Pilot Light vs Electronic Ignition: Your 2024 Guide to Furnace Upgrade Options in Noroton
If you’re a Noroton homeowner dealing with an aging furnace, you’ve likely encountered the age-old debate: stick with your traditional pilot light system or upgrade to modern electronic ignition? As we head into 2024, this decision has become increasingly important for Connecticut residents facing rising energy costs and the need for reliable heating through harsh winters.
Understanding the Fundamental Differences
A pilot light is a small flame that burns continuously inside of your furnace whether it is running or not. When your burners are ready to ignite, the main gas supply to your furnace is turned on and the pilot light is used to spark the flames in the burners. This system has been the standard for decades, but it comes with significant drawbacks.
An electronic ignition stands in place of conventional pilot lights in newer furnaces. There are a couple of different kinds of electronic ignitions. Hot-surface igniters: This electronic ignition system creates heat through electrical resistance (current flowing through metal filaments which then turn hot) and then uses that heat to directly light the burners. This is the more common of the two systems.
Intermittent pilot lights: These systems use pilot lights, but they only have the pilot light on for a short duration. An electric spark causes the pilot to turn on when there’s a demand for heat. Once the burners are ignited, the pilot light goes out again.
The Energy Efficiency Advantage
For Noroton homeowners concerned about rising utility costs, the energy savings alone make electronic ignition worth considering. The problem with pilot lights is that they require a small but steady amount of fuel to be consumed to keep the flame burning at all times. Even if your furnace is not in a heating cycle, a small amount of gas is used for the pilot light. Over time, this adds up to a lot of wasted fuel.
It reduces energy consumption. Having a pilot light burning throughout the winter is a passive use of natural gas that contributes to higher bills. Electronic ignition either uses no extra gas or only uses it briefly. A pilot light that burns for the whole winter is an additional drain on natural gas, while an electronic ignition system only needs to use power at the moment it ignites the burners.
Safety and Reliability Benefits
Safety is paramount when dealing with gas heating systems. Electronic ignition is safer than pilot lights. It’s easier for the furnace to detect if the ignition for the gas burners has failed and quickly shut them off. Standing pilot lights present several safety hazards, such as gas leaks and causing unintentional ignition (flame roll-out). Electronic ignition is a safer way to operate, providing a safer and more controlled flame ignition.
A hot surface ignition cannot blow out, and an intermittent pilot light is typically only running long enough to light the burners. Even if the pilot light did blow out, it would be able to turn back on without you needing to relight it.
Repair vs. Upgrade: Cost Considerations for 2024
When your furnace ignition system fails, you face a critical decision. The average cost to replace a furnace ignitor is $300–$425, including parts and labor from a professional. The cost of a furnace ignitor can range from $20 to $100 for the part itself, depending on the type of ignitor and whether the replacement part is universal or from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Labor charges can vary widely by area but generally range from $75 to $150 for replacing the ignitor. Combining the parts and labor, most homeowners spend between $150 and $300 on the heater igniter replacement cost.
However, if you have an older furnace with a pilot light system, The Department of Energy notes that replacement of intermittent ignition devices on older furnace units can be less cost-effective than on newer units. Depending on the age of your furnace, it might be time for an upgrade. Because pilot light furnaces are less common today, the furnaces that have them are usually more than 10 years old. We recommend you consider replacing your furnace if it’s older than 15 years. You’ll not only benefit from having an electronic ignition system, you’ll have a furnace with superior energy efficiency and a long life ahead of it.
Professional Assessment: The Temp Assure Advantage
When it comes to making this important decision, Noroton homeowners need trusted local expertise. At Temp Assure Heating Air Conditioning & Refrigeration LLC, we take pride in being Fairfield County’s trusted HVAC experts. With years of experience, our family-owned business is committed to delivering exceptional service to our valued clients.
For residents needing professional furnace repair noroton services, Temp Assure brings the local knowledge and expertise necessary to evaluate your specific situation. Our technician will arrive on time with a fully stocked truck and explain what they need to do before starting work. We’ll diagnose the problem, explain what we found in plain language, and provide upfront pricing before performing any repairs. Most common repairs can be completed during the initial visit since we stock the parts needed for typical HVAC issues.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Manufacturers of electric and gas furnaces have recognized the inherent downsides of pilot lights and phased them out completely. Modern, AFUE 80+ certified gas furnaces use state-of-the-art technology for ignition that doesn’t involve pilot lights in any way. Modern, AFUE 80+ certified gas furnaces use state-of-the-art technology for ignition that doesn’t involve pilot lights in any way.
The decision ultimately depends on your furnace’s age, condition, and your long-term plans. Consider the 50% rule: if repair costs exceed 50% of your system’s current value, replacement is typically the better choice. Also factor in how often you’re calling for repairs—frequent breakdowns indicate a system that’s reaching the end of its useful life. We’ll always give you honest advice about repair versus replacement.
However, it’s worth considering the costs of pilot lights. Even if furnace replacement services require an upfront fee, you’ll probably save money on your energy bill and further maintenance fees over time. This fact is especially true for furnaces over 30 years old, as they often break down in need of repairs.
The Bottom Line for Noroton Homeowners
As we move through 2024, the advantages of electronic ignition systems become increasingly clear. From improved safety and reliability to significant energy savings, modern ignition technology offers compelling benefits for Connecticut homeowners. Whether you’re dealing with a failing pilot light or planning a proactive upgrade, consulting with experienced local professionals ensures you make the best decision for your home’s comfort and your family’s budget.
Our one-year guarantee on all work performed means you can trust that we stand behind every HVAC repair and installation we complete in your home. Every repair comes with our one-year guarantee, so you know the work is done right the first time. With winter approaching, now is the ideal time to evaluate your heating system and explore your options for reliable, efficient home comfort.