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Hot surface ignitor are the most commonly used electronic ignition system. It works like a light bulb filament, heating up when electricity is passed through it. Most are made from silicon nitride or silicon carbide ceramic. When the gas valve opens, the gas is ignited by the igniter.
How do I know if my hot surface ignitor is bad?
4 Signs of a Faulty Furnace Ignitor The Furnace Stops Running. When a furnace won’t run at all, check for a bad ignitor. Your Furnace Blows Chilly Air. Unless you’ve set your thermostat to COOL, your furnace should not blow cold air. Does Your Furnace Short Cycle? A No Glow Ignitor. We Can Replace Your Furnace Ignitor.
What causes hot surface ignitor failure?
As mentioned above, sometimes the cause of a furnace ignitor failing to ignite is due to a safety issue, such as a clogged air filter, for instance. So, if your furnace is failing to ignite, it’s a good idea to check the air filter. If it looks clogged up, then this is probably the source of the problem.
How does furnace ignitor work?
Today, the furnace igniter replaces the open flame of the pilot light in most furnaces. When the thermostat kicks on to start the furnace, the ignitor creates a spark that “ignites” the gas connected to your heater. Other types of ignitors heat without a spark.
Can you clean a hot surface igniter?
It is not necessary to clean a hot surface igniter as it blow off any dust. However contrary to silicon carbide ceramic hot surface ignitor which are very brittle and shouldn’t be touched, silicon nitride hot surface ignitor are very robust and can be cleaned manually iff really necessary.
Are furnace ignitors universal?
This universal ignitor is a replacement part for use in gas-fired appliances like furnaces, water heaters, and boilers, compatible with over 150-OEM models.
Are furnace hot surface ignitors interchangeable?
Furnace hot surface ignitors or glow plugs are found on most furnaces to light the gas flames upon furnace start-up. Like a light bulb, they are a regular replacement item. Most ignitors are interchangeable as long as they fit in the furnace space provided.
Why does my furnace igniter keep clicking?
The ignitor will keep clicking as it tries to spark a flame. This could indicate a dangerous gas leak or clogged gas valve. This might be caused by faulty gas meter controls or the thermostat controls. If a gas furnace runs and then shuts off, or short cycles, this indicates an inconsistent flow of gas.
Are hot surface ignitors interchangeable?
And each brand has different models. Within the same brand they might be more similar but no guarantee. And what makes matters worse is that the igniter you are replacing is probably broken. So if it was a hot wire igniter you won’t be able to compare the resistances to a new one to see if they might perform similarly.
How many volts go to a hot surface ignitor?
Supply Volts Most hot surface ignitors work off of 120 volts. However, there are a few out there that work off of 240 volts. The Honeywell SmartValve Hot Surface Pilot Ignition uses 24 volts.
Does the igniter stay heated during the burner operation?
At the end of the igniter warm-up period, the gas valve main opens. The igniter will remain on for a specific amount of time (seconds) depending on the specific ignition module being used. When main burner ignition occurs, the flame is sensed by the igniter (local sense) or by a remote sensor (remote sense).
How does a hot surface ignitor sense flame?
Hot Surface Ignition systems use an ‘M’ or fork-shaped silicon carbide or silicon nitride igniter piece instead of a traditional spark igniter to light your gas flames. Low-voltage, but high-current electricity is sent through the hot surface igniter piece, heating it up to a glowing 2500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is hot surface ignitor the same as flame sensor?
As soon as combustion has been initiated, electricity ceases to flow to the hot surface igniter. For optimum safety, a hot surface ignition system utilizes what is known as a flame sensor. When it does, it sends the signal to stop powering the hot surface igniter.
What does a hot surface igniter look like?
Electricity passes through the silicon carbide igniter, making it glow red hot. These newer, more efficient models, made in the past 10 years, are replacing the old gas pilot furnace models. The igniter glows red and then lights the burners in the gas furnace.
Why is my furnace ignitor not working?
The Pilot Light (Faulty Ignition Sensor) The pilot light or ignition sensor is usually the most common issue when your furnace will not ignite. This is typically the problem if you can hear your furnace click on but it does not fire up. If the sensor or ignitor is dirty, it will need to be cleaned.
Can you manually light a gas furnace with electronic ignition?
If your furnace is equipped with an electronic igniter, you cannot light the furnace manually. However, you may be able to get the furnace working by turning off the igniter and resetting it. Find the paperwork for your particular furnace to locate the reset button or switch.
How often should you clean your flame sensor?
A good rule-of-thumb is to change your filters every two to three months and to have the furnace fully cleaned once a year. The best time to clean your gas furnace is during the warmer months where you do not need to heat your home.
How much does it cost to replace furnace ignitor?
Here’s the bottom line: Whether for a natural gas furnace, oil, or a propane furnace, replacing a furnace ignitor–including parts and labor–will cost you around $300 – $425 for a qualified contractor to install. Compare that to, say, a draft inducer motor, which will cost $400 – $1,500 to replace.
Where is the ignitor on my furnace?
Unscrew and remove the service panel on the side of the furnace and find the ignitor. It is usually mounted on a V-shaped bracket near the gas port. The ignitor has two wires attached to the back of it and has a flat metal tip.
