How to Replace the Igniter on Your Gas Furnace

One critical part of your home’s furnace is its igniter. Without this device, you will not be getting any heat (if your furnace is gas of course). A small but invaluable part, knowing how to replace the igniter can mean the difference between staying warm and freezing. If you live in a cold climate, you know how important it is to maintain your HVAC system. However, you may not know how to replace this part. With a little time and patience, you should be able to do this without any help. Of course, you can always call a contractor if you need help.

Replacing the Igniter

  • Take the proper safety precautions before doing anything; unplug all electrical connections and shut off the gas lines. Open windows in your basement to ensure adequate ventilation.
  • Locate the igniter (generally near the center of the burners); it may or may not be in a sealed compartment. If so, carefully disassemble it to gain access to the igniter.
  • Unscrew the igniter much like you would with a spark plug in a car; make sure you remember where it is located so you can easily install the replacement.
  • Reverse the process to insert the replacement; make sure to mark down the model number to make sure you get the correct one.

The rule of thumb when working with electrical and gas lines is to be safe. After shutting off these sources and opening up some windows, you will want to find the igniter. Most furnaces have easy to read diagrams for this purpose, but you can safely bet that the igniter will be centrally placed between the burners. Disassemble any covers that may be present and unscrew the igniter. To prevent stripping the threads, twist slowly but with enough force. Reverse these steps to insert the replacement, and remember to write the model number when you go to buy it.