Electronic Ignition by Treat’s Heating & Cooling

If you have a Gas furnace, your system likely has an electronic ignition switch.  Electronic ignition technology is a somewhat new development.  Electronic ignition switches provide a reliable way to light your gas heating other than with a standard pilot.  However, if the switch fails you may be left with no heat.

There are two types of electronic ignition switches, intermittent pilot and hot surface ignition.  The intermittent pilot implements an electric spark to light the pilot.  The hot surface ignition switch uses an element, similar to those found inside light bulbs to light a burner.  These switches are generally found on higher efficiency furnaces.  The hot surface ignition switch is most common in modern heating systems.  Hot surface ignition switches have a life span of about 3-5 years.

The hot surface ignition switch may fail simply because the part has run its course.  However, improper handling the switch can make the part fail before its time.  Also, if the current running to the switch is too high, this could make the switch fail prematurely.  Dirty filters and dust and dirt around the switch can cause it to fail.

A bad ignition switch in a reason the furnace fails to ignite but there can also be other reasons.  The control board may be faulty and may need to be replaced.  Safety switches can also fail which results in not being able to light the furnace.

If you find yourself without heat call Treat’s Heating & Cooling for service.  We have been in the business of satisfying customers for over 40 years. Call us today!  360.825.0800

The Enumclaw, WA Electronic Ignition experts at Treat’s Heating & Cooling offer high quality installation, repair, maintenance, and other heating and air conditioning services throughout Western Washington including Enumclaw, Buckley, Bonney Lake, Sumner, Puyallup, Tacoma, Auburn, Black Diamond, Covington, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Kent, & Seattle WA.