Furnace ignitor replacement cost usually runs $150 to $450 with a professional, according to Carrier, while the part alone costs about $20 to $150. Common signs it’s failing are no heat while the blower runs, no orange glow at startup, repeated clicking or a furnace that tries to light several times.
Prices checked on November 4, 2026. If you smell gas, shut the furnace down, leave the home and call your gas utility or a technician from outside.
Furnace ignitor replacement cost
| Source | Part only | Installed total |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier (October 13, 2026) | $20–$150 | $150–$450 |
| HVAC.com (January 3, 2025) | $20–$100 | $150–$300 |
| HomeGuide | $20–$50 | $100–$250 |
| Angi (2024 data) | — | $150–$250 |
The price depends on the type of ignitor, the brand and when you call. For instance, HVAC.com says original-manufacturer (OEM) parts cost more than universal ones. In addition, Angi says an emergency visit can push the cost to $350 to $500, and HomeServe lists after-hours rates of $140 to $210 an hour.
Furnace ignitor types and their replacement cost
- Hot surface ignitors: these “work like a lightbulb filament,” Carrier says. They heat a silicon carbide or silicon nitride element until it’s hot enough to light the gas.
- Spark ignitors: these use a high-voltage spark, “similar to a spark plug in a car or a gas grill starter,” according to Carrier.
- Intermittent pilot: a spark lights a small pilot flame only when heat is needed, which then lights the burners.
HomeServe notes that hot surface ignitors are generally more expensive to replace than spark ignitors. Meanwhile, older furnaces may still have a standing pilot, which uses a thermocouple instead; see our guide to a furnace blowing cold air for pilot problems.
Signs your furnace ignitor is failing
- No heat: the blower runs, but the air isn’t warm, Carrier says.
- No glow: next, on a hot surface ignitor, you don’t see the orange glow at startup.
- Clicking: also, a spark system clicks repeatedly without lighting.
- Several tries to light: HomeServe says sputtering and clicking point to a weak spark or a faulty ignition switch.
- Short cycling: Carrier also lists the furnace turning on and off as a sign.
However, other parts can cause the same symptoms, such as a dirty flame sensor or a gas supply problem. So let a technician test the ignitor before you pay for a new one. Also, see our guide to furnace short cycling.
How long does a furnace ignitor last?
HVAC.com says ignitors typically last 3 to 7 years, and frequent use can wear them out faster. By contrast, Carrier doesn’t give one replacement interval, but it notes that small parts may need replacement sooner than major components.
In addition, several things can shorten an ignitor’s life. For example, Carrier lists wear, power surges and contamination, and it warns that oils from your fingers can create hot spots that crack the element. Similarly, HVAC.com adds dirt, moisture and overheating.
Can DIY lower your furnace ignitor replacement cost?
Probably not, because Carrier advises against it. The ignitor “is a delicate and high-voltage component,” and incorrect installation can lead to immediate failure or safety risks. Moreover, HVAC.com warns that DIY repairs or non-OEM parts may void your furnace warranty.
Carrier does suggest a simple reset first: turn off power at the breaker and close the gas supply valve, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then restore them. If the furnace still won’t light, call a professional. For a typical service visit, see our furnace tune-up cost guide.
Repair the ignitor or replace the furnace?
An ignitor is one of the cheaper furnace repairs, so it’s usually worth fixing. On the other hand, HomeGuide suggests replacing a furnace that needs frequent repairs or is more than 20 years old. Therefore, to compare costs, read our furnace replacement cost and repair or replace guides.
Related guides: If the repair is expensive, run the numbers in our repair or replace calculator.
Furnace ignitor replacement cost: FAQ
How much does a furnace ignitor cost?
The part alone costs about $20 to $150, according to Carrier, while the furnace ignitor replacement cost with labor is usually $150 to $450.
How do I know if my furnace ignitor is bad?
First of all, look for no orange glow at startup, repeated clicking or a blower running without heat. Still, a technician should confirm it, since other parts cause similar problems.
Can a bad ignitor cause short cycling?
Yes. In fact, Carrier lists short cycling among the signs of a failing ignitor.
Is it safe to run a furnace with a bad ignitor?
Generally, a furnace that won’t light simply won’t heat. However, if you smell gas, HomeServe says to shut it down immediately, leave the home and call a qualified technician.
Sources and review
Sources: Carrier, what is a furnace ignitor? (October 13, 2026); HVAC.com, furnace ignitor replacement costs (January 3, 2025); HomeServe, furnace ignition system repair cost (October 21, 2024); HomeGuide, furnace repair cost; Angi, average furnace repair cost (updated August 23, 2024). All checked on November 4, 2026.
Written by: HVAC Switch. Last updated: November 4, 2026. Read our editorial policy to learn how we research prices, or contact us if you spot an error.