Beatrice Lang
A faulty furnace ignitor is a common problem for homeowners, and there are several reasons why this might be the case. A faulty ignitor could be due to a power surge, a clogged air filter, a faulty limit switch, or a carbon buildup. If your furnace won't ignite, it's important to first check your thermostat to ensure the setting is on on heat and that the temperature is set high enough. If the thermostat is functioning correctly, you can try to reset the ignitor by shutting off the power source and flipping the circuit switch. If you're comfortable getting close to your furnace, you can also try to clean the ignition sensor or replace the ignitor. However, if the problem persists, it's best to call an electrician or HVAC professional to examine your furnace and home electrical system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Warning signs of a faulty ignitor | Repeatedly tripping the breaker, ignitor is too old, furnace won't turn on, clicking sound but no air, cold air instead of hot air |
| Possible causes | Loose electrical connections, power surge, wrong size, carbon monoxide buildup, gas leak, cracking or damage, clogged air filters, carbon deposits, electronic ignition failure |
| Troubleshooting steps | Check thermostat settings, check breaker box, unplug the furnace, check power source and circuit breaker, inspect for physical damage, clean the ignition sensor, test with a multimeter |
| When to call a professional | If breaker trips more than twice, complex issues, power surges, electronic ignition failure, delayed ignition, if unsure |
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What You'll Learn
Check the thermostat is set to heat and the temperature is high enough
If your electric furnace is not working, it is important to check if the thermostat is set to heat and the temperature is high enough. This is a simple step that is often overlooked.
First, ensure that the thermostat is set to "'heat'" and not "cool". It is easy to forget to switch the thermostat from "cool" to "heat" when the seasons change. Next, check that the temperature is set high enough to trigger the furnace to blow hot air. The set temperature should be at least 5 degrees higher than the current room temperature. If the temperature is set too high, the furnace fan may continuously run to overcompensate.
If you have an old thermostat, it may fail to read the correct temperatures in your home, sending the wrong information to the furnace. In this case, consider upgrading to a modern thermostat. Additionally, ensure that the wiring connections to the thermostat are secure and properly connected, as loose connections can prevent the furnace from functioning correctly. If your thermostat is located near a window that receives a lot of direct sunlight or is near a heat source like a fireplace or kitchen, the extra warmth may trick the temperature sensor.
If you are still having issues with the furnace turning on when the thermostat is adjusted, you may need to call a certified technician to diagnose the problem.
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Check the breaker box to see if the switch has tripped
If your electric furnace is not working, it is important to check the breaker box to see if the switch has tripped. This is because a tripped breaker could be interrupting the power supply to your furnace.
To locate your breaker box, look for the switch that controls the power to your furnace. This is usually found in the electrical panel or fuse box. If you are unsure where this is, now is the time to find out. Once located, you will see rows of circuit breakers with a larger breaker at the top of the box. This top circuit breaker controls the power to your entire home, so if it is tripped, none of your appliances will work. The smaller circuit breakers underneath are connected to individual rooms and appliances.
If you have found that the breaker connected to your furnace has tripped, you can try resetting it. Only use one hand and keep the other well out of the way. Flip the tripped breaker fully into the "Off" position and then flip it back to "On". This should restore power immediately. If it does not, there may be an underlying problem. For example, there could be an issue with the ignitor, or you could have a more significant electrical problem. If the breaker trips again, this means that there is something more complex going on, and it might be a good idea to call an electrician.
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Look for loose electrical connections
If your electric furnace igniter is not working, there could be a loose electrical connection. Before attempting any repairs, ensure that the furnace is unplugged from the wall and that there is no power to the furnace.
You can use a multimeter to test several parts for power to see if a component needs replacement. Test each component in the system to see at which point the power is interrupted. If power is reaching the component but not passing through it, then it likely needs replacement. Even without a multimeter, you can visually inspect all the wiring and electrical components to see if anything is burned or melted. It is not uncommon, especially in older systems, for electronic parts to burn out after many years of operation. For instance, if you see a burned control board, you may be able to replace it by turning off the system power and removing the part.
If your furnace has a blown fuse, first turn off the breaker switch and check if there is a fuse inside the furnace that is burned out and needs replacement. If your furnace has a shut-off switch that is switched off, it could be a wall switch just like a light switch. Check that the switch is on. Some furnaces have a safety switch on the furnace door, which will prevent the fan and burner from running if it is off. In rare instances, the switch may have malfunctioned and needs replacement. You would need to check the connection with a multimeter to confirm it is working.
If you are uncomfortable troubleshooting the problem yourself, call an electrician.
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Clean the ignition sensor
If your furnace is not staying lit, it could be due to a dirty flame sensor. The flame sensor is a thin, metallic rod that is usually found behind the burners, opposite the ignitor. It detects when there is a flame and signals for the furnace to continue sending gas to keep the heat going.
To clean the ignition sensor, first turn off your furnace's power supply. Then, remove the screw that holds the sensor in place using a screwdriver, and gently lift out the sensor. Be careful when handling it as it is delicate. Once the sensor is removed, use a Scotch-Brite™ pad, emery cloth, or a soft bristle brush to rub the sensor rod and clean it of dirt, grease, and gunk. You can also use a dollar bill by folding it over the rod and rubbing it back and forth until the rod is shiny. Do not use anything harsh like sandpaper, as this could damage the sensor.
After cleaning the sensor, use a clean paper towel to wipe away any remaining dust or dirt. Then, replace the sensor and the screw, and turn the power back on. Your furnace should now be working properly.
It is recommended to clean the flame sensor at least once a year to extend its life and improve the function of the furnace. However, if cleaning the sensor does not solve the issue, you may need to replace the sensor or contact a service repair technician.
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Replace the ignitor
Before attempting any repairs, it is important to ensure your safety. Furnaces can be dangerous, so proceed with caution and be careful of what you're touching. Unless you're sure of what something does, don't touch it.
If you decide to replace the ignitor yourself, the first step is to turn off the furnace completely by unplugging it from the wall socket. Do not touch anything with bare hands, especially the ignitor. Wear gloves. You will need a screwdriver to remove the mounting screws that attach the ignitor to the furnace.
Once the furnace is unplugged, open the access door or panel. You will see a few electrical wires wrapped in a plastic plug attached to a socket. Look for a small device connected between the electrical wires and the furnace, near the gas input. This is the ignitor.
Disconnect the wire connector powering the ignitor. Remove the mounting screws and carefully lift out the old ignitor. Install the new ignitor in the same way, securing it with the mounting screws.
Once the new ignitor is in place, close the access door and plug the furnace back into the wall socket. Turn on the furnace and test if it is working properly.
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Frequently asked questions
If your house is cold, turn up the temperature on your thermostat. If you hear clicking but the furnace never starts, and you don't see the igniter glowing, your igniter is likely faulty. Other signs include a cold house despite the thermostat being set to "heat", a cold house despite the furnace being on, and a furnace that doesn't run at all.
First, check your breaker box and make sure the switch connected to your furnace hasn't tripped to "off". If the furnace breaker is "on", unplug the furnace and check the igniter for any cracks or physical damage. If there is damage, you will likely need to call a furnace repair company to replace the igniter. If there is no damage, you can test the igniter using a multimeter. If the reading is not between 50 and 400 ohms, the igniter is faulty and needs to be replaced. If you are uncomfortable with any of these steps, call an electrician.
There are several potential causes, including old age, loose electrical connections, power surges, carbon monoxide buildup, gas leaks, and clogged air filters.
To prevent carbon buildup, which is a common cause of furnace igniters failing to ignite, gas furnaces require occasional cleaning. Different models have different styles of igniters, so look up your furnace model number to identify which igniter you have and how to clean it.
