The stove igniter is the single most-replaced part on gas stoves in Colorado Springs. At Stove Works, we replace more igniters than any other component — and at 6,035 feet, they fail faster than at sea level. A failing igniter does not go from working to dead overnight. It degrades gradually, giving you warning signs weeks or months before it quits completely. Here are the five signs that your igniter is on its way out, what causes each symptom, and why waiting too long to replace it costs you more than acting now.

How Does a Gas Stove Igniter Work?

Gas stoves use a hot surface igniter (HSI) — a small silicon carbide or silicon nitride element that heats up when electricity flows through it. When you turn the oven on, the igniter draws electrical current and heats to approximately 1,800°F. At this temperature, it glows bright orange. The heat also draws enough current through the gas safety valve’s bi-metal strip to open the valve and release gas. The hot igniter then lights the gas. This dual function — heating to ignition temperature AND drawing enough current to open the gas valve — is why igniters fail the way they do.

Sign 1: Your Oven Takes More Than 90 Seconds to Ignite

A healthy igniter reaches ignition temperature and opens the gas valve within 60 to 90 seconds. If you are waiting two, three, or five minutes for the oven to light, the igniter is weakening. It is still reaching high enough temperature to glow and eventually open the gas valve, but it is taking longer because its electrical resistance has increased with age. Each ignition cycle degrades the silicon carbide element slightly — the surface develops micro-cracks that increase resistance.

At altitude in Colorado Springs, this degradation accelerates. The thinner air means the igniter must reach a higher effective temperature to reliably ignite the gas-air mixture, so it works harder on every cycle. If your oven takes more than 90 seconds to light, the igniter is failing and should be replaced before it dies completely — ideally not during Thanksgiving dinner. Schedule igniter repair while you can plan around it.

Sign 2: The Igniter Glows But the Oven Does Not Light

This is the most confusing symptom for homeowners. The igniter visibly glows orange when you turn on the oven — so it seems like it is working. But the gas never ignites. The oven stays cold. You can hear the gas valve click after a few minutes, but there is no flame.

What is happening: the igniter is drawing some current, but not enough to fully open the gas safety valve. The gas valve requires a minimum current draw (typically 3.2 to 3.6 amps) to open. A weakened igniter might draw only 2.5 to 3.0 amps — enough to glow dimly but not enough to trigger the valve. This is not a gas valve problem. It is an igniter that is too weak to do its secondary job of opening the valve.

Testing requires an ammeter to measure the current draw while the igniter is hot. If it reads below 3.2 amps on a standard gas valve, the igniter needs replacement. This is the test our technicians perform at every oven not heating service call before recommending any parts.

Sign 3: You Smell Gas When the Oven Is Starting

A brief, faint gas smell during the first 30 seconds of oven ignition is normal — the gas valve opens slightly before the igniter reaches full temperature. But if you smell gas for more than 60 seconds, or the smell is strong enough to be noticeable from another room, the igniter is failing to light the gas quickly enough. Unburned gas is pooling inside the oven cavity before finally igniting.

This is a safety hazard. A delayed ignition can cause a minor explosion — a “whomp” or “boom” when the accumulated gas finally catches. This is more dangerous at altitude because the thinner air allows more gas to accumulate before the oxygen concentration is sufficient for ignition. If you hear a “whomp” when your oven starts, stop using it and call for emergency stove repair.

Sign 4: The Oven Cycles On and Off Frequently During Cooking

All gas ovens cycle — the burner ignites to heat the oven, shuts off when the target temperature is reached, and reignites when the temperature drops. Normal cycling at altitude is every 10 to 15 minutes in a well-calibrated oven. If your oven is cycling every 3 to 5 minutes — you can hear the igniter clicking and the burner firing repeatedly — the igniter is taking too long to relight, causing the temperature to drop further before the gas finally ignites.

This rapid cycling creates wide temperature swings (30 to 50°F instead of the normal 10 to 15°F range), ruins baking results, and dramatically shortens the igniter’s remaining life. Each ignition cycle is another thermal stress event on the already-weakened element. A thermostat issue can also cause rapid cycling, so proper diagnosis is essential.

Sign 5: The Igniter Has Visible Cracks or White Discoloration

If you look at the igniter through the oven floor vent (on most models, it is visible at the back of the oven cavity near the burner tube), a failing igniter shows physical signs. A healthy igniter is a uniform dark gray or black. A failing igniter has white or chalky patches where the silicon carbide has oxidized. Deep cracks across the element surface indicate thermal fatigue. Any visible damage means the igniter is in its final weeks or days. Replace it proactively before it fails during critical use.

How Long Does a Stove Igniter Last?

At sea level, a quality igniter lasts 5 to 8 years. At Colorado Springs altitude, expect 3 to 6 years. In homes above 7,000 feet in Monument, Black Forest, and Woodland Park, igniters may last only 2 to 4 years. The lifespan depends on usage frequency (every ignition cycle causes wear), self-clean cycle usage (extreme heat accelerates degradation), and the brand/quality of the original igniter.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Stove Igniter in Colorado Springs?

Igniter replacement is one of the most affordable stove repairs. The part costs $15 to $45 for a standard hot surface igniter. Labor runs $75 to $130, making the total cost $90 to $175 depending on the stove brand and accessibility. Premium brands like Wolf and Viking use proprietary igniters that cost more ($50 to $90 for the part), but the labor is similar. See our full repair cost guide for detailed pricing.

Given the low cost and the safety risk of a failing igniter (gas smell, delayed ignition, CO production), there is no reason to delay this repair. It is the highest-value, lowest-risk repair you can do on a gas stove.

Case Study: Igniter Failure Caused Gas Smell in Manitou Springs Home

A homeowner in Manitou Springs (elevation 6,320 feet) reported a strong gas smell whenever she used the oven. She had called Colorado Springs Utilities, who tested the gas lines and found no leak. She then called a plumber, who also found nothing. The gas smell only appeared during oven use — never when the stove was off.

Our technician identified the problem in under two minutes. The oven igniter was drawing only 2.8 amps — below the 3.2 amp threshold to open the gas valve fully. The valve was opening partially, releasing gas into the oven cavity, but the igniter was too weak to light it quickly. Gas accumulated for 2 to 3 minutes before finally igniting with a noticeable “whomp.” She had been living with a delayed ignition hazard for months. A $145 igniter replacement fixed it completely. She had spent $275 on two previous service calls to the wrong trades before reaching us.

If your gas stove shows any of these five signs, do not wait. Call Stove Works at +1 (719) 467-3100 for same-day igniter diagnosis and replacement. It is the most common repair we do — we stock igniters for all major brands and can usually complete the job in a single visit.

Igniter failing or stove not lighting? Our gas stove repair service in Colorado Springs covers diagnostics, parts, and same-day fixes for all major brands.