View Full Version : Replacement Hot Surface Ignitor
nlinnen
10-18-2006, 05:28 PM
I am getting a replacement Hot Surface Ignitor for a Lennox system.
A Lennox 768A-4 Silicon Nitride Ignitor is the replacement part although a White-Rogers 768A-844 is also a replacement part for the OEM 768A-4.
My question is what is the major difference between these two ignitors and why does one cost 2-4 times as much as the other? The Lennox being the more expensive one.
[Edited by nlinnen on 10-18-2006 at 06:38 PM]
hankmcneil
10-18-2006, 09:47 PM
the same reason ibuprofen costs less than Motrin
dave82323
10-19-2006, 10:57 AM
call lennox and get the right one, if you put the wrong one in it will work for probably one season if that.
hvac wiz 79
10-20-2006, 08:08 AM
lennox is more expensive because they can be.
hvacjamie
10-20-2006, 09:44 AM
Honestly, they are all so fragile that it probably won't matter which one you put in. I would go with the cheaper. Think of it in terms of a car. You need a brake light bulb. You can buy the Ford manufacturer bulb from the dealer, or a bulb at autozone for a fraction of the cost. I only reccomend this with this particular part however. Not all parts.
dave82323
10-20-2006, 10:49 AM
what kind of circut board do you have in that furnace ? the sure light board requires a certain ignitor, if you use the wrong one it will fail and you will have a waranty call. I do agree with hvacjamie that you dont always need the exact replacement ignitor but in this case you absolutely do.....good luck
t527ed
10-20-2006, 07:57 PM
Originally posted by hvacjamie
Honestly, they are all so fragile that it probably won't matter which one you put in. I would go with the cheaper. Think of it in terms of a car. You need a brake light bulb. You can buy the Ford manufacturer bulb from the dealer, or a bulb at autozone for a fraction of the cost. I only reccomend this with this particular part however. Not all parts.
lennox ignitors not fragile, you can beat on it it will still work.
rich pickering
10-20-2006, 11:08 PM
Saw a Lennox rep demonstrating how tough they were.
It broke.
:D
Chill
10-20-2006, 11:24 PM
OP, where are you buying the lennox part from? are you buying off a internet site?
t527ed
10-21-2006, 09:05 AM
Originally posted by rich pickering
Saw a Lennox rep demonstrating how tough they were.
It broke.
:D
ooooooops
I think Hot surface ignitor is like auto spark plugs.
My HVAC tech did not mention that in the winter tune-up, but I 'd like the pros' opinion.
Does Hot Surface Ignitor need replacement at a certain interval?
Like ever 5 years, every 10 years etc.????
Rather have it new and work great when out of town in winter!
Thanks.
tmi116
10-21-2006, 01:12 PM
I would not replace an ignitor just to replace it however I would keep one on a shelf in the basement. also depending on the ignitor depends on the price the smart valve used a 24volt ignitor that is very expensive not sure what lennox uses but I would tend to believe that the cheaper replacement would be acceptable. its not lennox oem that probably would explain the price diff.
black #1
10-21-2006, 01:45 PM
Some systems use the HSI as the flame sensor for flame rectification, I do not think this is a good system, I've never seen one that worked right all the time.
Originally posted by black #1
Some systems use the HSI as the flame sensor for flame rectification, I do not think this is a good system, I've never seen one that worked right all the time.
>>>Deleted<<<
>>>Please don't link or post that website. Also, as usual, no pricing information. Thanks!<<<
[Edited by jrbenny on 10-21-2006 at 02:02 PM]
hvacman06
10-21-2006, 01:50 PM
i think you should get the replacement part from lennox might cost a little more but i will be worth it.
Originally posted by hvacman06
i think you should get the replacement part from lennox might cost a little more but i will be worth it.
But probably 5-6 years old.
Do you routinely replace the HSI after X years? Or wait until it fails.
That is the question.
Thx
climakers
10-21-2006, 11:35 PM
The oem ignitor on a properly should last at least five years. I just ran across an ignitor that was over ten years old.
NormChris
10-21-2006, 11:39 PM
A hot surface ignitor is like a light bulb, you cannot predict how long it will last or when it will burn out. Some last six months and others six years.
One thing for sure is they will burn out when they are needed. I use the light bulb analogy with my customers and they usually understand and agree to have it replace while I am there performing a regular service call.
It really is that easy!
Norm
tinknocker service tech
10-22-2006, 07:16 AM
lennox uses a proven ignitor as do a lot of other makers
it goes with the board and the board reads the ignitor and reduces the voltage to its lowest point needed to light the flame. Not useing the correct part can cause board failure or not bring enough voltage to the ignitor to give proper ignition. Called delayed ignition. As with any unit it is not a wise disision to change the design just because you can save a few bucks. This savings can come back and bite you in the a##
Since Lennox started using this ignitor i believe i only had to replace one.
most of the other makers are also useing this same ignitor with some variations and they are very reliible
order the one needed for your unit and keep it on hand should you ever need it but get the correct one
Originally posted by tinknocker service tech
lennox uses a proven ignitor as do a lot of other makers
it goes with the board and the board reads the ignitor and reduces the voltage to its lowest point needed to light the flame. Not useing the correct part can cause board failure or not bring enough voltage to the ignitor to give proper ignition. Called delayed ignition. As with any unit it is not a wise disision to change the design just because you can save a few bucks. This savings can come back and bite you in the a##
Since Lennox started using this ignitor i believe i only had to replace one.
most of the other makers are also useing this same ignitor with some variations and they are very reliible
order the one needed for your unit and keep it on hand should you ever need it but get the correct one
Will order one and leave it in the basement.
Better have the part on Sunday night (usually things fail on a Sunday night!!! my car battery dies Sunday night, my vacuum machine same thing....so I will head your advice and get a spare one...in case the HVAC tech comes we have it on hand).
Thx again.
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