Furnace Ignitor Replacement Cost: What Homeowners Should Expect

When your furnace stops working, a faulty ignitor is a common culprit. Knowing the expected furnace ignitor replacement cost allows homeowners to budget wisely and avoid expensive surprises. This comprehensive guide details average costs, influencing factors, and practical tips for American households needing furnace ignitor repair or replacement.

Furnace Ignitor Replacement Cost Overview

Aspect	Average Cost Range	Notes
DIY Replacement	$30 – $80	Cost of parts only, for those experienced
Professional Replacement	$150 – $350	Includes parts and labor
Ignitor Type (Silicon Nitride)	$40 – $120 (part only)	More durable, often more expensive
Ignitor Type (Silicon Carbide)	$20 – $70 (part only)	Cheaper but less long-lasting
Regional Labor Rates	$75 – $250 per service call	Higher in urban/metro areas

What Is A Furnace Ignitor?

The furnace ignitor is a critical component of gas-powered heating systems. It ignites the gas, starting the heating cycle. Most modern furnaces use electronic hot surface ignitors, which are far safer and more efficient than older pilot-light systems.

Common types of furnace ignitors include silicon nitride and silicon carbide ignitors. Each has unique cost, durability, and performance characteristics. When the ignitor fails, the furnace cannot create heat, rendering the system inoperable until repaired.

Signs That Your Furnace Ignitor Needs Replacement

• Furnace Blows Cold Air: The most immediate sign is a lack of heat from your vents.
• Repeated Start/Stop Cycles: The furnace clicks or attempts to start but fails repeatedly.
• No Glow During Startup: Modern ignitors glow before igniting gas; absence indicates failure.
• Error Codes or Warning Lights: Many furnaces display a diagnostic code if the ignitor is faulty.
• Unusual Odors: Smell of unburned gas can indicate ignition problems and requires immediate attention.

Factors Influencing Furnace Ignitor Replacement Cost

Several factors impact the final price of furnace ignitor replacement. Homeowners should consider these elements to budget effectively:

• Type Of Ignitor: Silicon nitride ignitors cost more but offer better longevity than silicon carbide models.
• Furnace Brand And Model: Some systems use proprietary parts, which may require more expensive OEM components.
• Labor Rates: Local service call and hourly fees vary by region and contractor experience.
• Accessibility: Hard-to-reach furnaces or cramped installation can increase labor time and cost.
• Diagnostic Fees: Technicians typically charge for troubleshooting before replacement.

Emergency or after-hours service also pushes costs upward. It’s advisable to schedule repairs during regular business hours when possible.

DIY Furnace Ignitor Replacement: Is It Safe?

For those with technical skills, DIY replacement can save significant money. Most ignitors cost between $30 and $80 at hardware stores or HVAC suppliers. However, risks include electrical shock, incorrect installation, or damaging the furnace control board.

• Safety First: Always disconnect power and gas before attempting repairs.
• Compatibility: Research the correct ignitor for the furnace’s make and model.
• Warranty Considerations: DIY repairs may void equipment warranties.

If in doubt, professional installation is safer and more reliable, especially with high-efficiency systems.

Professional Furnace Ignitor Replacement: Labor And Service Fees

Most homeowners opt for professional service, as technicians guarantee proper installation and safe operation. Nationally, service fees include:

• Diagnostic Visit: $75 – $150 is standard for the initial assessment and troubleshooting.
• Labor Charges: Typical hourly rates range from $75 to $250, depending on region.
• Total Replacement Cost: Including parts and labor, expect $150 to $350 for most residential units.
• After-Hours Or Emergency Fees: Some companies charge up to 50% more outside regular business hours.

Urban and coastal states often have higher service rates than rural areas.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Furnace Ignitor Replacement

Option	Estimated Cost	Pros	Cons
DIY	$30 – $80	Cheaper, Immediate Replacement	Risk Of Errors, Voided Warranty
Professional	$150 – $350	Guaranteed Work, Safety	Higher Cost

Types Of Furnace Ignitors And Their Costs

• Silicon Carbide Ignitors are more affordable ($20 – $70) but tend to last 3-5 years.
• Silicon Nitride Ignitors cost $40 – $120 and usually survive 5-8 years due to better heat resistance.
• OEM vs. Universal Parts: Original Equipment Manufacturer ignitors are designed for specific brands and may cost extra but ensure compatibility. Universal ignitors fit many models at a lower price.

Always reference your furnace’s manual or consult an HVAC supplier to ensure you purchase the correct part.

Lifespan Of A Furnace Ignitor

The average furnace ignitor lasts 3-8 years, depending on usage frequency, furnace type, and ignitor material. Silicon nitride ignitors generally outlast older silicon carbide units. Factors like frequent cycling, poor maintenance, and electrical surges can shorten lifespan.

Regular maintenance, such as changing air filters and servicing your furnace, helps maximize ignitor life and system reliability.

How To Extend Furnace Ignitor Life

1. Change Furnace Filters Regularly: Dirty filters cause system overworking and frequent ignitor activation.
2. Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance: Professional inspections catch early signs of ignitor wear or misalignment.
3. Use A Surge Protector: Protects furnace electronics, including the ignitor, from voltage spikes.
4. Address Ignition Issues Promptly: Delaying repairs can stress the ignitor or related parts.

Proactive care ensures your furnace ignitor reaches its maximum longevity.

Regional Variations In Replacement Costs

Furnace ignitor replacement cost varies by geographic region. Major cities, such as New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, have higher average labor and service call fees compared to smaller towns or rural areas.

• East & West Coast: Rates may exceed $200-$350 for professional replacement.
• Midwest & South: Costs often remain closer to $120-$250 for most models.
• Rural Areas: Lower labor costs but limited technician availability can cause delays.

Get multiple quotes to secure fair pricing in your location.

Can You Replace Just The Ignitor?

Yes. Most ignitor failures do not require full furnace replacement. The ignitor is a modular component that can be swapped out independently. In rare cases, electrical issues affecting the control board or gas valve may also require replacement, but this is uncommon.

Replacing only the faulty ignitor restores heat and is much more economical than replacing the entire unit.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace A Faulty Ignitor?

Delaying ignitor replacement leads to no heat in your home, increased risk of other furnace failures, and potential exposure to unburned gas odors. In very cold climates, the lack of heat can cause additional risks, like frozen pipes or unhealthy indoor conditions.

Prompt service minimizes these hazards and ensures home comfort and safety.

Finding The Right Professional For Furnace Ignitor Replacement

• Licensed & Insured: Choose HVAC contractors with state licensing and proper insurance for liability protection.
• Experience: Prioritize technicians with residential gas furnace experience.
• Written Estimates: Request quotes detailing parts, labor, and warranty coverage.
• Reviews & Referrals: Check customer testimonials on reputable platforms before hiring.

Hiring qualified professionals increases safety and usually comes with workmanship guarantees.

Are Furnace Ignitor Repairs Covered By Warranty?

Most new furnaces include a limited parts warranty (5-10 years) covering the ignitor if failure occurs during the coverage period. Labor is often not included after the first year, meaning homeowners may still pay service call fees.

If your furnace is under warranty, register any repairs with your manufacturer for documentation.

How To Save Money On Furnace Ignitor Replacement

• Preventative Maintenance: Annual tune-ups help catch ignitor issues before peak season.
• Compare Quotes: Obtain estimates from at least three HVAC contractors.
• Off-Season Repairs: Schedule replacements in spring or summer when demand is lower.
• Ask About Promotions: Some HVAC companies offer discounts on parts or service contracts.

Some home warranty plans cover critical furnace components, including ignitors. Review your policy for eligibility before paying out-of-pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Ignitor Replacement Cost

Q: Can I use a universal ignitor instead of a brand-specific one?
A: In many cases, universal ignitors are compatible and function reliably, but always confirm with an expert or refer to your owner’s manual.

Q: How long does professional ignitor replacement take?
A: Most jobs require 30-90 minutes, depending on furnace accessibility and technician experience.

Q: Should I replace an old ignitor before it fails?
A: Some homeowners choose to replace ignitors with every furnace tune-up, especially if nearing end-of-life, to avoid mid-winter outages.

Q: Can a bad ignitor damage the rest of my furnace?
A: Typically, no. However, frequent failed startups may strain the gas valve or control board over time.

Q: What’s the quickest way to check if the ignitor is failed?
A: Observe the ignitor during the start sequence; no glow usually means failure.

Key Takeaways

• Furnace ignitor replacement cost ranges from $30 (DIY) to $350 (professional), with most homeowners spending $150 to $350.
• Labor, location, and ignitor type are main price variables.
• Addressing issues promptly ensures safe, efficient heating and prevents further system damage.