A furnace sensor is a vital component that ensures the gas valve opens only when flames are present, protecting your home from potential gas leaks. Found in all modern gas furnaces and other gas-powered heating systems, this critical component detects and confirms flame presence to keep your system running safely. If you have an older furnace model, check whether it includes a flame sensor, as not all older units are equipped with one.
Keeping your flame sensor clean is essential for optimal performance—learn how to clean a furnace flame sensor and prevent common issues in our guide.
How To Clean a Furnace Sensor?
Here are some easy tips for cleaning your furnace sensor:
-
Turn Off The Electricity
There’s a danger of electrical current when dismantling a system like a furnace, and if the heating system isn’t turned off and starts with a thermostat or buzzer while you’re working, you could get severely burned.
Out of an abundance of caution, you should remove the power supply to the unit. Remember that simply turning off the thermostat’s instantaneous temperature control does not mean the system gets turned off.
-
Take Away The Furnace Sensor
Access the outer panel with your wrench driver or connector set and store the bolts somewhere safe. Your gas sensor should be easy to find, and it’s most likely near the panel’s entrance. It should get assembled using the same hex screws as the outer panel screws, so no special tools are required.
-
Clean The Sensor First
Keep in mind that the base is most probably created- of porcelain, making it quite delicate, so be careful while handling your flame sensor. Now is the time to get scrubbing! It is only significant to clean the metal rod; don’t let your cleaning tools contact the plaster or other components.
Begin by rubbing the rod lightly with sandpaper to remove the majority of the buildup. Apart from carbon accumulation, you don’t want to remove anything.
-
Rebuild
It’s time to put everything back together now that your gas sensor is as fresh as possible. The reassembly procedure is the exact inverse of the disassembly procedure. If you separated the sensor physically, now is the time to reconnect it before reinstalling it in its mount and tightening the screws. Return the cover panel to its original position and fasten the securing screws. If you overtighten these, you risk scraping them. They need to be a bit past finger tight, but no more than that.
-
System Evaluation
Modern furnaces have several security features built-in, some of which may activate automatically if the system detects a reboot after a period of no electricity. It is normal, so don’t get concerned if your heating system doesn’t roar back to life the moment you turn it on.
Based on the thermostat configurations, the system should either be in constant alert or start running after cycling through its checks.
The Importance of a Properly Functioning Furnace Sensor
A properly functioning furnace flame sensor is essential for safety and efficiency. It ensures the gas valve opens only when flames are present, preventing gas leaks. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the flame sensor can help avoid furnace issues and ensure optimal performance.
Furnace Sensor Cleaning and Maintenance
A furnace sensor plays a vital role in your heating system, ensuring that the gas valve only opens when the flame is present. This critical component helps prevent gas leaks and keeps your home safe. However, over time, dirt and debris can build up on the sensor, leading to malfunctions like short cycling or failure to ignite. Regular furnace sensor cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your system running efficiently and avoid unnecessary repairs.
At Air United Mechanical LLC, we specialize in furnace sensor cleaning and comprehensive HVAC services throughout Texas. Our team of experts is trained to clean and maintain furnace sensors, ensuring your heating system operates smoothly and efficiently. But that’s not all—we also offer a wide range of HVAC services to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Are you looking for a dependable professional for a heating tune up near me? We at Air United Mechanical can help. To schedule our affordable HVAC-related services, give us a call at (281) 719-0722.