
How do you check a hot surface igniter?
- Turn off the Gas and Electricity. To be safe, whenever doing work on a stove, furnace, or other gas fueled device, it is wise to shut off ...
- Remove the Hot Surface Igniter.
- Locate the Filter.
- Clean the Electrical Housing of the Furnace.
What is a hot surface ignitor on a furnace?
Hot surface ignitors are in most newer furnaces on the market today. They are made of a ceramic piece that heats up to over 2000°F to light the gas burners. It’s easy to tell if you have a hot surface ignitor because they glow bright orange when they power on, just like an electric stove.
What do you do if your Ignitor is not working?
If you see that your hot surface ignitor is not turning on, take a resistance reading on the ignitor. First, open up your furnace so you can access the ignitor. The ignitor is located behind the burner assembly. Next, use a multimeter to probe the ignitor connector.
Where is the ignitor located on a Kenmore gas furnace?
The ignitor is located behind the burner assembly. Next, disconnect the ignitor wires from the furnace. Go to your thermostat and make sure that the thermostat is in “heating” or “auto” mode. Adjust the thermostat’s temperature set point so that it calls for heating.

How do you know if a hot surface ignitor is bad?
4 Signs of a Faulty Furnace IgnitorThe 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.
How do I know if my ignitor is good?
1:062:01Furnace Not Igniting or Heating? Igniter Testing, Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the meter reading shows a result between 50 and 400 ohms of resistance. The igniter hasMoreIf the meter reading shows a result between 50 and 400 ohms of resistance. The igniter has continuity. If the needle does not move or the digital display does not change significantly.
What should a hot surface ignitor read?
A good silicon nitride hot surface ignitor will have a resistance of 30 to 75 ohms. Greater than 75 ohms indicates a failing or failed hot surface ignitor. If you get 0 or ∞ or no reading at all, it mean that the resistance is broken, so the igniter is broken and should be replaced.
Can you clean a hot surface ignitor?
2:485:01Furnace Not Igniting - How To Clean your Hot Surface Ignitor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow you want to clean your hot surface igniter really good on the end. And you want to get rid ofMoreNow you want to clean your hot surface igniter really good on the end. And you want to get rid of this carbon buildup i like to use like 120 grit sandpaper. And you just take it all off with the
How do I test an igniter with a multimeter?
Test The Ignitor With A Multimeter Set a multimeter to the lowest possible resistance test and place the probes onto tips of the plug for the ignitor. If the multimeter shows infinity or stays at zero, the ignitor no longer works and must be replaced.
How many volts go to a hot surface ignitor?
A hot surface igniter can burn out at approximately 132 V. Even voltages in excess of 125 V may reduce igniter life. If high voltage is present, the power company should be requested to lower the power.
How many ohms should an igniter be?
Resistance should be between 37-68 ohms. If the igniter and the surrounding air are at about 70°F and the igniter wires are not connected to any other electrical components, the resistance of the igniter should not exceed 75 ohms. If it does, the igniter should be replaced.
What causes hot surface ignitor failure?
High Voltage An 80-volt HSI should have about 80 volts applied to it. Applying 120 volts to that HSI will cause it break, and sometimes almost immediately. Having too low of voltage may not let the igniter burn hot enough.
How long do hot surface ignitors last?
about seven yearsNo 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 whole Furnace. Most ignitors last about seven years.