Furnace Ignitor Cost Guide: Replacement Price, Labor, and Tips

Replacing a furnace ignitor is a common HVAC repair that affects heating reliability and safety. This guide explains typical costs, factors that influence prices, DIY vs. professional replacement, and tips to extend ignitor life. It helps homeowners understand what to expect and how to choose the best option for budget and safety. Key takeaway: most ignitor replacements cost between $50 and $350 including parts and labor, depending on type and service region.

Item	Typical Cost Range (Parts)	Typical Total Cost (With Labor)
Hot Surface Ignitor (HSI)	$25–$100	$150–$350
Rod Or Flame Sensor	$10–$40	$70–$200
Pilot Ignitor / Standing Pilot	$15–$60	$80–$220

What A Furnace Ignitor Does

A furnace ignitor creates the spark or heat necessary to light the furnace burner. Modern furnaces commonly use hot surface ignitors (HSI) or electronic spark ignitors, while older units may use standing pilot lights with pilot ignitors or flame sensors. Proper ignition is essential for safe, efficient combustion and stable heating performance.

Common Types Of Furnace Ignitors

Hot Surface Ignitors (HSI)

HSIs are made from silicon carbide or silicon nitride and glow red-hot to ignite gas. They are common in residential furnaces due to reliability and simplicity. HSIs are sensitive to cracking and thermal shock, and they fail gradually or suddenly.

Electronic Spark Ignitors

Spark ignitors generate an electrical spark to light the burner, similar to a gas stove. They are durable and often found in higher-end or newer systems. Spark systems may use electrodes and require proper grounding and alignment.

Pilot Ignitors And Flame Sensors

Older furnaces may use a standing pilot light with a pilot ignitor assembly and a flame sensor to confirm ignition. Flame sensors can become dirty and stop detecting flame, causing repeated lockouts that seem like ignitor failure.

Breakdown Of Costs

Costs vary by ignitor type, furnace model, part brand, and labor rates. Parts alone are generally inexpensive, but labor and diagnostic fees drive most of the total cost for professional replacement.

Parts Cost

Hot Surface Ignitor: $25–$100 depending on OEM vs. aftermarket and model compatibility. Electronic Spark Ignitor: $30–$120. Flame Sensor Or Small Pilot Parts: $10–$60. Specialty or OEM matched modules can cost more for less common furnaces.

Labor And Service Fees

Technician hourly rates range widely by region, typically $75–$150 per hour. Most ignitor replacements are one to two hours of labor including diagnostic tests and safety checks, so labor commonly adds $75–$250. Minimum service call fees may apply.

Total Typical Costs

Combining parts and labor, most homeowners pay between $150 and $350 for HSI replacement, $70–$200 for flame sensor or pilot ignitor fixes, and up to $400 for complex or hard-to-access systems. Emergency or after-hours service can add 20–100% extra.

Factors That Affect Price

• Ignitor Type: HSI versus spark or pilot affects parts cost.
• Furnace Brand And Model: OEM parts for specific models often cost more than universal aftermarket parts.
• Accessibility: Units in tight closets, attics, or on rooftops increase labor time.
• Diagnostic Complexity: Intermittent failures require more troubleshooting and higher labor costs.
• Location And Season: Urban areas and peak winter months usually have higher service fees and demand-based pricing.
• Warranty Coverage: Some furnaces or parts are under warranty which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

DIY Replacement: Pros, Cons, And Steps

Replacing an ignitor can be a reasonable DIY project for people comfortable with tools and safety precautions. However, improper installation risks damage or unsafe operation. Homeowners should weigh cost savings against potential hazards.

Pros

• Lower cost: saves labor fees.
• Immediate repair without scheduling a technician.

Cons

• Risk of electric shock or gas leaks if safety steps are ignored.
• Potential to void warranties if unauthorized repairs are performed.
• Incorrect part selection or installation can damage the furnace.

DIY Step-By-Step Overview

1. Turn off power and gas to furnace at the switch and gas valve.
2. Confirm power is off with a multimeter or by verifying controls are dark.
3. Access the furnace control compartment and locate the ignitor assembly.
4. Document wiring and take photos before disconnecting the old ignitor.
5. Carefully remove the old ignitor (HSIs are fragile; avoid touching the element with bare hands).
6. Install the new ignitor, reconnect wiring, and secure mounting.
7. Restore power and gas, run furnace through a heating cycle, and observe ignition.
8. Test safety components and check for error codes or unusual operation.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider calling a professional if unsure.

When To Call A Professional

Professional service is recommended if the homeowner is uncomfortable working with gas or high-voltage components, if the ignitor is difficult to access, or if the furnace shows multiple error codes. A technician can also check related systems—gas pressure, control boards, and flame sensors—to prevent repeat failures.

Preventive Maintenance To Extend Ignitor Life

Regular maintenance reduces the chance of unexpected ignitor failure and improves furnace efficiency. Annual HVAC tune-ups are recommended by most manufacturers and typically include ignition system checks.

• Keep filters clean to maintain airflow and reduce overheating that stresses HSIs.
• Have flame sensors cleaned periodically to prevent misdiagnosed ignition issues.
• Ensure proper ventilation and combustion air to avoid thermal stress.
• Address frequent cycling or pressure switch problems that can cause premature ignitor wear.

Warranty And Replacement Parts

Many modern furnaces include parts warranties for the heat exchanger and some major components, but ignitors are often covered for shorter periods. Check the furnace manual, registration paperwork, or contact the manufacturer to verify coverage. Using OEM parts or certified technicians may be required to maintain warranty protection.

How To Choose The Right Replacement Part

Choosing the correct ignitor requires matching the furnace model number, part number, and ignition type. Online parts retailers, HVAC suppliers, and manufacturer service centers can cross-reference components. Essential details include the furnace model, serial number, ignitor type (HSI vs. spark), and photographs when possible.

Cost-Saving Tips

• Compare quotes from multiple licensed HVAC contractors and ask for itemized estimates.
• Shop for parts online with the exact part number to compare OEM and aftermarket prices.
• Schedule non-emergency repairs during off-peak seasons to avoid emergency or surge pricing.
• Consider a home warranty or preventive maintenance contract if frequent repairs occur.

Common Misdiagnoses And Hidden Costs

What appears as a failed ignitor can sometimes be caused by a faulty control board, bad relay, clogged burners, or wiring issues. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary part replacement and repeat service calls. A reputable technician will perform diagnostic checks and explain findings before replacing parts.

Regional Pricing Examples

While exact prices vary, typical ranges in the U.S. include lower-cost regions (parts $25–$75, total $120–$250) and higher-cost metropolitan areas (parts $50–$150, total $200–$400). Emergency weekend or holiday service can increase totals appreciably.

Key Questions To Ask A Technician

• What is the specific cause of the ignition failure and what tests were run?
• Is the recommended part OEM or aftermarket, and why?
• Are there additional system components that should be inspected or replaced?
• Is there a warranty on the part and labor?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a furnace ignitor usually last?

HSIs commonly last 3–10 years depending on usage, cycling frequency, and environmental conditions. Spark ignitors and sensors can last longer but still require maintenance.

Can a dirty flame sensor look like a bad ignitor?

Yes. A fouled flame sensor can prevent the control board from detecting flame and trigger repeated ignition attempts or lockouts, mimicking ignitor failure. Cleaning the flame sensor often resolves the issue.

Is it safe to run the furnace if the ignitor is failing?

No. Intermittent ignition can cause unsafe combustion conditions and repeated cycling. It is advisable to stop using the furnace and have the issue diagnosed promptly, especially in cold weather.

Resources And Further Reading

Homeowners seeking more information can consult manufacturer manuals, reputable HVAC websites, and consumer protection resources for guidance on contractors and warranties. Always prioritize licensed, insured technicians for gas appliance repairs.