{"id":2628,"date":"2021-03-15T11:00:55","date_gmt":"2021-03-15T15:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/?p=2628"},"modified":"2025-11-08T00:12:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-08T06:12:22","slug":"is-an-electric-ignition-better-in-a-furnace-than-a-pilot-light","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.daltonphc.com\/blog\/heating-service\/is-an-electric-ignition-better-in-a-furnace-than-a-pilot-light\/","title":{"rendered":"Is an Electric Ignition Better in a Furnace Than a Pilot Light?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This is a question you might not have ever asked yourself. Perhaps you weren\u2019t even aware this was an option. However, if you have an aging gas furnace, it\u2019s something for you to consider as you explore your options for replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note, that we are not talking about an electric furnace. While there are certainly benefits to having an electric furnace installed, and we\u2019re happy to answer any questions you might have about such installation, what we are discussing here is an electric ignition system within your gas furnace. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What ignition option should you choose when planning furnace installation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For a new furnace installation, an electronic ignition system is a more efficient and cost-effective choice than a standing pilot light. It only activates when needed, reducing gas waste and improving energy efficiency. Electronic ignitions also enhance safety and help modern furnaces reach higher AFUE ratings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Pilot Lights Are Outdated in Modern Furnaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve had a gas furnace in your home for many years, then you know that it has what\u2019s called a pilot light\u2014this is the gas-powered flame that\u2019s constantly burning and ignites the jets once there is a demand for heat from your thermostat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This continuous operation means that it requires a consistent supply of natural gas so that it will keep burning all winter long. While this isn\u2019t a huge amount of natural gas that\u2019s used, it does raise your utility bills and lowers the overall energy efficiency of your furnace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also safety to consider. No, gas furnaces are not <\/em>inherently dangerous. There are safety features that signal the furnace to shut down or for the pilot light to go out. However, as with anything that uses natural gas, there is always a minimal risk involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This leads us to what is proving to be a better option for many homes: electronic ignitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Switching to Electronic Furnace Ignition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most modern furnaces you\u2019ll find on the market today are already equipped with an electronic ignition. This may make you wonder about efficiency\u2014after all, electricity is a more expensive fuel source than natural gas, right? Yes, but electronic ignition systems actually require very little <\/em>power to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are actually two different kinds of electronic ignitions, and either one only has to turn on and use your power for a short time before shutting off. This is one of the reasons that newer furnace systems have higher efficiency ratings that furnaces of the past. While furnaces of the past were typically rated from the 70s-80s in AFUE ratings (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) newer furnaces can be rated as high as 98% AFUE. So, by default, a furnace with electronic ignition is going to cost you less to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, let\u2019s take a look at the two different kinds of electronic ignitions we mentioned:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Hot Surface: <\/strong>This can be compared to an incandescent lightbulb in how it works\u2014electrical current flows through filaments, which increases heat. It\u2019s hot enough that it lights up the furnace burners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Intermittent Pilot Light:<\/strong> This ignition system still uses a pilot light, however, an electric spark is used to ignite it, so that it does not have to run continuously day after day, hour after hour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re wondering about your furnace options, please don\u2019t hesitate to give our team a call!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Question: What is the difference between a pilot light and an electric ignition in a gas furnace?<\/strong>
    <\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> A pilot light is a small flame that burns continuously in a gas furnace until heat is needed, whereas an electric ignition only activates when the furnace calls for heat. The electric ignition either uses a hot surface element or an intermittent spark to light the burners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Question: Why is an electric ignition generally better than a pilot light?<\/strong>
    <\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> Because an electric ignition only consumes power when heating is needed, it avoids the continuous gas use required by a standing pilot flame. This leads to higher efficiency, lower gas bills, and often improved safety and reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Question: Are there any downsides to using an electric ignition system?<\/strong>
    <\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> Yes. Electric ignition systems rely on power and more modern components, so power outages can render the furnace inoperative and repairs may cost a bit more compared to simpler pilot light systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Question: When should a homeowner consider upgrading from a pilot light to an electric ignition in their furnace?<\/strong>
    <\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> If the current furnace uses a standing pilot, is more than 15 years old, has low efficiency, or incurs higher gas usage, then upgrading to a unit with electronic ignition is worth considering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Question: How can one tell if their furnace uses a pilot light or an electric ignition?<\/strong>
    <\/strong>Answer:<\/strong> You can look for a continuously burning flame inside the furnace when it\u2019s off, indicating a standing pilot. If there\u2019s no flame until the furnace activates, you likely have an electric ignition system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n