An electronic furnace igniter is the modern equivalent of a gas pilot light. If the igniter fails, you’ll have no heat. For Dallas homeowners, that is not a welcome development.
How Does a Furnace Igniter Work?
Instead of a constantly burning pilot light, intermittent pilot igniters light up only at the beginning of a heating cycle. Hot surface ignition systems use electricity to heat metal and ignite the gas burner. The thermostat tells the electronic furnace igniter to turn on the heat. You should hear a click before the hot air starts to blow.
Do You Have Furnace Ignition Issues?
A faulty furnace ignition system will usually announce itself with one or more of these symptoms:
- A marked reduction in heating output or no heat at all.
- Short cycling. An unsteady burner can cause the thermostat to constantly start and stop the system.
- Bad igniter. Electronic igniters only last for about seven years. If yours is old, you might need furnace igniter replacement.
- Blower keeps on blowing. If an inaccurate limiting switch is turning off the igniter, your fan will turn on in an attempt to blow heat through the ductwork.
- Power surge issues. A power surge can burn out your igniter. This is most likely to happen with hot surface ignition systems.
- Bad temperature limiting switch. This safety feature keeps furnaces from overheating. It turns off the burner if the furnace gets too hot. When the switch malfunctions or is inaccurately reading the temperature, it can shut off your furnace. Likewise, an excessively clogged filter can cause the igniter to turn off.
The heating repair professionals at Quality 1 Energy Systems can restore your furnace to full functionality. We work 24/7, so you’ll never be home alone with no heat. Schedule service online, or call us for emergency attention.
