lead to much bigger issues. Addressing the problem early offers several benefits:
- Restoring Consistent Heating: Replacing a bad ignitor restores dependable heating throughout your home—critical during our cold Midwest winters.
- Improving Energy Efficiency: A failing ignitor causes the furnace to cycle inefficiently, wasting energy and increasing utility bills.
- Preventing Carbon Monoxide Risks: An unlit or poorly burning furnace can release dangerous gases. Regular inspections and carbon monoxide testing help keep your family safe.
- Extending Your Furnace’s Lifespan: Catching ignitor problems early reduces stress on the system and helps avoid more extensive wear.
- Avoiding Costly Secondary Repairs: Ignitor issues can cause other components, such as the control board or blower motor, to work harder and wear out more quickly.
- Maintaining Indoor Air Quality: When the furnace isn’t working correctly, dust and combustion residue can build up in the system. Maintaining your unit in good condition helps ensure healthy indoor air quality.
Professional Furnace Repair Services from Dutch Enterprises
Furnace ignitor issues should never be ignored. If you suspect a problem, Dutch Enterprises provides expert heating and furnace repair across Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri.
Whether you need emergency help, regular maintenance, or 24-hour emergency services, our experienced technicians are ready to help. Call us today at (573) 315-3751 to schedule your service or learn more about heating and cooling services. We’re here to keep your home comfortable, safe, and efficient throughout the year.
