Worn Igniter
Worn Igniter | Heat Repair | Heating and Air Conditioning | Hillsboro
When the chill settles over Hillsboro, a faltering igniter can leave your whole home shivering. HEP’s Worn Igniter Heating and Air Conditioning team zeroes in on the problem fast, arriving with fully stocked vans and seasoned technicians who repair, replace, and recalibrate every component right on the spot. From the moment you call, we keep you in the loop with clear pricing and real-time updates, so you know exactly when the warmth will return.
Our certified experts have rescued countless furnaces across Washington County, tackling everything from stubborn startups to sudden shutdowns with precision heat repair that’s built to last. We back our work with iron-clad guarantees, flexible financing, and neighborly service that treats your home as carefully as our own. Let HEP turn that cold blast into cozy comfort—schedule your appointment today and feel the difference before the next cold front hits.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my furnace igniter is worn out?
In Hillsboro’s damp winters, a worn igniter usually reveals itself through one or more of these symptoms: the burner never lights and you only hear repeated clicking; the system starts but shuts back off within seconds (short-cycling); only cool air blows from the vents; your thermostat shows an ignition-related error code; or your gas bill suddenly climbs because the furnace keeps trying to start. If you notice any of these issues, the igniter is a prime suspect and should be inspected promptly.
Is it safe to keep running my heater if the igniter is failing?
Although most modern furnaces have safety lockouts that prevent dangerous gas buildup, running a system with a bad igniter is still risky. Repeated failed starts dump unburned fuel into the combustion chamber, strain the blower motor, and can overheat the control board. You also end up paying more for energy while getting little or no heat. For safety and efficiency, shut the unit off at the thermostat and call a qualified Hillsboro HVAC technician as soon as possible.
How quickly can your Hillsboro team replace a worn igniter?
Because failed igniters are one of the top cold-weather service calls in Washington County, we keep the most common silicon-nitride and silicon-carbide models stocked on every truck. In most cases we can provide same-day service anywhere in Hillsboro or the surrounding communities. Once onsite, diagnostics take 15-20 minutes and the actual replacement normally runs under an hour, so you can expect heat to be restored well before the day is over.
What causes a furnace igniter to wear out?
Igniters are essentially miniature heating elements. Over time (usually 3–7 heating seasons) repeated expansion and contraction fatigues the material. Additional stressors include voltage spikes, dirt or moisture collecting on the element, improper handling during filter changes, and running the furnace with a clogged air filter that overheats the burner area. Power outages and short cycling can also accelerate failure. Regular maintenance and surge protection greatly extend igniter life.
Can I replace the igniter myself, or should I hire a professional?
While YouTube makes it look easy, igniters are fragile, must match your furnace’s OEM specifications, and sit next to the fuel manifold—an area where a cracked gasket or loose connection can cause dangerous gas leaks. A professional technician will verify the root cause of the no-heat condition, use the correct OEM or upgraded part, set the proper gap, test combustion, and reset any lockout codes. DIY replacement often voids manufacturer warranties and can cost more if additional components are damaged in the process.
How much does an igniter replacement and heat repair cost in Hillsboro?
Pricing varies by furnace model and service timing, but a typical silicon-nitride igniter costs $40–$120, and labor ranges from $120–$250. Most homeowners end up paying between $160 and $370 all-in. Costs may be higher for after-hours emergency calls, high-efficiency furnaces that use proprietary parts, or if other issues (such as a cracked flame sensor) are discovered during the visit. We provide upfront flat-rate quotes, seasonal coupons, and financing options to keep the repair affordable.