- HEP Heat and Air
- Igniter Failures

Igniter Failures
Igniter Failures | Heat Repair | Heating and Air Conditioning | Ooltewah
When your furnace clicks but never roars to life, chances are the igniter has called it quits. HEP’s certified technicians specialize in tracing those stubborn starting issues back to the source—whether that’s a cracked hot-surface igniter, a failed spark module, or a sensor caked with debris—and swapping the faulty part with precision parts that restore full-blast warmth to your Ooltewah home. We arrive stocked for same-day fixes, explain what went wrong in plain English, and back every repair with clear, upfront pricing and a satisfaction guarantee.
If the failed igniter has already triggered other problems, our team can handle them on the spot, from airflow corrections to thermostat recalibration, so you don’t get caught in a cycle of callbacks. Homeowners across Ooltewah rely on HEP for responsive heat repair that turns frustrating furnace silence into soothing, reliable heat—even on the coldest Tennessee nights.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my furnace igniter has failed?
Typical symptoms include repeated furnace short-cycling, the blower running with no heat, visible cracks or white build-up on the igniter surface, and a flashing fault code on the control board. If you notice any of these in your Ooltewah home, shut the unit off and schedule service to avoid damaging other components.
Is it safe to try cleaning or replacing the igniter myself?
Hot-surface igniters are extremely fragile and operate on 120 V. Touching the element with bare hands or overtightening the mounting screw can break it instantly. Because the repair also involves working inside a gas-fired appliance, we strongly advise leaving diagnosis and replacement to our licensed HVAC technicians to keep your warranty and household safe.
How quickly can your team in Ooltewah replace a faulty igniter?
For most brands we stock OEM igniters on our service trucks. If you call before noon, we can usually have a technician on site the same day, complete testing, and install the new igniter in a single visit. Evening and weekend emergency service is available during the heating season.
What causes igniters to burn out so often?
Igniters are essentially electric filaments that heat to 2,500 °F every time the furnace starts. Over time, normal thermal cycling, power surges, improper voltage, or contamination from dirt and moisture weaken the element until it cracks. Annual maintenance—especially cleaning the burner compartment and checking incoming voltage—can extend its life.
How much does igniter replacement typically cost in the Ooltewah area?
Pricing varies by furnace make and model, but most standard hot-surface igniter replacements fall between $180 and $300, including the part and labor. We provide upfront, flat-rate quotes before any work begins, and all replacements come with a one-year parts-and-labor warranty.
Will a bad igniter affect my energy bills or other furnace parts?
Yes. If the igniter struggles to light the burners, the furnace may attempt multiple ignition cycles, wasting gas and electricity. Repeated misfires can dump raw fuel into the heat exchanger, shortening its life and triggering expensive repairs. Replacing a worn igniter promptly restores efficient, safe operation and keeps utility costs in check.