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How much does flame sensor cost?
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.
Are flame sensor universal?
Universal flame sensors: You might not need an exact replacement part. Universal sensors are available too. They are available at Home Depot, Menards or other building supply store.
How much is a new flame sensor for furnace?
You can expect to pay between $350 and $500 for a new flame sensor if you call a furnace repair company.
Can a flame sensor go bad?
It’s possible for a flame sensor to go bad; but more often than not, it is not broken, just dirty from carbon buildup. Because a flame sensor has a very low tolerance for variations in the reading it takes, the slightest coating of carbon can cause it to misread and shut down.
How long do 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.
How do you bypass a flame sensor?
We have a different solution: Remove the access cover on the furnace. Locate the flame sensor. Cut the power to the furnace. Shut off the gas control valve. Take out the flame sensor by removing the mounting screw. Examine the part to see if it’s compromised, either by damage or dirtiness.
Do all furnaces have flame sensors?
Not all furnaces have a flame sensor, but if your furnace has one, it will be mounted close to the burner with the metal rod positioned in the flame. Flame sensors vary in size (2 to 4 inches) and shape (see examples below).
Where is my flame sensor?
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.
How many sensors does a furnace have?
To maintain a preset air temperature, an HVAC system will typically have one or more interior air temperature sensors, an ambient (outside) air temperature sensor, and possibly one or two solar load sensors.
Why is my furnace not lighting?
If your furnace won’t ignite, the source of the issue may be a broken flame sensor. The sensor is responsible for turning off the gas burners to avoid gas buildup. Once this component starts to malfunction, it may stop the burners from igniting altogether. Have an HVAC technician replace the flame sensor.
Can you clean a flame sensor with sandpaper?
To clean the flame sensor, gently rub the metal rod with light grit sandpaper. Do not use sandpaper on any other component in your furnace. This is to get rid of the buildup on the sensor. Next, take a paper towel to remove excess dirt from the flame sensor.
What causes a dirty flame sensor?
It is a sensitive sensor so any type of dust or carbon buildup could cause it to malfunction. Most people have their furnaces in a basement or laundry area where there is excess dust in the air. This dust could stick to the sensor making it dirty and causing your furnace to shut down.
What does a flame sensor do?
A flame sensor is a crucial safety component on your gas heating system. During the ignition cycle, your gas furnace goes through a process where a spark or a hot surface ignitor will actually ignite the gas. As the gas is ignited, the flame sensor creates a current of electricity.
Should I clean or replace flame sensor?
Once you clean off the sensor properly, it should go back to functioning like it’s supposed to. Unless the flame sensor is physically damaged or broken, you typically won’t have to replace it.
How often does a flame sensor need to be replaced?
Note: According to HVAC.com, the expected lifespan of a flame sensor is about 5 years. Most furnaces last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. That means that you will have to replace a flame sensor 1x, 2x, or even 3x during a furnace’s lifespan.
Can you bypass the flame sensor on a furnace?
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.
What is a flame sensor made of?
A flame sensor is nothing more than a stainless steel rod partially encased in porcelain. By itself, it does nothing. There are no moving parts, no switches. When attached to a control module, the module sends out an A/C voltage to the sensor.
How often should you clean your flame sensor on your furnace?
A good rule-of-thumb is to change your filters every two to three months and to have the furnace fully cleaned once a year. The best time to clean your gas furnace is during the warmer months where you do not need to heat your home.
