Home » Remote Investing Insights » How Do You Clean a Flame Sensor?

How Do You Clean a Flame Sensor?

Maya Lin-Takahashi • • 7 min read
How Do You Clean a Flame Sensor?
Clean the Sensor
Once you have removed the sensor, gently rub the metal rod (and nothing else) with a very light grit sandpaper. Remember, you're not sanding down an auto body here, just ridding the sensor of any buildup. Then, use a clean paper towel to wipe clean any dust left behind by the sanding.

.

Beside this, how do I know if my flame sensor is bad?

Signs of a bad furnace flame sensor are:

  1. The furnace lights but then shuts down after a few seconds (short cycles)
  2. The porcelain on the flame sensor is cracked.
  3. The flame sensor is sooty or corroded.

Likewise, where is the flame sensor located? A furnace flame sensor is a very basic part of your furnace. It's located on the burner assembly and is just a thin metallic rod. It's usually bent, and it sits just in front of the pilot flame inside the furnace.

Considering this, how often should you clean flame sensor?

Some experienced technicians will change the flame sensor any time there is a flame current issue, while others usually just clean them. Others will change them as part of their preventative maintenance every two or three years.

How much does it cost to replace a flame sensor?

Depending on which furnace repair company you call, you can expect to pay anywhere from $350 to as much as $500 for a new flame sensor, plus the cost of the travel and diagnostic charge.

Related Question Answers

How do you fix a flame sensor?

Once you have removed the sensor, gently rub the metal rod (and nothing else) with a very light grit sandpaper. Remember, you're not sanding down an auto body here, just ridding the sensor of any buildup. Then, use a clean paper towel to wipe clean any dust left behind by the sanding.

What happens when flame sensor goes bad?

To know if the flame sensor is in a bad condition, it will not sense the flame even the furnace is running properly, and a flame sensor will automatically shut down a furnace unit. This will cause the furnace will shut down quickly when it's being turned on and will fail to give the heat to the entire house.
Maya Lin-Takahashi
Author

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.