How to Operate the Ignition System of the Burner of a Gas Furnace

The ignition system of the burner of a gas furnace as well as hot air furnace is an important and necessary aspect of the furnace. Using a properly functioning ignition system will ensure that the furnace will perform at its best and last for a very long time. A properly working ignition system will prevent damage to the furnace and reduce the need for repairs.

InTERMITTENT DUTY IGNITION

When operating an atmospheric gas burner, the ignition system plays an important role. It is crucial to the proper combustion of the burner. If the ignition is improperly designed, it can cause trouble with the burner.

An ignition system includes a spark generating circuit that provides ignition sparks through the electrodes of each burner. A circuit is also included that monitors the presence and absence of flame in the burner. It emits visual and sound signals to let the owner know when the burner has been ignited.

The circuit is traced through a solenoid winding. The winding opens a valve that activates an igniter 18. The igniter then breaks contacting elements 40.

The high-energy capacitor-type ignition system has proven to be a reliable ignition source for many applications. It delivers an extremely hot spark and is widely used in turbine engines. It has been adopted for use on gas turbine engines because it is universally accepted.

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INTERRUPTED DUTY IGNITION

Intermittent duty ignition, also known as IHI, is the latest fad in ignition systems. It's designed to reduce component noise and extend the life of the ignition system. The system is also a good energy saver with bin drying system.

It's not surprising that electronics technology is making a splash in the oilheat industry. Specifically, there are two major trends: control manufacturers are adding more advanced features to their residential primary controls and microcontroller based controls are now available in the consumer marketplace. Combined, these advances are enabling more powerful and easier to use controls.

One of the more notable features is the limited recycle or limited reset. This feature limits the accumulation of unburned oil in the combustion area. A microcontroller based control will perform a self check.

Another feature to watch is the LED indicator. Unlike a conventional indicator, this is a small, low power light that can indicate the condition of the burner. The LED can provide a range of information, including the status of the flame, the amount of fuel being fed into the system, and the current state of the lubrication system.

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Problems with the ignition system

The ignition system of a gas burner is no small piece of hardware. Problems with the igniter can range from the simple to the sophisticated. Fortunately, homeowners can take care of a number of these issues by implementing a few simple steps.

The first step to addressing the problem is to determine which burner is affected. If only one burner is showing signs of trouble, then a new igniter is probably the answer. But if it's a number of burners that are experiencing the same issue, the culprit could be a faulty control module. If you're not comfortable with a repair, call a certified Gas-Safe technician.

The next step is to test the spark. The best way to do this is to remove the grate and pull the igniter out of the unit. You should be able to hear a click as it comes out. Once you have the igniter out, you'll need to make sure the screws are securely tightened.

Whirlpool's new variation on the spark ignition system

Whirlpool has introduced a new variation on its spark ignition system with Combustion Control Systems. This system does not use a pilot flame, but rather sparks directly on the gas burner. This system also has an additional electronic control that monitors the performance of the oven burner. For more information on this system, please see the manual.

To install this type of ignition system, you will need to remove the old module, attach the new one and wires to the existing wiring, and reconnect the power. You will then have to perform a safety check. Ensure that the unit is not in contact with steam, water, corrosive chemicals, or excessive temperatures.

Once the spark ignition control is installed, it will cycle several times per hour, based on the heating demand. However, higher continuous cycling rates may wear out the control more quickly. If you notice that the control is not functioning properly, you can check the ignition switch individually. If there is a short, you can replace the spark ignition module.