Replacing igniter or glow plug

The igniter: small part, big difference

The igniter or glow plug is the hardest working component in your pellet stove: every time you turn the stove on, it glows to hundreds of degrees to ignite the first pellets. After 2 to 4 years, or roughly 3,000 to 5,000 ignition cycles, it gets worn out. The good news: a replacement igniter costs only 30 to 70 euros and replacing it takes just 30 to 45 minutes.

We stock common igniters directly in our service vehicle, so a single visit is usually enough. That way, an ignition issue never turns into a winter headache.

Nine out of 10 stoves that fail to start do not need expensive repairs, just a replacement igniter costing 30 to 70 euros.

If you are unsure whether it is the igniter or another ignition issue, the error code will tell: we read it on-site before touching a single component. That way, you know within 15 minutes whether it is the igniter or something else. Feel free to note how many start attempts the appliance needed over the past week, as this helps speed up the diagnosis.

How we replace the igniter

1. Step 1: diagnosis and error code reading

   We first confirm that the igniter is indeed the problem, and not the air supply, the pressure switch, or dirt in the burn pot. This ensures you never pay for the wrong part.

2. Step 2: igniter replacement

   We unscrew the old igniter from its housing, clean the socket to remove soot, and install the new one with the correct torque. Igniters come as screw-in or clamp-in types with locking screws, with wattages ranging from 250 to 400 watts: installing the exact right type directly impacts its lifespan.

   We also inspect the burn pot and air holes right away, as dirt build-up shortens the lifespan of any igniter. A clean socket also provides better thermal contact for the new igniter, cutting seconds off each start.

3. Step 3: testing a full ignition cycle

   The stove runs through a full cold start while we measure the ignition time. The job is only complete once it falls strictly within the manufacturer's specification.

4. Step 4: warranty and service logging

   You receive a warranty on the new igniter, and the replacement is recorded in your service history along with the date and operating hours.

How much does a new igniter cost?

The igniter itself costs 30 to 70 euros, depending on the brand and model. On top of that comes 30 to 45 minutes of labour. If you combine the replacement with the annual service costing 120 to 200 euros, the separate call-out fee is completely waived. This keeps the total repair cost under 150 euros in almost all cases. You can read more about servicing prices in our guide to pellet stove service costs.

Why igniters fail prematurely

Three main culprits shorten an igniter's life: cheap pellets with high ash content that clog the burn pot, a stove that frequently turns on and off in short bursts instead of running continuously, and a dirty air intake that forces the igniter to glow longer per start. Do the math: lighting your stove 4 times a day uses 1,400 starts per heating season, wearing out the igniter twice as fast as running 2 long heating cycles.

High-quality ENplus A1 certified pellets and annual servicing easily double its lifespan. Also avoid pellets that leave excessive dust at the bottom of the bag, as this dust clogs the air holes around the igniter quickest.

Replace it yourself or hire a professional?

Handy homeowners can replace an igniter themselves if they know the correct type. The main pitfalls: ordering the wrong wattage, cross-threading or over-tightening the igniter, and missing the actual root cause of the starting issue. Our diagnostic check using error codes prevents this: in 1 out of 10 cases, the cause lies elsewhere, saving you an unnecessary purchase.

Checking the rest of the stove at the same time

During every igniter replacement, we inspect other wearing parts: the door seal using the paper test, the ash pan seal, and the condition of the burn pot. Minor issues are resolved immediately through our parts replacement service, always with clear pricing beforehand. That way, our technician leaves only when the entire ignition system is fully working.

Combine with annual servicing and save twice

The smartest approach: have the igniter replaced preventatively during your annual combined service once it reaches 3 years or 4,000 starts. You save on call-out fees, your stove starts reliably all winter, and the old igniter can stay in your hopper drawer as a spare.

Is your stove still struggling to ignite?

If your appliance still has trouble starting after installing a new igniter, the issue lies deeper: a weak flue gas fan, a clogged air intake, or damp pellets. Our troubleshooting guide on combustion and soot deposits and the maintenance guide cover the next steps, and our technician will investigate until the exact cause is identified.