How to Replace a Pellet Heater Ignitor

Is your pellet heater failing to ignite? The igniter may be the culprit! Replacing an igniter is a straightforward process that you can tackle on your own, regardless of the brand of your pellet heater. Follow this simple how to replace a pellet heater ignitor guide to get your heater burning bright again! 🌟

Materials Needed

  • New igniter
  • Screwdriver (usually a Phillips head)
  • Pliers (optional, for stubborn screws)
  • Torch (for better visibility)

Step 1: Gather Your New Igniter

Start by obtaining the right igniter for your pellet heater. Ensure it’s compatible with your model, as igniters can vary in size and specifications. Your new igniter typically has two plugs on one end that will connect to the pellet heater.

Step 2: Access the Igniter

Next, you need to access the igniter inside your pellet heater:

  1. Turn off the power and unplug your pellet heater for safety.
  2. Remove the side panel of the pellet heater. This may be held in place by screws; in some models, it could be a simple latch mechanism.
  3. Carefully take off the side panel to reveal the internal components.

Step 3: Locate and Remove the Old Igniter

With the side panel removed, you can now find the igniter:

  1. Look for a small metal rod-like structure behind the burn pot—this is where the igniter sits.
  2. Using your screwdriver, locate the screws that hold the igniter in place. You only need to loosen these screws, not remove them entirely.

Step 4: Unplug the Old Igniter

Now that the igniter is loose, gently pull it out. Take care not to detach any other components!

  • Unplug the wires connected to the igniter. Note that it doesn’t matter which way these wires connect to the new igniter. Just take a mental note of where they are plugged in but you can reconnect the wires either way.
  • Remove the old igniter from the pellet heater.

Step 5: Insert the New Igniter

It’s time to install your new igniter:

  1. Insert the new igniter into the same slot where the old one was located. Be careful not to push it too far in initially.
  2. Reconnect the wires to the igniter—remember, orientation does not matter.

Step 6: Secure the New Igniter

Once your new igniter is connected, you’ll want to ensure it’s positioned correctly:

  • Check from the front of the pellet heater behind the burn pot to see if the igniter is sitting too far out or too far in.
  • You should adjust it until it’s just behind the lip of the metal tube and centered in position. Be careful not to make contact with the edges, as this can affect performance.

Step 7: Finalize Your Installation

After adjusting the igniter, it’s time to secure it:

  1. Tighten the screws you previously loosened, ensuring not to overtighten as this could damage the igniter.
  2. Double-check the position of the igniter one last time making sure it’s in the centre and not sticking out of the tube behind the burn pot.

Step 8: Reassemble and Test the Pellet Heater

With everything securely in place, it’s time to reattach the side panel:

  1. Replace the side panel and tighten the screws.
  2. Plug the pellet heater back in and turn the power on.

Watch as the igniter heats up and ignites the pellets. You should see a glowing red hot igniter—hopefully leading to a nice, warm fire! 🔥

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced the igniter on your pellet heater. This simple DIY project not only saves you money but also ensures your heater runs efficiently and reliably.

If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who may need it. For more tips and tricks on maintaining your heater, visit my Youtube channel and subscribe to our updates! Happy heating! 😊