Summary at a Glance
- Knowing when to repair or replace your furnace ignitor is important to prevent a gas leak and prolong the lifespan of your heating system.
- The experts at Cozy Home Services Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing provide professional furnace ignitor services for homeowners in Vacaville, CA, and the surrounding areas.
- Several signs may indicate an issue with your furnace ignition system, and homeowners should know how to recognize them if they have a gas furnace.
Understanding Your Furnace Ignition System
Although winters in Vacaville and Solano County, CA, are generally mild, many homeowners use gas furnaces to stay warm when temperatures drop. This equipment uses a furnace ignition system that lights the gas supply whenever you turn on the heat or raise the temperature to heat your home. If you suspect an issue with this part of your furnace, it’s important to know when you need furnace ignitor repair or replacement. The experts at Cozy Home Services Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing offer useful tips to help you determine when to call us and how to prevent furnace ignitor failure.
Common Signs You Have a Bad Furnace Ignitor
If you have a gas-heated home, recognizing the signs of a bad furnace ignitor is critical. Look for these common bad furnace ignitor symptoms that may indicate your furnace ignitor is failing and needs to be repaired or replaced:
- No warm air: If your furnace isn’t producing warm air, or cool air is coming from the vents, it may indicate an issue with the furnace ignitor.
- Clicking noises: When your furnace is clicking but not starting, it’s a sign that the ignitor is malfunctioning and can no longer ignite the gas.
- Short-cycling: When your furnace repeatedly turns on and off, it may be due to the ignitor.
- Delayed ignition: If too much gas accumulates before the furnace ignites, it may produce a puff or bang, resulting in a delayed ignition.
- Damage: Visible signs of damage like chips or cracks, or a white powdery spot on the ignitor, are signs that the component is broken or malfunctioning.
- Gas odors: The smell of rotten eggs without ignition is a common sign that the ignitor is not sparking, and it’s a serious safety concern.
- Breaker keeps tripping: If your furnace breaker keeps tripping, it could be an electrical issue with the ignitor.
Why Furnace Ignitors Fail (And How to Prevent It)
There are several potential causes of furnace ignition system problems. Here’s why your furnace ignitor may fail, and what you can do to prevent it:
Ignitor age
The average furnace ignitor should last three to seven years before needing a furnace ignitor replacement. Frequent use will cause wear and tear, leading to the ignitor’s degradation over time. To slow down and prevent premature wear on the ignitor, schedule routine maintenance and replace it before it fails, keeping your heat running smoothly.
Buildup
Dirt and dust will naturally accumulate on the ignitor whenever your furnace runs. This buildup can block the ignitor and keep it from functioning. Keep this component clean and remove buildup periodically to ensure the ignitor operates properly and your furnace runs safely.
Electrical issues
Certain electrical issues may affect your furnace ignitor. For example, a power surge or incorrect voltage can damage the ignitor and other components. Contact the experienced team at Cozy Home Services for professional diagnosis and repair if you suspect an electrical problem.
A dirty flame sensor
When the furnace’s flame sensor is dirty, it can prevent ignition. When the flame sensor is dirty, it may trigger a safety shutdown, causing your furnace to stop operating. Check your flame sensor regularly and keep it clean to prevent this issue.
Repair vs. Replace: How To Know Which Solution You Need
In most cases, you’ll need to replace your furnace ignitor if it’s malfunctioning. Repairs may be possible if the issue is minor, such as excess buildup on the ignitor or a dirty flame sensor. Here’s when to upgrade your heating system or replace the furnace ignitor instead of having it repaired:
- The furnace ignitor is visibly burned, warped, chipped, or cracked.
- Your ignitor does not glow red whenever you try to start the furnace.
- You hear a loud bang or a whooshing sound when the gas builds up before it ignites.
- The furnace is not igniting or lighting after several attempts.
DIY vs. Professional Furnace Ignitor Repair
You may be able to diagnose specific furnace ignitor problems yourself, but it’s important to know when to contact an HVAC professional for repairs. While some DIY solutions, such as removing dirt and dust buildup, are feasible, most require a trained HVAC technician. Our technicians are trained to work safely with electricity and gas to prevent injuries, fires, and accidental explosions. If you suspect an issue with your furnace ignitor, contact us to schedule a repair right away.
How Cozy Home Services Diagnoses Ignition System Problems
The technicians at Cozy Home Services perform several tasks to diagnose a potential ignition system problem, including a visual check for damage and cleaning vital components like the flame sensor and ignitor. We also test your gas supply and pressure and use a multimeter to check the voltage, resistance, and other factors related to the furnace’s electrical system. After we troubleshoot and diagnose the problem, we’ll either repair or replace the ignitor and perform a comprehensive system test to confirm that everything is working safely and correctly.
Financing Options for Furnace Ignitor Replacement or Heating Upgrades
Whether you’re getting a new furnace or updating with a heat pump, we’ve partnered with GoodLeap to make paying for your ignitor replacement or heating upgrade easier and more affordable. This flexible financing option only requires a soft credit check and uses the highest score from all three bureaus to see if you qualify. It takes just a few minutes to apply.
Service Area — Furnace Ignitor Repair Near You
Cozy Home Services provides furnace ignitor repair and other services to customers in Sacramento, CA, and other nearby areas, including:
- Walnut Creek: 94597, 94598
- Concord: 94518, 94520
- Pleasant Hill: 94523
- Lafayette: 94549
Call Cozy Home Services for Furnace Ignition Troubleshooting
If you notice issues with your furnace ignitor, it’s important to have it addressed promptly. The team of reliable professionals at Cozy Home Services Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing is available to assist with furnace ignition troubleshooting in Vacaville, CA, and the surrounding areas. To schedule service with our company, contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my furnace blow cold air before heating?
If your furnace blows cold air before heating, it may be due to a thermostat issue, a dirty flame sensor, or an ignitor problem. In some cases, it may blow cold air when your air filter is dirty, or your ductwork is broken or blocked.
Is it dangerous to run a furnace with a faulty ignitor?
Operating a furnace with a faulty ignitor is dangerous because it can cause gas buildup that may lead to an explosion. It may also release harmful carbon monoxide into your home, posing a serious risk to health and safety.
Should I replace an ignitor or upgrade the whole furnace?
If your furnace is 10 to 15 years old, you should replace the ignitor. However, if your furnace is older, experiences frequent breakdowns, or your energy bills have skyrocketed without a change in usage, it may be better to replace the entire furnace.
