Few furnace parts fail as frequently as the hot surface ignitor (HSI). These small components bear the brunt of every heating cycle, glowing red-hot to light the burners. Over time, they wear down — and when they fail, your furnace can’t start.
But here’s the good news: hot surface ignitors are one of the most affordable furnace parts to replace. Whether you’re handy enough to swap one out yourself or prefer hiring a pro, understanding the costs in 2025 helps you avoid overpaying.
In this guide, we’ll break down DIY costs, professional service fees, and what influences the price of ignitor replacement.
🔥 Why Cost Transparency Matters
If your furnace suddenly goes silent on a winter night, your first thought might be: “Do I need a whole new furnace?” In reality, many no-heat calls boil down to a failed ignitor — a part that typically costs less than $100.
Knowing ignitor pricing helps you:
-
✅ Avoid panic purchases of overpriced parts
-
✅ Understand fair service call fees
-
✅ Decide if DIY is worth it
-
✅ Save money by planning ahead with a spare ignitor
For background on furnace ignition systems, see Energy.gov – Furnaces and Boilers.
📦 Average Price of OEM Hot Surface Ignitors in 2025
The cost of an ignitor depends on the type and whether it’s an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or generic replacement.
✅ Goodman OEM Ignitor (0130F00008S)
-
Price range: $30–$80
-
Silicon nitride design (durable, long-lasting)
-
Designed for Goodman, Amana, and Daikin furnaces
✅ Silicon Carbide Ignitors (older style)
-
Price range: $25–$60
-
Shorter lifespan (3–5 years)
-
More fragile, prone to cracking
✅ Silicon Nitride Ignitors (modern standard)
-
Price range: $40–$90
-
Lifespan: 5–10 years
-
Resistant to oxidation, thermal stress
👉 While nitride ignitors cost a little more, they last longer and save money in the long run.
For technical differences, see HVAC School – Hot Surface Ignitors.
🛠️ DIY Replacement Costs
If you’re comfortable with a screwdriver and basic safety steps, replacing an ignitor is one of the most DIY-friendly furnace repairs.
-
Part only: $30–$80 (OEM Goodman 0130F00008S)
-
Tools required: screwdriver/nut driver, gloves, flashlight
-
Time required: ~30 minutes
-
Skill level: Beginner-to-intermediate
👉 Total DIY cost = $30–$80
For a visual walkthrough, see Family Handyman – Furnace Repair Tutorial.
👨🔧 Professional Replacement Costs
Hiring a licensed HVAC technician adds labor and diagnostic fees. Here’s what to expect in 2025:
-
Service call fee: $75–$125
-
Labor (diagnosis + replacement): $75–$150
-
OEM ignitor part: $30–$80
👉 Total pro replacement cost = $150–$300
This is still significantly cheaper than major repairs like a new control board ($400–$800) or blower motor ($500–$1,200).
For averages, see HomeAdvisor – Furnace Repair Costs.
⚖️ DIY vs. Professional Replacement (Cost Comparison)
Option | Part Cost | Labor/Service | Total Cost | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
DIY Replacement | $30–$80 | $0 | $30–$80 | Confident DIYers |
Professional Replacement | $30–$80 | $120–$220 | $150–$300 | Homeowners preferring safety + warranty |
👉 Savvy homeowner tip: Keep a spare ignitor on hand. If yours fails on a holiday or weekend, you can swap it yourself instead of paying emergency rates.
📊 Factors That Affect Ignitor Replacement Costs
Not all ignitor replacements cost the same. Pricing depends on:
1. Furnace Brand & Model
-
OEM parts for Goodman/Amana/Daikin = $30–$80
-
Some high-efficiency or rare models may require pricier ignitors
2. Type of Ignitor
-
Silicon nitride = longer life, slightly higher cost
-
Silicon carbide = cheaper but more frequent replacements
3. Labor Rates
-
Urban areas = higher technician rates
-
Rural areas = lower service charges
4. Warranty Coverage
-
Many furnace warranties cover ignitor parts for 5–10 years
-
Labor often not included
5. Timing of Service Call
-
Emergency nights/weekends can add $50–$150 to labor costs
For context, see ACHR News – Ignition Troubleshooting.
🚨 Signs You’ll Pay More
Some situations increase costs beyond the normal range:
-
After-hours or holiday calls – emergency premiums
-
Misdiagnosis – replacing multiple parts unnecessarily
-
Generic substitutes – cheaper upfront, but fail sooner
-
Additional repairs – if flame sensor, control board, or gas valve are also failing
🧮 Is DIY Worth It?
For most Savvy homeowners, DIY ignitor replacement is worth it.
Pros:
-
Saves $100–$200 in labor costs
-
Quick fix (30 minutes or less)
-
OEM parts readily available online
Cons:
-
Ignitors are fragile (easy to crack during install)
-
Risk of improper handling → furnace won’t start
-
Gas/electric safety concerns
👉 Savvy homeowner strategy: buy and store an OEM ignitor in advance. If your furnace fails, you’re prepared.
For DIY repair tips, see RepairClinic’s Furnace Ignitor Replacement Video.
🛡️ Preventive Care = Long-Term Savings
Every failed ignitor = potential service call. Extend your ignitor’s lifespan with these steps:
-
Replace furnace filters every 1–3 months
-
Keep furnace cabinet clean of dust/debris
-
Avoid touching the ignitor surface with bare hands
-
Use a surge protector to guard against voltage spikes
-
Schedule annual HVAC tune-ups
For full seasonal checklists, see Energy Star – HVAC Maintenance Tips.
✅ Final Savvy Homeowner Takeaway
Replacing a furnace hot surface ignitor in 2025 is one of the most affordable furnace repairs you’ll ever face.
-
🔹 DIY replacement = $30–$80
-
🔹 Professional replacement = $150–$300
-
🔹 Silicon nitride ignitors last longer and cost slightly more than carbide
-
🔹 Emergency calls or additional issues raise costs
👉 The smartest Savvy homeowner move: keep a spare Goodman 0130F00008S ignitor ready to go. That way, you’ll never pay inflated emergency fees when the heat goes out.
In the next topic we will know more about: Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Hot Surface Ignitor