Why do I have to keep cleaning my flame sensor?
What Causes a Flame Sensor to Get Dirty? It’s possible for a flame sensor to go bad; but more often than not, it is not broken, just dirty from carbon buildup. Because a flame sensor has a very low tolerance for variations in the reading it takes, the slightest coating of carbon can cause it to misread and shut down.
What should I use to clean the flame sensor on my furnace?
By removing the flame sensor and cleaning it, you can get your furnace to cycle properly. When you remove the flame sensor, try not to touch the rod and clean it with a slightly abrasive material. You can use sandpaper or an emery cloth. Make sure to wipe off any sanding dust with a dry clean cloth.
What to do if your flame sensor is broken?
How to Replace a Broken Flame Sensor. If cleaning your flame sensor did not work, it’s possible that the sensor is broken and that the furnace is operating as it should.
How long does it take to replace a flame sensor on a furnace?
Replacing the flame sensor on a furnace is not a difficult task. With some basic home-improvement, skills you should be able to complete this task within an hour or two. Follow these steps to replace your furnace flame sensor. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day
Can a flame sensor cause a furnace to malfunction?
It can be very annoying. If you have determined that your flame sensor is causing your furnace to malfunction, then removing it and installing another is the solution to this problem. Replacing the flame sensor on a furnace is not a difficult task.
What are the symptoms of a bad flame sensor?
How to know if you have a bad flame sensor is quite easy to diagnose. Signs of a bad furnace flame sensor are: The furnace lights but then shuts down after a few seconds (short cycles) The porcelain on the flame sensor is cracked.
How do you clean a flame sensor on a furnace?
Scrub the flame sensor with steel wool to remove any grimy build-up. Wipe the sensor with a clean tissue before replacing it to remove any remaining residue.
Can flame sensor go bad?
It’s possible for a flame sensor to go bad; but more often than not, it is not broken, just dirty from carbon buildup. Because a flame sensor has a very low tolerance for variations in the reading it takes, the slightest coating of carbon can cause it to misread and shut down.
How does a flame sensor work in a furnace?
A furnace flame sensor works by detecting the presence of a flame within the furnace. The sensor is a short length of thin metallic rod that creates a small current of electricity in order to confirm there is fire burning within the furnace.
