How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Furnace Ignitor?

What Is a Typical Furnace Ignitor Replacement Cost?

Furnace ignitor replacement is one of the more affordable HVAC repairs. Costs typically include the price of the ignitor itself plus labor for diagnosis and installation.

Most ignitor replacements take less than one hour once the correct part is identified.

Cost by Furnace Type

Furnace ignitors are primarily used in gas furnaces. Electric furnaces do not use ignitors, so this repair is not applicable.

• Gas Furnace: $150 to $400
• High-Efficiency Gas Furnace: $200 to $500

High-efficiency furnaces often use more specialized ignitors, which can increase parts costs.

Cost by Brand

Ignitor replacement costs can vary slightly by furnace brand due to part availability and design.

Factors That Influence Furnace Ignitor Replacement Cost

Several variables affect how much you’ll pay to replace a furnace ignitor. While this is typically a straightforward repair, the details of your system and service call can push costs higher or lower.

• Type of Ignitor: Hot surface ignitors and silicon nitride ignitors cost more than older silicon carbide models, but they last longer and are more durable.
• Furnace Efficiency: High-efficiency furnaces often use specialized ignitors, which can increase part costs and limit replacement options.
• Furnace Brand: Some furnace brands use proprietary ignitors that are more expensive or harder to source, especially for older or discontinued models.
• Labor Rates: HVAC labor costs vary by region, time of year, and contractor availability. Emergency or after-hours service usually costs more.
• System Accessibility: If the ignitor is difficult to access or requires partial disassembly of the furnace, labor time and cost may increase.
• Warranty Coverage: If your furnace or ignitor is still under warranty, the part may be covered, leaving you responsible only for labor.
• Related Repairs: In some cases, a failing ignitor is linked to airflow issues, dirty burners, or control board problems, which can add to the total bill.

Getting an upfront, itemized estimate from a licensed HVAC professional helps you understand exactly what you’re paying for and avoid surprise costs.

Bad Ignitor Symptoms

A failing furnace ignitor often shows clear warning signs before complete failure.

• Furnace won’t turn on. A cracked or burned-out ignitor cannot light the burners.
• Short cycling. The furnace starts but shuts down quickly when ignition fails.
• No flame after startup. Gas flows but does not ignite.
• Clicking without ignition. Indicates the control board is sending a signal but the ignitor is not working.

Fixing these issues typically involves ignitor replacement rather than repair.

What’s the Average Lifespan of a Furnace Ignitor?

Most furnace ignitors last between 3 and 7 years. Frequent cycling, power surges, dust buildup, and poor airflow can shorten their lifespan.

Annual furnace maintenance can help identify ignitor wear before it fails completely.

Next Steps and How to Save Money

If your furnace won’t ignite, replacing the ignitor quickly can restore heat and prevent further damage. To save money:

• Schedule regular furnace maintenance
• Replace air filters regularly to reduce system strain
• Address ignition problems early
• Compare quotes from multiple licensed HVAC contractors
• Check your furnace warranty for ignitor coverage

Modernize can help you connect with trusted local HVAC professionals to diagnose ignitor issues, compare repair costs, and get your furnace running safely again.