Furnace Ignitor Replacement Cost: What to Expect in 2026

By Andrea · August 2026

A failed ignitor is one of the most common reasons a gas furnace won't light — and the good news is it's usually one of the cheaper repairs you'll face. Replacement typically runs between $150 and $350 all-in, though the final number depends on your furnace brand, ignitor type, and local labor rates. For a broader look at how this fits into overall Furnace Repair Versus Replacement Decisions, the full cost guide covers the bigger picture.

What a Furnace Ignitor Actually Does

Most modern gas furnaces use a hot surface ignitor (HSI) — a silicon nitride or silicon carbide element that glows red-hot to ignite the burner. When it cracks or burns out, the furnace attempts to start but shuts down on lockout because there's nothing to light the gas.

Silicon nitride ignitors are more durable and handle thermal shock better than the older silicon carbide versions, but they still typically last 4–7 years. If your furnace is clicking through startup cycles without heat, the ignitor is the first thing an HVAC tech will check.

Cost Breakdown: Parts vs. Labor

The ignitor itself is a relatively inexpensive part — OEM replacements generally run $20–$75 depending on the furnace brand, while aftermarket universal ignitors can be found for less. Labor is where most of the cost comes from. A typical service call plus ignitor swap takes 30–60 minutes, but you're paying for the technician's trip, diagnostic time, and warranty on their work.

• Part cost (OEM ignitor): $20–$75 in most cases
• Labor and service call: $100–$250 depending on region and timing — see Furnace Blower Motor Replacement Cost for how labor rates compare across repair types
• Emergency or after-hours service: adds $50–$150 to the base rate
• Total typical range: $150–$350, with premium brands or hard-to-source OEM parts pushing toward the higher end

Always ask whether the quote includes the diagnostic fee — some HVAC companies waive it if you proceed with the repair, others don't.

When the Ignitor Isn't the Only Problem

A failing ignitor can sometimes be a symptom rather than the root cause. If the furnace cycles off shortly after ignition, the Flame Sensor may be the real culprit — a good technician will test both during the same visit.

If the ignitor tests fine but the furnace still won't start, the issue may sit with the Furnace Control Board — the brain that sends voltage to the ignitor in the first place — or with the Gas Valve, which controls gas flow to the burner. Either repair costs considerably more than a simple ignitor swap.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Replacing a hot surface ignitor is technically straightforward — it's usually held in by one or two screws and plugs into a wiring harness. Some experienced homeowners do this themselves after confirming the furnace power is off and the part cools completely. That said, a furnace involves gas lines, combustion components, and electrical systems that carry real safety risk. If there's any uncertainty about why the ignitor failed, or if the furnace isn't behaving normally after swapping the part, a licensed HVAC technician should handle the diagnosis. A working carbon monoxide detector in your home is non-negotiable regardless.