Signs Your Furnace Ignitor Might Need Replacement

When winter temperatures arrive in Morton Grove, IL, the last thing you want is a furnace malfunction. The furnace ignitor makes a spark or heats up to ignite the gas during a heating cycle. A problem with the ignitor can be a serious safety issue. Keep reading to learn the signs that your furnace ignitor might need replacement.

Cold Air

During a normal heating cycle, the thermostat triggers the furnace to turn on. The blower starts pushing air and the ignitor is triggered. A malfunctioning ignitor won’t ignite the flame. This causes cold air to blow through your home’s vents. Before calling for heating system repairs, check your thermostat. If it’s set to heat your home warmer than the outdoor temperature, you could have a furnace ignitor problem.

Furnace Won’t Cycle

If your furnace won’t turn on at all, check the thermostat. If it’s fine, the next place to look is your breaker box. If the power is on to the furnace, there could be an ignitor problem. Your furnace has a safety valve that automatically shuts off the flow of gas if no flame is produced. If you hear the click of the furnace turning on, but nothing happens, this could be a dangerous situation. If you have this problem, you should turn off the furnace, exit your home, and call for heating system repairs right away.

Heating Cycle Interruptions

When your furnace turns on, it should stay on for at least several minutes. If it turns on only to turn off seconds later, a failing ignitor could be the culprit. The ignitor might not be able to hold a charge long enough to ignite the gas. Most furnaces have a safety feature that pauses the next cycle for one minute. If your home’s circuit breaker trips often or you experience frequent on and off cycles, call for repairs.

Learn more about furnace ignitor problems by reviewing Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.’s heating system repairs or call us today for additional information.