HVAC emergency in Chicago? Call Bernie's Heating & A/C Service now! Same-day service available for all heating and cooling emergencies.
Furnace ignition system repair fixes pilot, igniter, and sensor issues so your furnace lights reliably. We stock igniters for most brands—about 75% of ignition failures get fixed same-visit.
Most furnace ignition failures can be diagnosed and repaired quickly. We carry common parts on our trucks for same-day repairs.
The most common ignition repair. These fragile ceramic components glow red-hot to ignite gas but crack over time from repeated heating cycles. Signs include the furnace trying to start but never lighting.
Typical repair: $150-$300 with parts
Causes the furnace to light briefly then shut off after 3-5 seconds. The flame sensor detects whether gas is burning - when dirty, it can't detect the flame and shuts off gas flow for safety. Often just needs cleaning.
Typical repair: Cleaning included with diagnostic
Older furnaces with standing pilots can have thermocouple issues, pilot orifice clogs, or drafts blowing out the flame. If your pilot won't stay lit, the thermocouple usually needs replacement.
Typical repair: $150-$250
Control board issues that prevent the ignition sequence from completing. The board controls timing between the inducer motor, igniter, and gas valve. We test each component to pinpoint failures.
Typical repair: $200-$500 depending on board
Repeated ignition failures can cause gas buildup before the furnace finally lights, potentially causing a small explosion or damage to the heat exchanger. If you hear repeated clicking or see the burners light with a "whoosh," call for service promptly.
If you smell gas: Leave your home immediately, don't operate any switches, call Peoples Gas (1-866-556-6003) from outside, then call us for furnace inspection.
Understanding the ignition sequence helps you describe symptoms to our technicians.
Thermostat signals for heat, starting the sequence.
Draft motor starts to clear the exhaust path.
Hot surface igniter heats up (or spark ignition fires).
Gas flows, ignites, and flame sensor confirms combustion.
We stock universal igniters, flame sensors, and common thermocouples. Most repairs done same day.
We test the whole ignition sequence, not just swap parts. If your igniter keeps failing, we find out why.
Standing pilots, spark ignition, HSI - we work on furnaces from the 1970s to today.
We quote the repair price before starting work. No surprises.
No heat in a Chicago winter is an emergency. We prioritize ignition failures and stock common parts to get your heat running the same day you call.
Most commonly a failed hot surface igniter or dirty flame sensor. Could also be a gas valve, control board, or pressure switch issue. We test systematically to find the cause.
Usually a dirty flame sensor. It detects the flame, but due to carbon buildup, the signal is weak. The control board thinks there's no flame and cuts gas. We clean or replace the sensor.
Hot surface igniters typically last 3-7 years. If yours fails frequently, there may be a voltage issue or the igniter type may be wrong for your furnace.
Call now for fast ignition system diagnosis and repair. We stock common parts for same-day repairs.