If your furnace won’t fire up on a cold Spokane morning, a bad ignitor is one of the most likely culprits. The good news: it’s a common, fixable problem that doesn’t require replacing the whole furnace. Here’s how to tell if your ignitor is the issue and what to do about it.
What the Ignitor Does
Older furnaces used a standing pilot light. Newer ones use an electric ignitor that heats up and lights the gas to start the combustion that warms your home. If the ignitor cracks or burns out, your furnace can’t light, and you get cold air or nothing at all.
Signs of a Bad Furnace Ignitor
- The furnace won’t ignite or start
- It tries to start, then shuts off (short cycling)
- No heat despite the thermostat calling for it
- You can see a cracked or visibly damaged ignitor
- The furnace clicks but never lights
Why It Fails
Ignitors are fragile and wear out naturally over years of heating cycles. Age is the main cause, though a dirty system or electrical issues can speed it up. The part itself is inexpensive, but it’s delicate and sits next to gas and high heat, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
Repair It Without Replacing the Furnace
A failed ignitor doesn’t mean a new furnace. It’s a targeted, affordable repair when caught early. Bearcat will confirm the ignitor is actually the problem, not the flame sensor, gas valve, or control board, replace it, and get your heat back the same visit. See our furnace repair services, or call (509) 891-5110.
