Which component is primarily responsible for igniting the gas in a gas heating system?

The ignition board plays a crucial role in the operation of a gas heating system, as it is responsible for generating the necessary spark or heat to ignite the gas that flows into the combustion chamber. When the thermostat calls for heat, the ignition board activates the igniter, which could be either a hot surface igniter or a spark igniter, depending on the system design. This ignition process ensures that the gas is ignited safely and efficiently, allowing the system to produce heat for the space being serviced.

The heat exchanger is primarily responsible for transferring heat from the combustion process to the air that is circulated through the building but does not initiate the combustion itself. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the burner, while the thermocouple serves as a safety device to ensure that there is a flame present; if the flame goes out, the thermocouple cools and shuts off the gas supply to prevent leaks. Each component plays a vital role in the overall function of a gas heating system, but the ignition board is specifically tasked with the critical job of igniting the gas for combustion.