Is Your Furnace Ignitor Dying?
One common issue that homeowners face is a malfunctioning flame ignitor on their furnace. A faulty component can prevent your furnace from starting, leaving your Winder home more than a little unpleasant. But what does a bad furnace ignitor look like?
We at Absolute Comfort Air would like to guide you through identifying a non-working furnace ignitor. With our years of HVAC experience, we’ve fixed all kinds of furnace problems. We’ll cover everything you need to know about diagnosing issues with your furnace to keep your home comfy all season long.
Signs Of A Failing Furnace Ignitor
Many homeowners have trouble diagnosing problems with their heaters. Your furnace ignitor could be faulty without your knowledge, or it could be perfectly fine. It’s important to know at least the most common signs that your furnace ignitor may be in trouble.
Your Furnace Won’t Start
One of the most straightforward signs that your flame ignitor might be failing is if the furnace doesn’t start at all. This issue can often be traced back to an ignitor problem, especially in modern furnaces that rely on electronic ignition systems.
This isn’t always the issue, however. Your thermostat might be faulty or your furnace breaker could be off. Be sure to check for other potential causes first.
Insufficient Heating
If your furnace starts but fails to provide consistent heat, this could indicate an ignitor issue. Inconsistent heating often results from this component struggling to maintain a flame. If your thermostat is on high enough and is set to produce heat, then the problem could be coming from here.
Going On And Off Again
When your ignitor is old or faulty, it often turns the heater on and off repeatedly. It’s not wise to let this problem continue, as repetitive cycling will harm your furnace in the long run — call the professionals on our team sooner rather than later.
Causes Of Furnace Ignitor Failure
What causes a furnace ignitor to fail? As it turns out, there are plenty of reasons. A good many of them can be prevented with careful attention and planning. It’s never a good idea to neglect your heater’s health.
Short Circuit
Furnace ignitors are designed for a specific level of electrical supply. When there’s an unexpected electrical spike, the system can experience a short-circuiting issue. After it overloads, it will no longer be able to successfully ignite.
Poorly Maintained Components
Dirt and debris can accumulate inside the system, preventing it from working correctly. Clogged components are more prone to dangerous malfunctions. Regular cleaning and maintenance is crucial to avoid this problem.
Mechanical Aging
Sometimes your furnace might be failing for an entirely natural reason: old age. All mechanical components will need to be replaced eventually, your ignitor included. Even so, it pays to be thorough to see if the system’s failure is being caused by a preventable issue.
How Long Does A Furnace Ignitor Last?
Modern furnace ignitors will last about seven years on average before requiring replacement. Your furnace itself should last much longer, but individual components have their own life expectancies.
If you want to maximize the lifespan of your furnace ignitor, you should dedicate time to preventative maintenance. Remember that the better you care for your furnace components, the longer they will last to warm your Winder home. You can save time and money by delaying your need to invest in a replacement.
Find Furnace Solutions With Absolute Comfort Air
A dying furnace ignitor can turn a cozy day into an uncomfortable hassle. Recognizing the signs is crucial for timely intervention. Absolute Comfort Air is dedicated to providing expert furnace repair and maintenance services to ensure your home remains comfortable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a thorough inspection and reliable repair solutions!
