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.
Can you clean a flame sensor?
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 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.
How do you clean a corroded flame sensor?
Cleaning the Sensor
If you have enough know-how, then begin by shutting off the furnace. Flip the toggle switch, or shut it off via the home's breaker box. Next, remove the sensor
by unscrewing the attached hex-head screw
. Remove the soot by gently scrubbing the surface with sandpaper or a wire brush.
What makes a flame sensor go bad?
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.
How much does it cost to replace a furnace flame sensor?
If they are part of a routine maintenance service, they will cost about $200. Similarly, flame sensors often become too dirty and malfunction, but these sensors can be fixed with a thorough cleaning. However, if it's too far gone and you must replace the flame sensor, it will cost you anywhere from
$80 – $250
.
How often should a flame sensor be cleaned?
Generally speaking, the flame sensor should be replaced
every two to three years
as preventative maintenance. Some technicians also recommend changing it any time that there is a flame current issue.
What does a bad furnace flame look like?
If your flame is
yellow or orange
, or if you see pops of yellow or orange, that is a sign that you have a combustion problem that should be addressed by a professional. Long streaks of any color, such as yellow, orange, or green means your furnace needs adjustment or cleaning from a professional HVAC technician.
Can you bypass a flame sensor?
In short,
you cannot bypass the flame sensor
and manually light your furnace. Bypassing safety controls, even when possible, should never be done. … Instead, you should try cleaning or replacing your flame sensor to get it and your furnace back to good working order.
How long should furnace flame stay on?
With all that being said, if there are no extreme factors involved, the average run time for a furnace is
10-15 minutes per cycle
. Your furnace may need to run two to three times an hour to maintain your desired temperature if your home has average insulation.
How much does it cost to get your furnace cleaned?
How much does it cost to have your furnace cleaned? On average, a furnace cleaning can cost anywhere
between $50 and $300
. The exact price depends on the current state of your furnace and the amount of upkeep and maintenance that needs to be done as part of the cleaning.
How much does an igniter for a furnace cost?
Here's the bottom line: Whether for a natural gas furnace, oil, or a propane furnace, replacing a furnace ignitor–including parts and labor–will cost you
around $300 – $425
for a qualified contractor to install. Compare that to, say, a draft inducer motor, which will cost $400 – $1,500 to replace.
