The 5 Most Critical Combustion Parts You Should Always Have on Hand (and Why)

Posted in Products

When your system goes down, every minute matters. Unplanned downtime in thermal transfer and combustion equipment doesn’t just slow production—it can compromise safety, impact compliance, and cost your facility thousands. And yet, many facilities are caught off guard without the right replacement parts when emergencies hit.

If you’re tasked with keeping your combustion systems running smoothly, having these five parts in your inventory isn’t just best practice—it’s essential.

1. Igniters

Why it matters: No ignition, no operation. It’s that simple. Igniters wear out over time due to high heat and constant use. A failed igniter can shut your system down without warning—and if you don’t have a compatible replacement ready, you’re stuck waiting.

Pro tip: Stock both OEM and proven aftermarket igniters compatible with your most-used systems, especially if you’re running legacy equipment.

2. Flame Sensors

Why it matters: Your flame sensor acts as the system’s watchdog, ensuring a stable and continuous burn. When sensors fail (and they often do under harsh conditions), the system shuts down as a safety precaution.

Avoid emergency calls at 2 a.m. by keeping spare sensors in your toolkit—this quick swap-out can restore operations in minutes.

3. Burner Nozzles

Why it matters: Burner nozzles influence flame shape, efficiency, and safety. Corrosion, clogging, or wear can disrupt combustion balance, lead to energy waste, and create dangerous conditions.

Having the right size and material nozzles on hand lets your team respond fast and avoid costly heat exchanger damage from poor flame alignment.

4. Gas Pressure Regulators

Why it matters: Regulators manage the fuel flow—any failure here, and you’re looking at combustion instability or system shutdowns. Unfortunately, pressure regulators are often overlooked until it’s too late.

If your systems rely on precise fuel-to-air ratios, this is a non-negotiable spare. Downtime caused by fuel delivery issues is preventable—if you’re stocked and ready.

5. Control Relays & Limit Switches

Why it matters: These small but mighty components are often the first to fail during system surges or prolonged operation. A faulty relay can mimic major system failure—unless you know where to look and have a swap ready.

Don’t let a $20 part cause a $20,000 delay. Keep critical control components on hand to eliminate guesswork during troubleshooting.

Why It Pays to Be Prepared

Stocking these five combustion parts is about more than readiness—it’s about control. As someone managing industrial systems, you’re already stretched thin. Having a smart inventory strategy means:

Faster emergency repairs with minimal production loss
Reduced stress during inspections and audits
Confidence in your maintenance planning
Fewer vendor delays and part compatibility headaches

Bonus Tip: Partner with a Vendor Who Gets It

At Combustion Plus, we don’t just sell parts—we understand your systems, your timelines, and your challenges. Whether you’re maintaining legacy heat exchangers or modernizing your burner controls, we offer:

Quick-ship critical parts
Clear compatibility guidance
Fast, no-nonsense tech support

Let’s help you build the kind of inventory that keeps you off the emergency call list and in control of your operations.

Need help figuring out what spares make the most sense for your system?