How to Change an Ignitor Switch on a Furnace

The ignitor on your furnace is a small, metal and ceramic component that lights the burners. However, it doesn't actually produce a flame. Instead, the metal prong at the end of the ignitor heats up to the point that it turns red, which, in turn, produces the heat needed to light the burners. If your burners aren't lighting, it could be the result of a bad ignitor. An ignitor can be replaced in a matter of minutes.

Phillips head screwdriver
Replacement ignitor

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the power to your furnace by flipping the breaker that controls the furnace circuit to the "Off" position. This will be located in the main breaker panel in your home.
- 2
  Remove all of the screws on the front panel of your furnace then pull off the panel. You will now have access to the internal components of the unit, including the ignitor.
- 3
  Locate the ignitor in the furnace. It will be sitting next to the burners. The ignitor has a metal prong with a ceramic base. Connected to the base is a wiring harness.
- 4
  Unplug the ignitor wiring harness from the port in the furnace.
- 5
  Remove the screw that holds the ignitor in place then remove the ignitor.
- 6
  Fit a new ignitor in the old one's place and replace the screw. Plug in the wiring harness. You can compare your old ignitor, when shopping for a new one, to ensure it will be compatible in your furnace.
- 7
  Replace the front panel of the furnace then tighten down the screws.

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