What to Do When Your Furnace Igniter Stops Working
There are few things more frustrating than waking up to a cold house on a damp SeaTac morning, only to realize your furnace is not doing its job. You turn up the thermostat, you wait, and nothing happens. Often, the culprit behind that sudden chill is a faulty furnace igniter.
Your furnace igniter is a small part with a big responsibility. It lights the gas that creates heat, and when it stops working, your entire heating system can shut down. The good news is that not every igniter issue means a full system replacement. Knowing what to look for and what steps to take can help you stay warm and avoid unnecessary stress.
Furnace igniter or pilot light not functioning? Reach out to Fox Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today for furnace repair and maintenance, or other trusted HVAC services in SeaTac or the Seattle area. Contact us online, or call us at (833) 535-6847 to schedule your next service.
What Is a Furnace Igniter and What Does It Do?
Before figuring out what to do, it helps to understand what the igniter actually does. Modern furnaces do not use pilot lights like older systems. Instead, they rely on an electronic igniter that heats up and ignites the gas when your thermostat calls for heat.
There are two common types of igniters. Hot surface igniters glow bright orange when working properly. Spark igniters create a small electrical spark to ignite the gas. Both types are essential, and when either one fails, the furnace cannot produce heat.
Common reasons igniters fail include normal wear, electrical issues, or dirt buildup. Igniters are fragile components, and even a small crack can stop them from working. Over time, repeated heating cycles take a toll.
When an igniter stops functioning, your furnace may try to start repeatedly or shut itself down as a safety measure. That safety shutdown is doing its job, even if it leaves you cold.
Signs Your Furnace Igniter Has Stopped Working
Igniter problems rarely happen without warning. Most homeowners notice a few signs before the furnace stops completely. Paying attention early can help prevent a total breakdown.
Here are some common signs your igniter may be failing:
- The furnace clicks but never produces heat
- You hear the blower fan but feel only cold air
- The furnace tries to start, then shuts off quickly
- The system locks out and stops responding
- You notice a burning smell without warm air
In some cases, the igniter may glow but not get hot enough to light the gas. In others, it does nothing at all. Either way, the result is the same, no heat when you need it most.
If your furnace is showing these signs, it is best to stop restarting it repeatedly. Constant attempts to fire can stress other components and lead to bigger issues.
First Steps to Take When the Igniter Fails
When the furnace stops working, it is easy to panic. Taking a few calm steps can help you determine whether this is a simple issue or one that needs professional attention.
Start with the basics. Check your thermostat settings to make sure it is set to heat, and the temperature is above the current room temperature. Then, check the furnace power switch and your breaker panel. A tripped breaker or flipped switch can mimic igniter problems.
If those basics check out, take a look at the furnace itself. You may be able to see the igniter through a small viewing panel. Do not touch it, igniters are delicate and can break easily.
Helpful first steps include:
- Turning off the furnace power before inspecting
- Checking for error codes on the control board
- Listening for clicking or startup attempts
- Replacing the air filter if it is dirty
If the igniter is cracked, damaged, or not glowing at all, it is likely time for a replacement. At that point, calling a professional is the safest move.
Can You Fix a Furnace Igniter Yourself?
This is a common question, and the honest answer is, sometimes, but it depends. Furnace igniters are not expensive, but they are sensitive and easy to damage during installation. Incorrect handling can turn a small repair into a bigger problem.
If you have HVAC experience and the right replacement part, you may be able to swap out an igniter safely. However, furnaces involve gas lines, electrical connections, and safety controls. One mistake can cause system damage or create a safety risk.
For most homeowners, igniter replacement is best left to trained technicians. A professional can confirm the diagnosis, ensure proper installation, and check for underlying issues that caused the failure.
Situations where DIY is not recommended include:
- Uncertainty about the correct igniter type
- Visible wiring or control board issues
- Repeated system lockouts
- Older furnaces with multiple failing parts
Calling Fox Plumbing, Heating & Cooling ensures the repair is done right the first time, without risking your comfort or safety.
Why Igniter Problems Happen More in Cold Weather
Igniter failures often show up during the coldest months, and there is a reason for that. During winter, your furnace cycles on and off more frequently. Each cycle puts stress on the igniter as it heats up and cools down.
Over time, that constant expansion and contraction weakens the igniter material. Eventually, it cracks or fails completely. Cold weather also exposes electrical components to moisture and temperature swings, especially in garages or crawlspaces.
In the Greater Seattle area, damp conditions can contribute to corrosion or dust buildup. That buildup interferes with proper ignition and shortens component life.
This is why annual furnace maintenance matters. During a tune-up, technicians inspect the igniter, clean components, and spot wear before it turns into a no-heat emergency.
How Professional Repair Saves You Time and Money
When your furnace igniter stops working, professional repair is often the fastest and most cost-effective solution. A trained technician can diagnose the issue quickly and make the necessary repair without guesswork.
At Fox Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, our technicians arrive with fully stocked service vehicles. That means we often have the correct igniter on hand, allowing for same-day repairs. No waiting, no temporary fixes.
Professional repair also includes checking related components like the flame sensor, control board, and gas valve. Fixing only the igniter without addressing underlying issues can lead to repeat failures.
Benefits of professional igniter repair include:
- Accurate diagnosis the first time
- Proper handling of delicate components
- System safety checks after repair
- Reduced risk of future breakdowns
In many cases, a simple igniter replacement restores full heat and keeps your system running reliably through the season.
Preventing Future Igniter Problems
While igniters do wear out eventually, there are steps you can take to extend their lifespan. Regular maintenance is the most effective way to prevent surprise failures.
Annual furnace maintenance allows technicians to clean dust buildup, inspect electrical connections, and test igniter performance. Catching small cracks or weak glow early can prevent a sudden shutdown later.
Homeowners can also help by keeping air filters clean and ensuring vents are unobstructed. Proper airflow reduces stress on the entire system, including the igniter.
Preventive habits that make a difference:
- Scheduling yearly furnace tune-ups
- Replacing air filters regularly
- Keeping the furnace area clean and dry
- Addressing unusual noises or smells early
These small steps go a long way toward keeping your furnace reliable when temperatures drop.
Fox Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Can Get Your Heat Back Fast
If your furnace igniter stops working, you do not have to face a cold house alone. Fox Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has been keeping SeaTac and Greater Seattle homes warm for decades. We know how stressful heating problems can be, especially when they happen without warning.
Our experienced technicians provide same-day furnace repair, honest recommendations, and repairs backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. We take the time to explain what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again. No pressure, just real solutions that work.
When your furnace refuses to light, and the house feels colder by the minute, think outside the box and call Fox! We’re available 24/7 at (833) 535-6847. We are ready to deal with any furnace repairs and restore your comfort, and get your heat running safely again.