Worn Ignitors
Worn Ignitors | Heat Repair | Heating and Air Conditioning | Reliance
When the winter winds sweep through Reliance and a worn ignitor leaves your furnace silent, HEP’s seasoned technicians bring the spark back fast. We diagnose failing ignitors, cracked flame sensors, and other hidden glitches on the spot, arriving with stocked vans so most fixes happen in one visit. Transparent pricing, honest advice, and a 100 % satisfaction promise mean you’ll never be left guessing—or shivering.
From routine maintenance to urgent heat repair, our team treats every home like it’s their own, respecting your time, property, and budget. Call, text, or book online, and enjoy toasty comfort restored today.
FAQs
What are the most common signs of a worn furnace ignitor in my Reliance home?
Typical warning signs include: the blower runs but no warm air comes out; the furnace starts a heat cycle, then shuts down after a few seconds (short-cycling); you hear repeated clicking or see the ignitor glowing without the burners lighting; or your thermostat shows an ignition-related error code. If you notice any of these symptoms, the ignitor’s resistance has likely drifted out of spec and it should be tested and replaced.
Why do ignitors wear out in gas furnaces and heating systems?
Hot-surface and spark ignitors sit directly in the burner flame and can exceed 2,500 °F each time the furnace calls for heat. Repeated thermal stress, vibration, power surges, soot buildup, and even skin oils left on the ignitor during past service all shorten its life. Most ignitors last 3–7 years, so periodic replacement is considered normal maintenance rather than a major failure.
Is it safe to keep running my furnace if the ignitor is failing?
If the ignitor cannot light the burners, the furnace’s safety board will lock the system out after a few attempts. While this prevents dangerous gas buildup, forcing the unit to restart repeatedly can stress other components and may eventually damage the control board. For comfort, efficiency, and safety, schedule repair as soon as you suspect an ignitor problem.
How long does professional ignitor replacement take and what happens during the visit?
A trained technician in Reliance can usually diagnose and replace a worn ignitor in 30–60 minutes. The visit includes verifying the fault code, measuring ignitor resistance, matching the correct OEM part, removing the brittle old element, installing the new one without touching the ceramic surface, checking burner flame, and running a complete safety cycle test. Most services are available the same day, even during peak-season emergencies.
Will a new ignitor improve my heating system’s efficiency and safety?
Yes. A strong, correctly rated ignitor lights the gas quickly, eliminating raw-gas loss, preventing furnace short-cycling, and ensuring full burner flame for proper heat exchange. This restores manufacturer-rated efficiency, reduces carbon-monoxide risk, and can lower winter gas bills by up to 5 %. It also helps protect the heat exchanger from stress cracks caused by repeated misfires.
What does ignitor replacement cost in Reliance and is it covered under any warranty or maintenance plan?
Typical total cost in Reliance ranges from $150 to $400, which includes the diagnostic visit, the new ignitor ($30–$90 for most models), and labor. Many furnaces carry a one-year parts warranty, and some extended manufacturer or home-warranty plans cover ignitors beyond that period. If you’re enrolled in a seasonal maintenance agreement with Worn Ignitors Heating & Air Conditioning, you receive discounted parts, waived diagnostic fees, and priority scheduling for ignitor replacements.