How to Replace an Amana Furnace Ignitor (Without Breaking a Sweat)

Amana

Summary

  • The ignitor in an Amana furnace is crucial for lighting the gas that heats the home; without it, the furnace won't produce heat.
  • Common reasons for ignitor failure include old age, dust or oil buildup, voltage spikes, and handling mistakes.
  • Symptoms of a faulty ignitor include the furnace blower running without heat, lack of a glowing ignitor during startup, and visible damage to the ignitor.
  • Replacing the ignitor is a DIY-friendly task that requires careful handling, safety precautions, and basic tools.
  • The cost for a DIY ignitor replacement ranges from $35 to $100, while hiring a professional can cost between $150 and $350.

No heat. No flame. Just a humming blower and a cold house. If your Amana furnace won’t kick on, the issue could be a small but essential part: the ignitor.

Fortunately, replacing an ignitor is one of the more DIY-friendly HVAC repairs—if you’re careful and have the right guide. That’s exactly what this is.

We’ll walk you through what the ignitor does, how to spot a bad one, and exactly how to replace it safely—plus what it’ll cost, whether you DIY or call in a pro.

amana furnace ignitor replacement

What’s an Ignitor, and Why Do They Go Bad?

The ignitor in your Amana furnace acts like an electric match. It heats up—glowing red-hot—and lights the gas that warms your home. No ignitor, no flame.

Why Ignitors Fail:

  • Old age (5–7 years is typical)

  • Dust or oil buildup

  • Voltage spikes

  • Cracks in the ceramic

  • Handling the tip with bare hands (don’t do this!)

It’s a wear item—like a spark plug. Eventually, it stops working.

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Signs Your Amana Furnace Ignitor Is Shot

If you’re seeing these symptoms, the ignitor’s likely to blame:

  • Furnace blower runs, but no heat comes out

  • You don’t see the ignitor glow during startup

  • Clicking sounds but no ignition

  • Diagnostic LED is blinking a fault code

  • The ignitor is visibly cracked or burned

Pro tip: Before blaming the ignitor, check your filter, thermostat, and circuit breaker first. Sometimes it’s not the part—it’s the power.

DIY Guide: Replacing the Ignitor Yourself

You don’t need to be a pro, but you do need to be careful. Ignitors are fragile—and your furnace is a high-voltage, gas-powered machine. Always shut off power first.

What You’ll Need:

  • New Amana-compatible ignitor

  • Nut driver (usually 1/4″)

  • Gloves

  • Flashlight

  • Optional: Multimeter for testing continuity

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Shut off power at the furnace switch or breaker.
    Safety first. Always.

  2. Remove the front panel.
    Most Amana models have clips or simple screws.

  3. Find the ignitor.
    Look near the burner tubes. It’s a thin, flat part with two wires.

  4. Disconnect the wires.
    Gently unplug the harness—don’t yank.

  5. Remove the screws and pull the ignitor.
    Keep those screws—you’ll reuse them.

  6. Install the new ignitor.
    Handle only the base. The tip is extremely fragile and oils from your fingers can damage it.

  7. Reconnect the wires and secure the new ignitor.

  8. Restore power and test.
    Set the thermostat to heat. Watch for the glow and listen for ignition.

If the furnace fires up—mission accomplished.

Cost Breakdown: DIY vs Hiring a Pro

Option Cost
OEM ignitor $30–$75
DIY total $35–$100
Pro replacement $150–$350
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Many Amana systems still under parts warranty will cover the ignitor itself—but labor is usually on you unless you have extended coverage.

How to Make Your New Ignitor Last Longer

  • Change your air filter regularly

  • Keep the burner compartment clean

  • Don’t touch the ceramic tip when installing

  • Use a surge protector on your HVAC system

  • Schedule annual maintenance with a tech

With care, your new ignitor could last up to 7 years or more.

Final Thought

If your Amana furnace isn’t lighting, the ignitor is one of the first places to check—and one of the easier repairs to handle yourself. Know your limits, follow the steps, and when in doubt, call a pro.

But now you know what to do, what it’ll cost, and how to keep the heat on.

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Kelsey Neff
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