After-market vs Harman igniter

[Tim_M]

I need to replace the igniter on my new-to-me 7-year old Accentra insert. I can get one from my local Harman dealer for $113, or I see after-market ones on Ebay for $80, shipping incl (Cdn $) ((broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/161413276971?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)). I'm assuming the dealer's is a Harman igniter. The Ebay seller claims his are superior to Harman's and will last longer. Does anyone have any experience with after-market igniters? Is it worth the extra $ to buy a Harman one?

 

[john193]

While I personally have not used this, judging by the level of detail and the sellers rating Id feel comfortable enough to buy one. The listing is very clear with its intent and I've never had an issue with ebay as a buyer (since 2007). The saving isn't drastic, so if you feel compelled to buy oem then your loss would be minimal.

 

[heat seeker]

Peace of mind for about $40 - may be worth it to you. I bought OEM for my Afton Bay, figured it was worth the extra cost.

 

[Harman Lover 007]

I need to replace the igniter on my new-to-me 7-year old Accentra insert. I can get one from my local Harman dealer for $113, or I see after-market ones on Ebay for $80, shipping incl (Cdn $) ((broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/161413276971?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)). I'm assuming the dealer's is a Harman igniter. The Ebay seller claims his are superior to Harman's and will last longer. Does anyone have any experience with after-market igniters? Is it worth the extra $ to buy a Harman one?

Just goes to show you what some stove shops will gouge you for....I bought an igniter from my stove shop to have on hand when it fails for $70.

 

[Tim_M]

Actually another dealer in the area quoted me $145 (plus 15% tax of course). The Cdn $ is part of the reason us Canucks pay higher prices, but it's mainly just that we have fewer options. There are only 3 Harman dealers in NS that I know of.

 

[railfanron]

I bought an igniter for a Savannah West Point stove last year from an EBay seller that claimed the same thing and at present it has outlasted the factory one.
Ron

 

[dhall28]

Just goes to show you what some stove shops will gouge you for....I bought an igniter from my stove shop to have on hand when it fails for $70.

Did you buy your igniter last year or this year?

 

[fedtime]

I've bought both Harman and aftermarket parts for my Accentra.

My view: unless the price difference is huge, I go with OEM on blowers and motors. For igniters, quality and reliability are my two main considerations. My experience with Harman igniters has been just okay, but customer service has been excellent.

Bottom line: I'd take the chance on the aftermarket igniter - and then give the forum a detailed report!

 

[Harman Lover 007]

Did you buy your igniter last year or this year?

I bought it in March of this year.

 

[Tim_M]

I just called another Harman dealer in the area. Their price for an ignitor - $180! There's gouging and then there's GOUGING!

 

[fedtime]

I hear you.

I had to replace the distribution blower on my Accentra insert last year - OEM was over $400 from the local dealer (in Dartmouth, NS).

An aftermarket blower (a Fasco, I think) cost around $130.00 - so I went for it. Install was easy. It is a little louder then the OEM - apart from that, I see no other difference.

 

[Jim H.]

Did you mention to any of the dealers the much lower price? I recently did this on a rear motorcycle tire and just asked if he could at least get close....I was surprised at how well that worked. They ended up matching the price.....Never hurts to ask and be nice about it. Good luck, we all would love to hear if the aftermarket one is actually better. I think it was mentioned about how many fins they have for dispersing heat or something like that makes a difference....