An HVAC service provider says I need a new ignitor and flame sensor at $153 and $107 respectively. Is there a cheaper way? Also, he says that my 13 year old furnace has only another year, maybe. Does this sound right? I am a widow and I am wondering if he is trying to scam me.

An HVAC service provider says I need a new ignitor and flame sensor at $153 and $107 respectively. Is there a cheaper way? Also, he says that my 13 year old furnace has only another year, maybe. Does this sound right? I am a widow and I am wondering if he is trying to scam me.


Try to clean the flame sensor. You will have to buy the ignitor if defective. Part prices in ballpark depending upon where you live and the local markup. Furnaces will last longer than 13 years but no way to tell the condition on this forum.

Try to clean the flame sensor. You will have to buy the ignitor if defective. Part prices in ballpark depending upon where you live and the local markup. Furnaces will last longer than 13 years but no way to tell the condition on this forum.

I have spoken with a couple of people just now who said that the ignitor might also just need to be cleaned. Any comments on that?

The furnace has been maintained with yearly check-ups in fall and spring. After the 10-year warranty expired, we kept the original vendor to do these. I changed last spring.

You cannot clean the ignitor. They are very sensitive and damage easily. Yours is probably cracked and that is why it does not work. The only other item that might cause the ignitor not to work if all else is working is the circuit board and they are more expensive than the ignitor.

The furnace has started all along. It was during its fall check-up that the service rep told me I needed a new one.

Wow I am glad you stated this in your post I thought you were broken down and needed help.

I found out later today that the prices this company quoted me were way high. And this particular company loves its image of being professional, etc. etc.

The company is Comfort Masters in Lake Bluff, Illinois

It cost a bunch to have a business today and if they are professional it pays to use them if you want the job done correctly. I am a older person and I have a hard time with the prices for items today also.