How To Clean the Furnace Ignitor in Lighthouse Point, FL?

Like the rest of South Florida, Lighthouse Point enjoys mild winters with comfortable temperatures. However, although freezes are extremely rare in the area, you still need a functional furnace for the occasional cold spell. 

Keeping the ignitor clean is an essential part of furnace maintenance since a dirty ignitor might fail to provide the spark that kickstarts your heating system. Learn how to clean the furnace ignitor in a few simple steps.

Why Clean the Furnace Ignitor?

Over time, carbon deposits, dust, and dirt settle on your furnace ignitor. These can tamper with ignitor functionality. Eventually, the ignitor may fail to get your furnace to start.

Look for signs like a weak flame, a suspicious burning smell, or frequent furnace cycling. All these could mean that the ignitor needs cleaning, especially if you haven’t scheduled any furnace maintenance in a while.

Ignitor Cleaning Steps 

If you’re unsure how to clean the furnace ignitor, don’t worry. Cleaning your ignitor is a fairly simple process as long as you’re mindful of electrical component safety.

You’ll need some basic equipment and cleaning tools: a vacuum cleaner, a headlamp, a multi-tip screwdriver, a socket wrench set, an air compressor with a spray nozzle, and scuff pads. Also, before you do anything else, please turn off your furnace and let it cool completely.

1. Locate the Ignitor

Gas furnace ignitors sit behind a metal panel near the burner. Remove this panel with a screwdriver or wrench and observe the ignitor using a headlamp.

Dirt and debris removal will usually restore a grimy ignitor to action. However, an ignitor might also malfunction for other reasons, in which case you’ll probably need to replace it. 

2. Clean the Ignitor

Figuring out how to clean the furnace ignitor will depend on its type: direct spark, hot surface, intermittent, or standing pilot.

Direct Spark and Hot Surface Ignitors

If you have a direct spark or hot surface ignitor, start by disconnecting its wire. Loosen the screws or bolts that secure the ignitor and carefully take it out, holding it by the base only. Avoid touching the ignitor directly since your skin oils could interfere with its work.

Take a scuff pad and start cleaning the ignitor’s metal surface. Do this gently and persistently until you restore shine to the ignitor, then finish by wiping with a soft cloth. Use an air compressor for any stubborn deposits. Never apply excessive force since doing so could damage the ignitor.

Remove any remaining dust with a vacuum cleaner. Put the ignitor back, reconnect the wiring, and re-install the panel.

Standing and Intermittent Pilot Ignitors

Check the pilot orifice (the point through which the gas moves) for any debris or carbon deposits. Blow these away using gentle pressure from an air compressor. Direct the airflow as close as possible to the orifice.

For intermittent pilot ignitors, use compressed air to remove buildup from the spark ignitor wire. Use gentle air pressure to avoid damaging the ignitor.

3. Test the Furnace 

Once you’ve cleaned the ignitor and replaced all its components, it’s time to test the results. Turn the furnace back on and see if it works properly. If it does, that’s great. Going forward, try to maintain a clean, dust-free area around your furnace to prevent buildup on the ignitor. 

If the ignitor seems fine but the furnace still won’t work, contact us and book a service call. 

Keep Your Furnace in Shape in Lighthouse Point, FL

Knowing how to clean the furnace ignitor might help you avoid frequent furnace repairs in Lighthouse Point, FL. However, you should still have your furnace serviced at least once a year to catch any issues early. 

Fall is the optimal season for heating system maintenance in South Florida. A late September or October tune-up will help ensure that your furnace is ready for action after months of disuse.

Alternatively, you might schedule furnace maintenance before the winter holidays, especially if you plan to host large gatherings. December is a slower month for most Broward County HVAC professionals, so you’ll likely be able to schedule furnace maintenance at a convenient time.