Do gas furnaces have electronic ignition?
Jessica Cortez
Updated on April 02, 2026
Electronic ignition systems are found in most new furnaces, and they require little power to work. There are different types of electronic ignition systems, one of which still uses a pilot flame to ignite the gas burners.
How much is an igniter for a gas furnace?
Igniter Cost: The igniter costs no more than $30 to $50. Check with your furnace manufacture for the model number of your furnace so you can find the right igniter for your unit. Furnaces can last for several years, and hence it is not hard to find the right replacement part.
How does an electric ignition on a furnace work?
Typically found in induced draft furnaces, an intermittent pilot ignites the burner gas with a high-voltage spark only when the thermostat calls for heat. Once the pilot is lit, and the main burner senses the pilot flame (using a flame sensing rod), the main burner ignites.
Can you manually light a gas furnace with electronic ignition?
If your furnace is equipped with an electronic igniter, you cannot light the furnace manually. However, you may be able to get the furnace working by turning off the igniter and resetting it. Find the paperwork for your particular furnace to locate the reset button or switch.
How do I know if my furnace has an electronic ignition?
If you have a newer furnace (or one with an AFUE rating above 80), it most likely has an electronic ignition system. One type of electronic ignition is an intermittent pilot. This system uses a pilot flame, but the flame lights only when there’s a call for heat from the thermostat.
How do I reset my electronic ignition furnace?
How to Reset an Electric Furnace
- First, turn off the power supply to the furnace by turning off the breaker in the circuit box.
- Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace.
- If the button is popped up, press it down.
- Return the cover to the blower compartment and turn the power on.
How do I know if my ignitor is bad on my furnace?
4 Signs of a Faulty Furnace Ignitor
- The Furnace Stops Running. When a furnace won’t run at all, check for a bad ignitor.
- Your Furnace Blows Chilly Air. Unless you’ve set your thermostat to COOL, your furnace should not blow cold air.
- Does Your Furnace Short Cycle?
- A No Glow Ignitor.
- We Can Replace Your Furnace Ignitor.
Should I replace my furnace ignitor?
No matter which type of ignitor is in your furnace, this chain of events lights your heater so that it blows hot air. Don’t worry—an ignitor that goes bad is common for most furnaces. Fortunately, you can replace the ignitor without replacing the full furnace. Most ignitors last about seven years.
How do I light my electronic ignition furnace?
On most electric ignition furnaces there is an ignition button, with a smaller red button right next to it. If you’re not able to locate this, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions. Press on this small button as you press the button for the electric ignition simultaneously.
Where is the ignition switch on my furnace?
Unscrew and remove the service panel on the side of the furnace and find the ignitor. It is usually mounted on a V-shaped bracket near the gas port. The ignitor has two wires attached to the back of it and has a flat metal tip.
Where is the ignition switch on my electric furnace?
First, you need to turn off the gas to the furnace. Then, remove the front panel to find the ignitor or ignition sensor. This is typically located near the burners.
Where is the ignition button on electric furnace?
Turn the furnace back on. On most electric ignition furnaces there is an ignition button, with a smaller red button right next to it.
Why won’t my furnace ignite?
The Thermostat
What is an electronic ignition?
electronic ignition. an automotive ignition in which electrical pulses are generated electronically, usually by transistors controlled by sensing devices, without the use of mechanically actuated breaker points.
How does electronic ignition distributor work?
An electronic ignition system works by using sensors, transistors and electrical switches to deliver high voltage to the engine’s spark plugs.
What is an electronic ignition heater?
Electronic ignition only utilizes energy when the furnace, boiler, or water heater calls for heat . Most modern electronic ignition systems use direct ignition to the main burner . However, there are indirect electronic ignition systems that will automatically light a pilot.