Your furnace’s flame sensor is an essential part of your family’s health. That’s because it sends a message to your furnace to shut off the gas anytime a flame isn’t detected. While this is an excellent safety feature, it can become a problem if your flame sensor is dirty. Fortunately, you can turn to RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical in Hernando, MS, the next time you need to clean your flame sensor.
Why Is Regular Flame Sensor Maintenance Required?
Regular flame sensor maintenance can prevent issues such as your furnace not operating properly. There are three main reasons to have your flame sensor cleaned at least once a year:
- Boosts Efficiency – When your flame sensor is clean, your furnace runs more efficiently.
- Stay Safe – If your flame sensor isn’t working properly, it can cause a gas leak or even a fire hazard.
- Enhanced Reliability – Keeping your flame sensor clean provides enhanced reliability.
How Can You Tell If Your Flame Sensor Is Dirty?
There are several possible indicators that your furnace’s flame sensor needs to be professionally cleaned, including:
- Error Code – If you’re using a modern furnace, you might notice it generates an error code. Be sure to verify what each code means by checking your owner’s manual.
- No Heat or Intermittent Heat – When your furnace turns on but isn’t able to detect the flame sensor, it will often turn itself on and off quickly.
- Debris or Soot – A dirty flame sensor may have visible signs of debris or soot. Most often, it will be covered with black soot.
- Short Cycling – When your furnace is unable to detect a flame, it’ll start short cycling. This means it will turn itself off to protect you.
- Flame Turns Yellow – A clean flame sensor burns blue. If you notice a yellow flame instead, this indicates a possible flame sensor issue.
How Does a Professional Clean the Flame Sensor?
There are several steps involved with cleaning a flame sensor, which makes it best to rely on a professional HVAC company in Hernando. When RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical comes to clean your flame sensor, they’ll perform the following steps.
Power Off
Professionals will always turn the power off on your furnace before they service it. Depending on your furnace model, they’ll either unplug the unit, switch off the power or kill the power via the circuit breaker.
Find Your Flame Sensor
Our team will locate your flame sensor, which will usually be close to the burner assembly. We do this by removing the access panel.
Pull Out the Flame Sensor
This step can be dangerous unless a professional cleans your flame sensor. We have the training necessary to ensure that it’s removed without damaging any nearby components.
The Cleaning Process
We’ll gently remove any residue from the flame sensor’s metal rod. It’s vital to allow us to clean your flame sensor. Otherwise, the sensor can easily become damaged.
Wiping the Sensor Down
We’ll use a clean, dry cloth to get rid of any remaining debris. Your flame sensor isn’t ready to be reinstalled until it’s been thoroughly cleaned and wiped down.
Putting the Flame Sensor Back
Reinstalling your flame sensor into its mounting position takes some specialized knowledge. It’s imperative that it has a firm fit and is properly aligned.
Putting Your Furnace Back Together
Our team will ensure your furnace is properly reassembled. All the parts will be professionally put back, and we won’t leave a mess.
Powering Your Furnace Back On
Once everything else is done, we’ll turn your furnace back on. The first thing we’ll check is if your furnace ignites. Next, we’ll make sure that it operates normally before we leave.
Why Turn to Professionals?
Unless you have experience working with a flame sensor, it’s always best to call in a professional. Failure to do so can cause several issues, such as damaging your furnace, damaging your flame sensor or reinstalling the flame sensor incorrectly.
Hernando’s Top HVAC Company
RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical has proudly taken care of the Hernando area since 1999. Our team has the expertise necessary to take care of any furnace issues that may arise, including furnace flame sensor cleaning, general furnace maintenance and new furnace installation services. Furthermore, if you call us before 10 a.m., our team will visit your home on the same day! We also offer indoor air quality services.
Does your furnace flame sensor need to be cleaned? Turn to the professional team at RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical in Hernando!
