Furnace Igniter Replacement Guide for Portland Homeowners (2026)
If your furnace won't ignite on a cold Portland morning, the igniter is often the culprit. Learn the telltale signs, replacement steps, and when to call Efficiency Heating & Cooling for same-day service.
Read Time
9 minute read
Average Repair Cost
$189 – $279
Service Area
Portland Metro
Owner & Lead HVAC Technician
Quick Answer
A furnace igniter replacement typically costs $189–$279 in Portland and takes 30–60 minutes. Signs of failure include no glow during startup, repeated cycling, or error codes. While DIY replacement is possible for experienced homeowners, we recommend professional service for warranty compliance and safety.
| Service | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Igniter Replacement (Standard Furnace) | $189 – $279 | OEM or upgraded silicon nitride igniter, Installation, testing, and safety inspection, 1-year parts and labor warranty |
| Igniter & Flame Sensor Cleaning Bundle | $239 – $329 | Igniter replacement, Flame sensor cleaning/calibration, Combustion analysis and filter inspection |
| Control Board + Igniter Repair | $450 – $650 | Igniter replacement, New furnace control board, System programming and diagnostics |
Signs Your Igniter is Failing
Hot surface igniters are consumable parts. Recognizing failure symptoms early prevents repeated lockouts and keeps your home warm during cold snaps.
Repeated Furnace Cycling
Furnace starts the ignition sequence but shuts down before producing heat, often showing error code 1 or 3 flashes on Carrier/Bryant boards.
No Glow from Igniter
Hot surface igniter stays dark during startup while inducer fan runs, pointing to cracked or burned-out element.
Delayed Ignition or Gas Smell
System attempts to ignite multiple times, sometimes producing a “whoosh” sound. Shut down immediately if you smell gas.
Breaker Tripping or Fuse Blowing
Shorted igniters overload control boards. Replace fuse after diagnosing or call a technician to prevent board damage.
Common Igniter Types in Portland Furnaces
Furnaces across the metro use different igniter technologies. Identifying your model ensures you purchase the correct replacement part and follow the proper procedure.
Silicon Carbide Hot Surface Igniter
Common in 1990s–early 2000s furnaces. Brittle and typically lasts 3–5 years with regular use.
Silicon Nitride Igniter
Modern standard in Carrier, Bryant, Trane, and Lennox furnaces. More durable but still sensitive to oils from fingerprints and voltage spikes.
Spark Ignition Systems
Used in some high-efficiency furnaces and boilers. Produce clicking sound instead of glow. Requires different troubleshooting steps.
Safety Precautions Before You Begin
Working with gas appliances requires caution. Follow these steps to keep your household safe.
Turn off power at the furnace switch and circuit breaker. Confirm with a non-contact voltage tester.
Shut off gas supply using the valve on the gas line near the furnace.
Allow furnace components to cool for at least 30 minutes before working inside the cabinet.
Avoid touching igniter surface with bare hands; oils cause premature failure. Use clean gloves or handle the ceramic base.
Keep the area well lit and organized. Photograph wiring connections before removal to ensure correct reassembly.
Step-by-Step Igniter Replacement
Follow these instructions to replace your igniter safely. If you encounter damaged wiring, cracked burners, or persistent lockouts, stop and contact Efficiency Heating & Cooling.
Access the Igniter
Remove furnace doors, locate the burner assembly, and disconnect the igniter wiring harness from the control board. Most igniters mount with two screws on the burner frame.
Remove the Old Igniter
Unscrew mounting hardware carefully. Support the igniter to avoid dropping ceramic shards into the burner pan. Inspect for cracks, white residue, or warped elements.
Install the New Igniter
Align the replacement igniter without touching the element. Tighten screws evenly. Route wires away from hot surfaces and sharp edges, using existing clips.
Reconnect Wiring & Restore Power
Plug the igniter harness into the control board connector. Restore power and gas supply, then cycle the thermostat to call for heat.
Test Ignition Sequence
Observe the furnace start-up: inducer fan, igniter glow, gas valve opening, and steady flame. If the furnace locks out or trips, contact a professional to check control board or gas valve.
When to Call a Professional
Licensed technicians diagnose related components, ensure safe ignition, and document repairs for warranty compliance. Contact us immediately if any of the following apply.
Repeated igniter failures within 12 months—may indicate voltage issues, cracked heat exchangers, or improper combustion air.
Error codes pointing to control boards, pressure switches, or flame sensors beyond the igniter.
High-efficiency furnaces with complex wiring harnesses or multi-stage burners requiring calibration.
Homes with propane or dual-fuel systems where gas pressures need adjustment after igniter replacement.
Systems under manufacturer warranty—licensed technicians ensure documentation for warranty claims.
Repair Costs & Timelines
Igniter replacements are quick repairs when parts are in stock. Our technician vans carry igniters for the most common furnaces in Portland neighborhoods.
Igniter Replacement (Standard Furnace)
$189 – $279
- OEM or upgraded silicon nitride igniter
- Installation, testing, and safety inspection
- 1-year parts and labor warranty
Igniter & Flame Sensor Cleaning Bundle
$239 – $329
- Igniter replacement
- Flame sensor cleaning/calibration
- Combustion analysis and filter inspection
Control Board + Igniter Repair
$450 – $650
- Igniter replacement
- New furnace control board
- System programming and diagnostics
Prevention Tips & Maintenance
Keep your furnace reliable by incorporating these practices into your maintenance routine.
Schedule annual furnace maintenance to clean burners, measure voltage, and inspect igniter condition before heating season.
Use surge protection or whole-home voltage monitoring to prevent electrical spikes from damaging igniters and boards.
Keep filter changes on schedule to maintain airflow and prevent overheating that stresses ignition components.
Avoid touching the igniter element during filter changes or inspections; skin oils reduce lifespan dramatically.
Need Your Furnace Firing Again Today?
Call Efficiency Heating & Cooling for same-day igniter replacement, control board diagnostics, and complete safety inspections across the Portland metro.
Serving Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego, West Linn, and surrounding communities—24/7 emergency response available.
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