Has your furnace stopped working? Before you stress about getting a replacement, check the ignition system. A quick cleaning might be all it takes to get your heat running again.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean the furnace ignitor. It’s a relatively simple process if you follow proper safety procedures and handle the components with care.
If you don’t have time to dedicate to cleaning your ignition system or think you might break something, reach out to Crew Heating & Cooling.
We provide the best HVAC services in Crosby, TX, and can quickly service your HVAC system so you don’t have to go without heat this winter.
Understanding the Components
Before you ask yourself how to clean the ignitor, you should understand what it does and where it’s located.
What Starts the Heat on a Cold Crosby, TX, Morning?
The ignitor’s job is to light the gas in your furnace so it can produce heat. When your home gets cold, your thermostat tells the furnace to turn on. The ignitor then creates heat or a spark to start the flames. If it’s dirty, your furnace might not start at all.
Where Do I Look When the Heat Won’t Turn On?
First, turn off your furnace and remove the access panel. The ignitor is usually near the burner assembly, close to the gas valve. If it has a thin metal strip with a ceramic base, it’s a hot surface type. If you see small metal prongs that create a spark, it’s a spark ignitor.
If you’re still having trouble locating it, finding the pilot light and following the small gas tubes should lead you right to the ignitor.
Once you know what kind you have, you can service it the right way.
How To Safely Clean Your Ignition System
The safest way to go about cleaning is by using compressed air, but if that doesn’t work, a gentle wipe-down may be necessary. For both methods, always turn off your furnace and disconnect the power first.
Compressed Air Cleaning
Compressed air is the best option for cleaning because it removes buildup without causing damage.
A few short bursts of air can blow away soot and carbon deposits. If your furnace has a pilot light, compressed air can also help clean the orifice and tubing to keep the flame steady.
Compressed air is a quick and easy way to service your ignitor and keep your furnace running efficiently.
Manually Servicing a Hot Surface Ignitor
If compressed air doesn’t remove all the buildup, you may need to take a more hands-on approach.
Use some fine steel wool to help scrub away stubborn carbon deposits, but be gentle. Hot surface ignitors are fragile, and too much pressure can cause them to break.
Avoid touching the ignitor with bare hands because skin oils can shorten its lifespan. Once the ignitor is clean, reconnect it and restore power to see whether your furnace starts up normally.
Clean the Flame Sensor While You’re at It
The flame sensor shuts off the gas when it doesn’t detect a flame. If it gets too dirty, it could cause the furnace to turn off right after starting.
To clean it, turn off the furnace, disconnect power, and remove the flame sensor. It looks like a thin metal rod near the burners. Use fine sandpaper or a scuff pad to gently clean off any carbon buildup. Once it looks functional again, put it back in place and turn the furnace back on to test it.
In Houston, dust and humidity can cause buildup faster, so regular servicing helps prevent shutdowns.
Don’t DIY If You Don’t Know What You’re Doing
The potential dangers of DIY furnace maintenance always make hiring a professional the best option.
Failing to turn off the power before cleaning the ignition system or flame sensor can cause an electrical shock. Touching a hot surface ignitor while it’s still warm can lead to burns. Handling parts carelessly can damage the burner area or misalign components, creating bigger furnace issues.
For efficient service and unparalleled attention to detail, don’t hesitate to reach out to Crew Heating & Cooling.
One Cleaning Could Be the Fix You Need To Get Your Heat Back On in Crosby
It’s scary when your HVAC system suddenly stops working. Don’t stress about repairs before you check the ignitor.
If you still don’t know how to clean the furnace ignitor after reading this guide, reach out to Crew Heating & Cooling. We can clean it for you and get your heat running again ASAP.