How to Test the Ignitor in Your Central Heat

If you live in a cold climate, your central heating system is likely your top priority as winter approaches each year. Having your central heat go out in the middle of a particularly cold night can be potentially life threatening. If you have a newer gas or combustion oil furnace, your furnace may use an electronic ignition system instead of a simple pilot light. An electronic ignition creates a spark, which in turn lights the pilot, when you turn the thermostat on. This way, the pilot light is not constantly burning. If the ignitor is not functioning properly, your furnace may turn on and off or may not light at all. Checking your ignitor on a regular basis may prevent heat loss during a cold winter night.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Turn gas supply to your furnace off. Turn the thermostat to off as well.

   • 2

     Turn the thermostat to the on, or "call for heat," position.

   • 3

     Look at the ignitor to see if it sparks when you turn the thermostat to the on position.

   • 4

     Turn on the gas supply and turn the thermostat off and back on again. Check to see if the pilot burner lights. Also check that the spark from the ignitor stops when the pilot lights.

   • 5

     Watch and listen that the system continues running until the desired temperature has been reached. At this point, the system should shut off.