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Best Furnace Igniter Replacement — Universal and Brand-Specific Picks

5 min read
⚡ Quick Answer

Furnace not igniting? Here's how to identify your igniter type, the best universal replacements by brand, and how to swap one in 15 minutes.

Difficulty Pro recommended
Est. time 1-3 hrs

A failed hot surface igniter is the #1 reason furnaces don’t start. The igniter glows red-hot to light the gas burners. When it cracks or burns out, you get no heat — and usually an error code.

The fix is almost always a $15–$60 part and 15 minutes of work. No HVAC certification required.

Jump to Fix


How to Know If Your Igniter Failed

Your furnace will usually show one of these signs:

Quick test with a multimeter: Set to resistance (Ohms). Disconnect the igniter wires and probe both terminals.


Igniter Types: Which One Do You Have?

Most residential furnaces use one of three igniter styles:

TypeShapeTypical resistanceCommon brands
Silicon nitride (Si3N4)Flat rectangular or curved rod15–50 ΩCarrier, Bryant, Lennox, Trane
Silicon carbide (SiC)Forked or fragile flat wafer40–200 ΩOlder Goodman, Amana, Rheem (pre-2010)
Flat silicon nitride (newer)Small rectangular, surface-mount style10–30 ΩYork, Rheem, most post-2015 furnaces

To identify yours: Look at the igniter shape. Silicon carbide (older) is more fragile and dark gray/black. Silicon nitride (newer) is a single white/tan rod or curved element. Most furnaces made after 2010 use silicon nitride.

OEM part number lookup: Check your furnace’s model and serial number (data plate inside the furnace door) and cross-reference the part number.


Universal vs OEM Igniters

Universal igniters fit multiple brands and models. They cost $15–$45 and work well in most applications.

OEM igniters are made for your exact model. They cost $35–$100 but eliminate any fit guesswork.

Rule of thumb:


Best Igniters by Brand

Carrier, Bryant, Payne

OEM part: Carrier HH18HA499 / HKSG01WC001 Best universal fit: Robertshaw 41-404 silicon nitride igniter

Goodman, Amana, Daikin

OEM part: Goodman 0130F00008S Best universal fit: Supplying Demand B1401015S igniter

Trane, American Standard

OEM part: Trane IGN00011 / American Standard IGN00011 Best universal fit: White-Rodgers / Emerson Q3400A1024 silicon carbide igniter

Lennox

OEM part: Lennox 13F37 / SureLight igniter Best replacement: Lennox 13F37 OEM igniter (OEM recommended for Lennox — universal fit can be tricky on some models)

Rheem, Ruud, Weather King

OEM part: Rheem 62-24140-04 / SP20166B Best universal fit: Supplying Demand SP20166B igniter

York, Coleman, Luxaire (Bosch)

OEM part: York 025-32625-000 Best fit: Emerson/White Rodgers 767A-369 igniter

Nordyne (Frigidaire, Gibson, Westinghouse, Tappan furnaces)

OEM part: Nordyne 624631 Best fit: Nordyne 624631 igniter or Ceramic Igniter 624631B


How to Replace a Furnace Igniter

Time: 10–20 minutes Tools: Screwdriver (usually 5/16” or 1/4” hex), needle-nose pliers optional Skill level: Basic DIY — no special certification required

Steps

  1. Turn off power to the furnace — flip the furnace switch (usually on the wall near the unit) or kill the breaker. Do not skip this.

  2. Turn off gas — turn the gas shutoff valve (90° from the pipe = off).

  3. Remove the furnace door(s) — lower panel first on most models, then upper.

  4. Locate the igniter — it’s in the burner compartment, near the burners. Follows the gas manifold. You’ll see a ceramic element connected by two wires.

  5. Photograph the wire routing — before you disconnect anything, take a photo. This is your reference for reassembly.

  6. Disconnect the igniter harness — unplug the 2-wire connector. If there’s no quick-connect, note which wires go where (polarity doesn’t matter for igniters — they’re not polarized).

  7. Remove the igniter — usually held by one or two screws (5/16” hex driver). Slide it out carefully. Silicon carbide igniters are brittle — don’t touch the element.

  8. Install the new igniter — slide in the new unit, align to the mounting bracket, and secure the screw(s). Do not overtighten — you’ll crack a silicon carbide igniter.

  9. ⚠️ Important: Do not touch the igniter element with bare hands. Skin oils reduce igniter life. Handle by the ceramic bracket only.

  10. Reconnect the harness — plug back in, route the wires away from the burner flame path.

  11. Reinstall furnace doors — upper panel first, then lower. The door switch must engage or the furnace won’t run.

  12. Restore gas and power — turn gas back on first, then flip the power switch.

  13. Test cycle — set thermostat 5° above room temp. Watch through the sight glass. You should see the igniter glow orange/red within 30 seconds, followed by the burners lighting within another 5–10 seconds.


How Long Do Igniters Last?

If you’re replacing an igniter for the second time in 3 years, check your furnace’s voltage supply. A voltage spike above 125V will shorten igniter life significantly.



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