How Does An Electric Ignition On A Furnace Work?

The hot surface ignitor (HSI) is the most commonly used electronic ignition system. It works like a light bulb filament, heating up when electricity is passed through it. Most are made from silicon nitride or silicon carbide. The igniter is positioned in the flow of gas entering the burners.

How does an electronic ignition furnace work?

Electric furnaces act much like a hair dryer. They pull air into the system and through a heat exchanger. Once in the heat exchanger, electric heating elements will warm up the air. This warm air is then pushed by the blower into the ductwork in your home, which distributes the air into the rooms of your home.

Does a furnace with electronic ignition have a pilot light?

Electronic ignition systems are found in most new furnaces, and they require little power to work. There are different types of electronic ignition systems, one of which still uses a pilot flame to ignite the gas burners.

How does an electronic pilot light work?

In a pilot light, one of the junctions of a thermocouple is sitting in the pilot light’s flame. The electricity that is created runs to a small electromagnetic valve and holds it open. If the pilot light blows out, the thermocouple quickly cools off. It stops generating electricity and the valve closes.

How do I reset my electronic ignition furnace?

How to Reset an Electric Furnace

1. First, turn off the power supply to the furnace by turning off the breaker in the circuit box.
2. Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace.
3. If the button is popped up, press it down.
4. Return the cover to the blower compartment and turn the power on.

Can you manually light a gas furnace with electronic ignition?

If your furnace is equipped with an electronic igniter, you cannot light the furnace manually. However, you may be able to get the furnace working by turning off the igniter and resetting it. Find the paperwork for your particular furnace to locate the reset button or switch.

How do I turn on my electric furnace?

Turn the furnace back on. On most electric ignition furnaces there is an ignition button, with a smaller red button right next to it. If you’re not able to locate this, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions. Press on this small button as you press the button for the electric ignition simultaneously.

Why is my furnace not igniting?

The pilot light or ignition sensor is usually the most common issue when your furnace will not ignite.Then, remove the front panel to find the ignitor or ignition sensor. This is typically located near the burners. If the sensor or ignitor is dirty, it will need to be cleaned.

How do you tell if your furnace is gas or electric?

If you see a blue flame, it’s a gas heat exchanger. Other units will have a small metal panel that’s easy to remove. You can check behind there to see if you see that blue flame. Electric systems don’t have that access window or panel and make very little noise.

How do I know if my ignitor is bad on my furnace?

4 Signs of a Faulty Furnace Ignitor

1. The Furnace Stops Running. When a furnace won’t run at all, check for a bad ignitor.
2. Your Furnace Blows Chilly Air. Unless you’ve set your thermostat to COOL, your furnace should not blow cold air.
3. Does Your Furnace Short Cycle?
4. A No Glow Ignitor.
5. We Can Replace Your Furnace Ignitor.

Are furnace igniters universal?

This universal ignitor is a replacement part for use in gas-fired appliances like furnaces, water heaters, and boilers, compatible with over 150-OEM models.

How do you know if your ignitor is bad?

Your furnace won’t run: The most obvious sign that your ignitor is bad is that it won’t ignite, and this generally manifests itself in your furnace failing to run when you activate it.

How do I light the pilot light on my electronic ignition?

Press the gas control knob down all the way and hold it in the depressed position. If you have no igniter, move the match or barbecue lighter flame to the end of the pilot tube; the pilot flame should light immediately. If you have a spark igniter, press the ignition button until the pilot flame ignites.

What is an electric pilot?

The pilot light is typically a small flame within a gas-fueled heating device. It is meant to stay lit at all times. The flame is fed a continuous amount of gas in small quantities, just enough to keep it aflame.

Should the pilot light always be on in a gas furnace?

Most furnaces with electronic ignition have a device called a hot surface igniter.The difference is that the flame is only lit (by an electronic spark) when your furnace is ready for a heating cycle. When the pilot light is not needed, it is completely off, saving you money on gas.

How do I reset my luxaire furnace?

Locate the dedicated circuit breaker for your Luxaire furnace in the electrical service panel of your home after you turn off the furnace thermostat. Flip the circuit breaker off, then turn it back on. Reset the thermostat and wait for the furnace to restart.

What does the reset button on a furnace look like?

You should be able to locate the reset button by removing the access panel from the furnace blower motor housing and looking inside. The reset button is red or yellow, and it’s usually in a prominent place so it’s easy to see.

Where is the ignition sensor on my furnace?

WHAT IS A FURNACE FLAME SENSOR? A furnace flame sensor is a very basic part of your furnace. It’s located on the burner assembly and is just a thin metallic rod. It’s usually bent, and it sits just in front of the pilot flame inside the furnace.

When did furnaces stop using pilot lights?

Newer gas furnaces (since about 2010) do not have a traditional pilot light that burns all the time. Instead they use electronic ignition systems that light only as needed. Constant flame or “standing pilot” heating systems are still fairly common in older homes, and they can still be repaired in most cases.

Is forced air heating gas or electric?

Forced air heating systems use natural gas, one of the most affordable substances as opposed to water or electricity. It’s not only affordable, but it’s also clean for the environment. New technology has also allowed for these systems to provide an even greater level of efficiency for your furnace.

Is heat powered by gas or electric?

When you turn on your thermostat, your furnace generates heat using a flame that burns gas. Similarly to the electric heater, that heat is pushed through a heat exchanger that warms it.