If the heating system starts to stop instantly, the furnace flame sensor can be the main reason for this problem. The flame sensor shuts off the furnace when it senses any malfunction in the gas valve in France. The flame sensor will also turn off the furnace if the sensor malfunctions. If the furnace is off due to a malfunctioning gas valve, the flame sensor works to avoid any effects of carbon monoxide or other damage.
The high chance of sudden furane coming out of the furnace is a malfunctioning flame sensor. A dirty or faulty flame sensor will affect the furnace’s operation. Flame sensors can be easily cleaned and changed. Both processes are easy and require less advanced work. So let’s get started with 6 SIGNS THAT THE FLAME SENSOR IN YOUR FURNACE HAS GONE BAD.
What’s a Furnace Flame Sensor?
The flame sensor in the furnace was made to make sure that the gas valve was opening while the flames were burning. With that, toxic gases can be created and result in fire. Flame sensors can be used in the latest gas furnaces and gas-powered heating systems. But if there is an older model installed, we should check whether or not a flame sensor is added to the furnace before considering it.
How does a gas furnace flame sensor work?
The gas furnace sensor is used as a safety component. It senses whether the burner is lit when the furnace gas valve opens. If no flame is detected, sensors will turn the furnace off to prevent any gas leaks and carbon monoxide from causing an explosion. Carbon monoxide is a poison that affects gas furnaces. Based on CDC details, carbon monoxide poisoning affects tens of thousands of people in the USA, causes more than 400 deaths, and hospitalizes about 4K people due to its effects. The flame sensor minimizes that risk.
Flame Sensor vs. Thermocouple
Flame sensors and thermocouples are both furnace safety devices that sense heat and avoid gas leaks. But their functions are different and cannot be interchanged. Thermocouples are used in furnaces with pilot lights, and flame sensors are used in furnaces with electronic ignitions.
The main use of a flame sensor is to check that the burner is lit. It cannot be used as a replacement for a thermocouple. The flame sensor will turn off the gas valve if the burner is not lit. It is like a thin, bent, metallic rod with a porcelain-coated mounting end.
The main function of a thermocouple is to generate current, but it is also used as a flame sensor. Thrmococuple sets in pilot light flame and sensor. If the flame goes out of the thermocouple, the metallic tip cools off the gas valve. A thermocouple is created with copper tubing, wires, and brackets.
The flame sensor and thermocouple resulted in a furnace when soot was made on them, and they can easily be cleaned with the use of abrasive materials.
Read Also: differences between RTD’s and Thermocouples
6 Signs of a Malfunctioning Gas Furnace Flame Sensor
Yellow Burner Flames
Open up or glance through the peephole of the gas furnace to check the color of the flames firing up in the burner. If it is yellow-colored, it means that the gas is not completely burning. There is a chance that carbon monoxide is not vented out of the system accurately. Get the service of a technician to solve the problem with the furnace flame sensor or gas-burning cleaning. With that, monitor the readings of carbon monoxide detectors.
Rusted Flue Lines
The flue system is important for releasing dangerous carbon monoxide gas outside of the home. If there is a leak, it causes flue lines to rust and corrode because carbon monoxide gas is not released accurately. If the flame sensor is shut down and the furnace is working, get the services of experts.
High utility bills
If heating bills are much higher than on normal days, even in winter temperatures, then you must again check that the air filters are clear. If there is no need to replace it, there can be a high level of problem with the flame sensor in the furnace that makes it difficult to work at its normal operation. .
Old Age
After about twenty years of working, it is needed to use new, high-energy-efficient gas furnace models. It helps to save on the affected furnace flame sensor, and for replacing a new unit, you can get expert services.
Exhaust Smells
Rusted flue lines can help exhaust gases release gases before they vent, resulting in an unusual smell in the home. It is an indication of a problem.
Constant Thermostat Adjustments
Make constant checks on the thermostat to get cool air running in the home. For proper operation, you can rely on the services of an expert technician to find the main causes of any problem and solve it instantly.
How to Find the Flame Sensor in a Furnace
There is no need for a furnace expert to find the flame sensor. Just find it below the furnace access cover. It can be connected with tabs, knobs, slots, or screws. When it is opened, check the metal rod with white or discolored porcelain about its bent mounting end. It will also come with a single wire connected to it. It is the flame sensor. The porcelain works as insulation to avoid self-grounding on metallic furnace frames. The furnace flame sensor will be on the right side of the burner configuration. It will enter the open fire chamber.
How to Clean a Furnace Flame Sensor
Here are some steps explained to clean the furane flame sensor.
- First of all, turn off the furnace at the toggle switch on the furnace or breaker panel. Turning off the heat at thermostats is not enough and does not cut power to the unit. the gas valve if furane does not use electronic control. If the furnace is operating, let it cool for 30 minutes before working.
- Use the furnace manual to find the flame sensor. Normally, the access panel used to be removed with a screwdriver to get the flame sensor. The flame sensor is like a bent metallic rod close to burners.
- The sensor is normally configured with a quarter-inch hex screw and connected with wires. Remove the screw and slide the sensor out of the housing. Detach it from the wires.
- Rub the metallic part of the sensor with a wire brush, straight-edge knife, or abrasive materials, like steel wool or emery paper. Rub enough to remove residue, but be sure to save the sensor from damage. Do not rub porcelain with an abrasive. Wipe the sensor clean with a paper towel.
- Again, connect the sensor wires and set them to their original location; replace the screw; and restore the access panel.
- On the power to the furnace. The furnace does a system reset and takes longer to fire up than usual. Ensure the burners ignite and stay lit, or complete the heating cycle. If the furnace is affected, the flame sensor can be faulty. add a new sensor or get the services of a technician to find the issue.
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Faqs
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What are the maintenance requirements for a flame sensor?
If needed, clean the optical surface with a cotton wipe and wet it with commercial liquid glass cleaner.