Umair Gaines
Electric furnaces are a modern alternative to traditional gas furnaces, but they can still run into problems. One of the most common issues is a faulty ignitor, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including dirt, insufficient power, loose electrical connections, power surges, and carbon monoxide buildup. A faulty ignitor may result in the furnace failing to ignite, which can be identified by unusual activity such as strange smells and sounds. If you suspect a faulty ignitor, it is important to proceed with caution as furnaces can be dangerous. While some issues may be fixable at home, such as cleaning dirty flame sensors, it is recommended to consult a professional for more complex problems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Unusual activity | Unusual sounds, smells, erratic behaviour |
| Power issues | Power surges, loose electrical connections, voltage issues |
| Gas issues | Gas leaks, interrupted gas flow, carbon monoxide buildup |
| Ignition issues | No spark, dirty flame sensors, faulty thermocouple |
| Physical damage | Cracks, damage to heating portion, dirt and debris |
| Electric current | Too high or low, fluctuations, short-circuiting |
| Circuit breaker | Repeatedly tripping the breaker |
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What You'll Learn
- Unusual activity, such as strange noises or smells, could indicate a faulty ignitor
- A faulty ignitor may cause your furnace to trip the circuit breaker
- If your furnace won't turn on, check for loose electrical connections
- A power surge could cause the ignitor to burn out
- Dirty flame sensors can cause a faulty furnace ignitor
Unusual activity, such as strange noises or smells, could indicate a faulty ignitor
If you hear a clicking sound but the furnace never turns on, this could also be a sign of a faulty ignitor. This "click" is the sound of your ignitor attempting to warm the fuel in your furnace. If you hear the click but the air doesn't blow soon after, you may have a dangerous ignitor problem.
In addition to unusual noises and smells, you should also pay attention to any erratic behaviour from your furnace. For example, if your furnace keeps tripping the circuit breaker soon after it starts blowing air, this could be a sign of a faulty ignitor. A faulty ignitor may be pulling too much electricity or creating sudden drops in voltage, causing the breaker to trip repeatedly. This can be dangerous for your furnace and your home's electrical system, so it's important to leave the breaker set to "off" while repairing the issue.
If you suspect that your furnace ignitor is faulty, it's important to proceed with caution. Furnaces can be dangerous, so it's recommended to call a professional for assistance unless you are comfortable working with the system. To access the ignitor, you will need to shut off the power to the furnace and remove the service panel located at the side of the furnace. If the panel has screws or knobs, use a small nut driver to unscrew it. Once you have accessed the ignitor, you can test it using a multimeter to determine if it needs to be replaced.
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A faulty ignitor may cause your furnace to trip the circuit breaker
A faulty ignitor is one of the most common problems homeowners face with their HVAC systems. A faulty ignitor can cause your furnace to trip the circuit breaker multiple times, indicating an issue with the transmission. This is because a faulty ignitor can cause a power surge, leading to the breaker tripping. A tripped furnace breaker can be a sign of a faulty furnace ignitor, and if the ignitor is not functioning properly, it can cause the furnace to struggle to start up, leading to a power surge that trips the breaker.
If your furnace repeatedly trips the breaker, it is essential to get it checked by a professional HVAC technician. A faulty ignitor can be a simple fix, but it is important not to let the furnace continue to trip the breaker more than twice. Leave the breaker set to "off" while repairing the furnace problem.
There are several warning signs of a faulty furnace ignitor. One sign is if your home gets colder and colder, and the furnace never comes on, no matter how high you set the temperature. Another sign is if the furnace suddenly stops blowing warm air. A faulty ignitor may also cause strange noises, such as loud rumbling or banging sounds. Additionally, if the ignitor appears cracked or discoloured, it may need to be replaced.
There are various reasons why a furnace ignitor may fail. One reason could be that the ignitor is too old, as most ignitors last around seven years. Another reason could be dirt and insufficient power. Dirty flame sensors may cause a faulty furnace ignitor, especially if you have a hot surface ignitor. Obstructed or saturated sensors with debris or residue cannot sense when to activate the pilot light. Fluctuations in the voltage range can also be dangerous and cause the ignitor to short circuit, leading to a tripped breaker.
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If your furnace won't turn on, check for loose electrical connections
If your furnace won't turn on, there are several things you can check to identify the issue. Firstly, ensure that your furnace is receiving power. Check your thermostat to see if it is displaying anything on the screen. If the screen is blank, the system might not be receiving power, indicating a power problem. In this case, try replacing the backup batteries. If your furnace is hardwired, a blank screen could signal an electrical connection issue.
Next, check your circuit breaker carefully to ensure it hasn't tripped. A tripped breaker can disrupt power to your furnace. Reset the breaker and observe if the furnace starts working. Inspect the wiring around your furnace for any signs of damage or loose connections. Damaged wiring can prevent the ignition sequence from occurring.
If your furnace is a gas furnace, ensure that the gas valve is open. If it is closed, no gas will reach the furnace burners, resulting in ignition failure. Additionally, check the gas line for any interruptions in the gas supply. If you suspect a gas supply issue, contact a professional immediately.
If your furnace has a standing pilot light, check if it is lit. If not, relight it manually. Older furnaces commonly use standing pilot lights, while modern furnaces often employ electric igniters.
If your furnace has an intermittent pilot light, ensure that the flame ignites the gas when the furnace gets the signal to turn on. If your furnace uses a direct spark igniter, check if the igniter creates a spark to ignite the gas directly at the furnace burners.
If your furnace has a hot-surface ignition system, look for a thin metal filament similar to that found in incandescent light bulbs. Ensure this filament is intact and functional.
If your furnace continues to experience issues, consult a professional technician to diagnose and address the problem.
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A power surge could cause the ignitor to burn out
A power surge can cause the ignitor to burn out, leading to a faulty furnace ignitor. A faulty furnace ignitor can be caused by various issues, but a bad ignitor is almost always due to dirt and insufficient power. A power surge can cause the circuit breaker to overload and trip, obstructing the electric connection and resulting in no ignition. This can be indicated by the furnace tripping the circuit breaker multiple times, which suggests a problem with the transmission or an issue with the ignitor.
If your furnace breaker is on, but the furnace continues to trip the breaker after blowing air, the ignitor may be faulty. A faulty ignitor can also cause erratic heating cycles, with the furnace shutting down before reaching the desired temperature or continuing to heat beyond the thermostat settings.
It is important to address a faulty ignitor promptly to prevent further issues. While a new ignitor is typically affordable, you can also explore options to protect or repair your existing one. Consult a professional for guidance on repairing or replacing the ignitor to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your furnace.
Additionally, you can take preventive measures to avoid issues with your furnace ignitor. Regular maintenance and keeping the area free from dirt and debris can help extend the life of your ignitor and maintain the overall health of your furnace.
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Dirty flame sensors can cause a faulty furnace ignitor
A faulty furnace ignitor can be caused by dirty flame sensors. Flame sensors are safety devices that ensure that the gas valve is open only when flames are burning. Dirty flame sensors can cause a furnace to shut off or malfunction. They can also interfere with the sensor's ability to detect the flame. This is a common issue with furnace flame sensors, as they will inevitably get dirty and fail.
Flame sensors are found in all modern gas furnaces and other gas-powered heating systems. They are typically mounted near the furnace burners and will look like a small metal rod. If you notice that your furnace is kicking on and off or failing to start, you should check the flame sensor.
To check the flame sensor, turn off the power and the gas valve. Then, remove the mounting screw and carefully remove the sensor. Check the porcelain insulation on the furnace flame sensor. If it is burnt or dirty, clean it. If it is cracked or broken, get it replaced.
It is recommended to have a certified technician complete the replacement to ensure it is done correctly. However, cleaning the flame sensor is a simple process that can be done at home. Choose the least abrasive method possible to clean the sensor.
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Frequently asked questions
If your furnace won't turn on, there may be a problem with the ignitor. You can test the ignitor using a multimeter if you have easy access to it. Shut off the power to your furnace and unplug the ignitor. If there are no cracks or physical damage, set your multimeter to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance and place one probe on one terminal and the other on the opposite terminal. If you get a reading between 50 and 400 ohms, your ignitor should function properly.
If your furnace keeps tripping the circuit breaker right after it starts blowing air, this could indicate a voltage issue related to your ignitor. Unusual activity, such as strange smells and sounds, may also indicate a faulty ignitor.
If you suspect your furnace ignitor is faulty, you should call a professional to examine your home's electric current and wiring system. If you are comfortable doing so, you can attempt to replace the ignitor yourself by following the steps outlined in online guides.
There are several potential causes for a furnace ignitor to fail, including loose electrical connections, power surges, incorrect sizing, carbon monoxide buildup, gas leaks, and damage to the heating portion.
A furnace ignitor creates friction, integrating fire into gas flows and generating heat. It lights the burner, which sparks the combustion process and converts fuel into heat.
