When a furnace stops giving warm air, one of the most common reasons is a bad ignitor. The ignitor is a small but important part that helps start the heating process. If it fails, the furnace cannot produce heat, and you may notice the blower running but only cold air coming through the vents. Many homeowners begin searching for the furnace ignitor replacement cost at this stage because it is a repair that comes up often. Knowing how much it costs, how long ignitors last, and whether you should repair or replace the part can help you avoid stress when your furnace suddenly stops working in the middle of winter.
What Is a Furnace Ignitor and Why Does It Fail?
A furnace ignitor is the part responsible for lighting the gas inside your furnace. Without it, the burners cannot fire up, which means no warm air will be produced. Older furnaces had a standing pilot flame that burned all the time, but modern units replaced this with electronic ignitors to improve safety and efficiency.
There are two main types. A hot surface ignitor glows red when it heats up, and the glow is hot enough to light the gas burners. An intermittent pilot ignitor makes a spark to light a small flame, which then lights the burners. Both types do the same basic job, but the hot surface ignitor is more common in today’s furnaces.
Even though the ignitor is small, it works hard every time the furnace starts. It heats up quickly, cools down again, and repeats this cycle hundreds of times each winter. Over the years, the material weakens, and the ignitor eventually fails. Electrical power surges can also burn them out. Dust, dirt, or moisture inside the furnace can shorten their life as well. Once an ignitor cracks or loses power, the furnace can no longer heat. Without the ignitor working, you may notice the blower running but only cold air coming through the vents—similar to what happens when your furnace blows cold air instead of heat.
Average Cost of Furnace Ignitor Replacement
On average, the cost of furnace ignitor replacement is between $150 and $300 when you hire a heating professional. This price usually includes the ignitor itself, the technician’s time, and the service call. The ignitor by itself is not very expensive, but when you add in labor and a visit to your home, the price goes up.
Some situations can make the repair cost more. If the ignitor is hard to reach inside your furnace, the job may take longer and cost more. If you call after hours or on a weekend, the service charge can increase. The brand of your furnace also matters. Some high-efficiency furnaces require brand-specific parts that cost more than universal ignitors. On the other hand, a simple, common ignitor replacement during a weekday appointment may be closer to the lower end of the price range.
Gas Furnace Ignitor Replacement Cost vs. Electric
Most homes in the United States use gas furnaces. In these systems, the ignitor is essential to lighting the gas burners. The average price for gas furnace ignitor replacement is usually between $150 and $250, depending on the brand and the company you call.
Electric furnaces are different. They do not use an ignitor in the same way because they rely on heating elements that warm the air directly. When these parts fail, they cost more to replace than a gas ignitor. An electric furnace repair may run $200 to $400 or even higher if several elements fail at once.
The main takeaway is that gas ignitors are a bit cheaper to replace than parts inside an electric furnace, but both are important to keeping your home warm.
Furnace Ignitor Price (Part Only)
If you only want to know the furnace ignitor price without labor, most ignitors cost $25 to $80. Universal ignitors, which work for many different furnaces, are on the lower end of this range. Brand-specific ignitors, like those made for Lennox, Trane, or Carrier furnaces, are usually more expensive.
You can buy ignitors online or at local HVAC supply stores. While the part is affordable, the challenge comes with installation. Ignitors are delicate, and even touching the surface with bare hands can shorten their lifespan. This is why many homeowners still prefer calling a technician rather than trying to install it themselves.
Furnace Ignitor Repair vs. Replacement
Some people ask if furnace ignitor repair is possible. In most cases, the answer is no. Once an ignitor cracks, burns out, or loses its ability to heat up, it cannot be repaired. The only real option is to replace it.
The only time repair might work is if the ignitor is simply dirty or coated with dust. Cleaning it carefully could restore it, but this is rare. For most homeowners, paying for a replacement is the smarter choice. Replacement parts are not very expensive, and the new ignitor usually lasts several years. Sometimes, a failing ignitor can even cause the furnace to short cycle, which is why many homeowners wonder why their furnace keeps turning off unexpectedly.
Warranty Coverage and Replacement Costs
If your furnace is still under warranty, the cost ignitor replacement furnace can be much lower. Many manufacturers include parts like ignitors in their standard warranty, usually covering them for 5 to 10 years. This means you may get the part for free.
However, labor is not always covered. Even if the ignitor itself is free, you may still need to pay for the technician’s service call and time. Some extended warranties or home protection plans cover both parts and labor, which can make the repair completely free for you. Checking your warranty before paying out of pocket is always a smart step.
DIY vs. Professional Furnace Ignitor Replacement
Some homeowners try furnace ignitor replacement on their own to save money. The part itself only costs $30 to $80, so if you can replace it yourself, you avoid labor charges.
However, this repair is not always simple. The furnace must be powered off completely, the gas supply must be shut down, and the ignitor has to be installed without breaking it. Ignitors are very fragile, and even a small mistake can cause the new part to fail quickly. If the ignitor is installed incorrectly, it could also damage the furnace.
For people with electrical or mechanical experience, DIY can work. But for most households, paying a professional gives peace of mind that the job is done safely and correctly. If your furnace still refuses to heat after replacing the ignitor, the issue could be thermostat-related—such as when the thermostat isn’t turning on the heat.
Gas Fireplace Igniter Replacement Cost
Gas fireplaces also use ignitors, and they sometimes fail just like furnace ignitors. The gas fireplace igniter replacement cost is usually lower than a furnace repair. Homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for this job. The final price depends on the type of fireplace and whether you replace the ignitor yourself or call a technician.
Although it is less expensive than furnace repairs, a working ignitor in your fireplace is just as important for safe operation.
How to Save Money on Furnace Ignitor Replacement
There are a few ways to make this repair easier on your budget. Always check your warranty first. If the ignitor is covered, you may not have to pay for the part at all. Getting quotes from more than one company can also help you find a fair price.
Another way to save money is to schedule repairs during normal business hours instead of nights or weekends when rates are higher. Keeping your furnace clean and changing the filter regularly can also help the ignitor last longer, since dust and dirt can shorten its life. Some homeowners save money by doing the repair themselves, but this only makes sense if you are comfortable working with gas and electricity.
FAQs About Furnace Ignitor Replacement Costs
Q1. How much does it cost to replace a furnace ignitor?
The cost is usually between $150 and $300 with a professional.
Q2. How much to replace furnace ignitor with a professional?
Most companies charge around $200, which includes parts and labor.
Q3. What is the furnace ignitor price if I buy the part only?
The part itself costs between $25 and $80 depending on the brand.
Q4. Can a furnace ignitor be repaired instead of replaced?
Most of the time, no. Replacement is the only real solution.
Q5. How long does a furnace ignitor last?
Most ignitors last between three and seven years.
Q5. Does warranty cover furnace ignitor replacement?
Yes, many warranties cover the part, but not always the labor.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much to replace furnace ignitor helps you prepare for one of the most common heating repairs. While the cost can feel frustrating, it is usually not as high as other furnace problems. In most cases, replacement is quick, affordable, and restores heat to your home right away. By checking warranty coverage, maintaining your furnace, and comparing service prices, you can keep the repair from being more expensive than it needs to be. Whether it is for your furnace or your gas fireplace, replacing the ignitor is a simple step that makes sure your home stays warm during the cold season. If your furnace isn’t working properly, don’t wait until the cold gets worse. Explore our heating services in Las Vegas to get fast, reliable solutions from trusted professionals.
