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.
How do you clean a flame sensor on a gas furnace?
The Process of Cleaning a Furnace Flame Sensor
Turn off the furnace power.Turn off the gas valve.Remove the furnace flame sensor.Clean the sensor with an emery cloth.Return the flame sensor.Restart the furnace.
How often does a flame sensor need to be cleaned?
Even if the flame sensor is in proper working order, it is advised that you replace it every two or three years as a preventative measure.
Why does my furnace flame sensor keep getting dirty?
What are causes of a dirty flame sensor? As with any piece of equipment a simple reason could be that dirty flame sensor just goes bad. However a more common reason is that it is just dirty. It is a sensitive sensor so any type of dust or carbon buildup could cause it to malfunction.
Can you clean flame sensor with sandpaper?
CLEAN THE SENSOR
Next, get a very light grain sandpaper, a wire brush, or steel wool. Use this to rub the metal rod gently, and only the metal rod, to clean the dirty flame sensor. You’re not sanding down a rusty car, here; you’re just trying to get rid of grit and buildup on the sensor.
How do you clean the flame sensor on a Ruud furnace?
How To Clean A Furnace Flame Sensor (5 Steps)
Step 1: Shut Down the Power. Step 2: Remove The Flame Sensor. Step 3: Start Cleaning The Sensor. Step 4: Reassemble. Step 5: Test The System.
How do you bypass the flame sensor on a furnace?
Turn off electrical power to your furnace either at the furnace or at the electrical box. Close the gas valve. Remove the flame sensor.
Cleaning the Flame Sensor
Shut off power and gas to the furnace.Remove the sensor.Clean away soot and corrosion with a clean emery cloth.Reinstall the flame sensor.Restart the furnace.
How much is a flame sensor for a furnace?
Flame Sensor
If the sensor is bad, it won’t be able to sense heat and will turn the furnace off. The average cost to repair or replace a flame sensor is between $75–$200.
How do you test a furnace flame sensor?
How do I know if my furnace flame sensor is bad?
Switch off the power to your furnace.Close the gas valve.Take out the mounting screw.Carefully pull out the sensor.Inspect the sensor: if the insulation is intact but appears sooty, burnt or slightly corroded, it might only require cleaning.
Can a flame sensor be intermittent?
The flame sensor is a safety component that detects whether or not there is a flame in the combustion chamber. If this sensor is dirty, the dirt can cause the sensor to operate intermittently. When this happens, your furnace will most likely light, but because the sensor can’t properly detect if a flame is present.
How long do furnace flame sensors last?
Flame sensor lifespan
If you’ve just replaced the sensor or had a new furnace installed, you can expect the flame sensor to last for about five years. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 30 years, so you can anticipate a flame sensor replacement once or twice over the course of your homeownership.
