How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a Furnace Ignition System?

By Rowan Guthrie

October 21, 2024

It’s a chilly winter evening, and you’re nestled comfortably on your couch, a cup of hot cocoa in hand. Suddenly, the warmth melts away to cold because your normally reliable furnace has let you down. A common cause is a malfunctioning furnace ignition system failing to ignite the fuel.

This May Also Interest You: How Often Should You Change Your Furnace Filter?

Luckily, there’s something you can do to avoid frosty fingers indoors in winter. Learn how to spot the causes of ignition problems and discover how much a repair or replacement might cost you.

The Signs of a Damaged Furnace Ignition System

Here are the most common warning signs that your furnace ignition system is struggling:

No ignition at all. This is the most obvious indicator. If your furnace tries to turn on but fails to ignite or produce heat, the reason is likely to be the ignition system.
Multiple ignition attempts. Does your furnace sputter and click repeatedly before finally igniting or not igniting at all? This points toward a weak spark from the igniter or a faulty ignition switch.
Pilot light issues. Older furnaces have pilot lights that stay continuously lit. If yours is flickering or failing to stay lit, it suggests an ignition problem.
Burning smell. A malfunctioning ignition system can lead to gas buildup without proper combustion. If you detect a gas odor when attempting to turn on the furnace, shut it down immediately, evacuate your home and call a qualified technician.

Furnace ignition problems can be caused by a variety of issues. A malfunctioning blower motor can disrupt the proper air circulation needed for ignition. If the gas valve isn't functioning correctly, it can prevent gas from reaching the burner, hindering ignition. A cracked heat exchanger is a serious issue that can lead to a carbon monoxide leak. If your technician identifies a faulty heat exchanger, they'll likely recommend replacing the entire furnace.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair?

It all depends on your type of furnace, with owners of oil, gas and propane furnaces paying more than those with electric ones. Here's a breakdown:

Gas, oil and propane: $300 to $1,200 (CAD 413 to CAD 1,650), according to
Forbes
Electric: $50 to $300 (CAD 69 to CAD 413)

More Related Articles:

How Much Does a Replacement Cost?

Replacing the entire ignition system, which often includes the igniter itself, is more involved. Here's what you can expect to pay:

Igniter replacement cost. The igniter is a relatively inexpensive part, typically costing between $15 and $60 (CAD 21 and CAD 83) for a spark igniter (common to electric furnaces) and $15 to $100 (CAD 21 to CAD 138) for a hot-surface igniter (common to gas furnaces), based on data from
HomeGuide
.
Labor costs. The labor cost for replacing the igniter varies depending on your location and the job's complexity. Generally, expect to pay between $80 and $200 (CAD 110 and CAD 275) for a technician's time.

Cost Factors

Several factors can influence the final cost you'll pay:

Igniter type. Hot surface igniters are generally costlier to replace than spark igniters.
Furnace repair company. Rates can vary between companies and your location. It's always best to get quotes from several qualified technicians before deciding.
Emergency repair. If your furnace fails during a cold snap and you require emergency service, expect to pay a premium for after-hours or weekend repairs. Fees between $140 and $210 (CAD 193 and CAD 289) per hour aren’t unusual.

Replacing a furnace igniter can be a DIY project for the handy homeowner with knowledge of electricity and safety precautions. However, you should defer to a qualified HVAC technician if you doubt your ability to safely replace an igniter. A professional can diagnose the issue accurately, make proper repairs and ensure your furnace functions safely and efficiently.

Follow us