A Simple 15-Minute Task That Could Save You From a Freezing Cold House This Winter

When your furnace starts acting up—turning on for a few seconds then shutting right back off—you might think you’re facing an expensive repair. But before you panic about costly service calls, there’s one simple maintenance task that could solve your problem in just 15 minutes: cleaning your furnace flame sensor.

If the sensor doesn’t detect a flame, it sends a signal to the furnace control board to shut off the gas supply, preventing unsafe conditions. Over time, the sensor can become coated with a layer of soot or other residues, which can hinder its performance and therefore, hinder the ability for your furnace to heat the home properly.

What Is a Flame Sensor and Why Does It Get Dirty?

The flame sensor is a small metal rod that detects whether your furnace’s burners are ignited. If it gets covered in dirt or corrosion, it won’t function properly, causing your furnace to shut down. A dirty flame sensor is mainly due to carbon buildup. As dirt sticks on the sensor rod and burns up, this results in carbon buildup. And since the sensor has to be quite sensitive to detect the flame, even the slightest carbon buildup affects its functions.

Most experts recommend cleaning the flame sensor once a year. However, certain conditions can cause sensors to get dirty more frequently, requiring more regular maintenance.

Warning Signs Your Flame Sensor Needs Cleaning

Recognizing the symptoms of a dirty flame sensor can save you from those middle-of-the-night heating emergencies. The furnace may turn on but then shut off shortly after because the sensor isn’t detecting the flame properly. This can lead to inconsistent heating or no heat at all.

Other signs include:

• A clean flame sensor typically allows the furnace to burn with a blue flame. If you notice a yellow or orange flame, it might indicate a problem with the flame sensor or other issues affecting combustion.
• A dirty sensor will often appear covered in black soot.
• First, check for your gas burners to light up and then go out after a few seconds. This is the most common sign of a sensor issue.

The Simple Cleaning Process

While most HVAC repair and maintenance tasks are complicated and require an expert, furnace flame sensor cleaning isn’t. You can easily complete this task without calling an HVAC technician.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

Safety First: Before doing any maintenance work on your furnace, turn off the power to the unit. You can do this by switching off the furnace at the circuit breaker, switching off the power switch or by unplugging the unit if applicable.

Locate the Sensor: You can locate a flame sensor near the burner assembly of most furnace models. It should appear as a tiny metal rod.

Remove and Clean: Turn off power and gas, remove the sensor rod, gently clean it with fine-grit sandpaper or fine steel wool, wipe away residue, reinstall, and power back on. If you’re referring to the flame sensor, you should use fine-grit sandpaper, an emery cloth, or a scouring pad to gently remove buildup.

What You’ll Need: You’ll need a screwdriver to remove the access panel, a quarter-inch socket or nut driver for the sensor screw, and fine-grit sandpaper or fine steel wool to gently clean the rod. Gloves and safety glasses are also recommended.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Regular maintenance of the flame sensor is essential for several reasons: Reliability: A clean sensor ensures your furnace operates reliably and efficiently. Safety: Proper function of the flame sensor is crucial for preventing gas leaks and potential fire hazards. Efficiency: A clean sensor can help your furnace run more efficiently, which can save on energy bills.

For Long Branch residents dealing with coastal conditions, regular maintenance becomes even more critical. West Long Branch’s coastal location makes this even more important because salt air can corrode components faster than inland areas.

When to Call the Professionals

If problems persist, the sensor may be worn or another issue is at play. If cleaning fails to resolve the problem, the sensor may be damaged or worn out, wiring may be loose or corroded, or there may be other combustion issues requiring a licensed HVAC technician’s diagnosis.

If you’re experiencing persistent furnace problems in the Long Branch area, professional furnace repair long branch services can diagnose more complex issues. AME Plumbing Heating and Cooling serves Monmouth County with experienced technicians who understand the unique challenges that coastal New Jersey weather presents to heating systems.

The AME Plumbing Difference

With years of experience and a dedication to excellence, our team of licensed professionals delivers unmatched expertise and quality service to every homeowner and business. Specializing in a wide range of plumbing services and HVAC solutions, we pride ourselves on our ability to handle any challenge, ensuring your home’s systems run smoothly and efficiently.

Our team is highly skilled and committed to honesty and transparency. We offer 24/7 emergency services, ensuring we’re always there when you need us. With competitive pricing, extended warranties, and a satisfaction guarantee, we stand behind our work, making us the preferred plumbing and HVAC company in Monmouth County, NJ.

We use high-quality parts, like durable igniters and long-lasting flame sensors, to ensure your furnace runs smoothly. You get upfront pricing, same-day service when possible, and technicians who explain what’s wrong in plain English. We fix the issue the first time so you can return to what matters.

Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

While flame sensor cleaning is a simple DIY task, regular furnace maintenance can help prevent flame sensor issues before they start. Consider scheduling an annual furnace tune-up to keep your heating system running efficiently all winter long.

Don’t let a dirty flame sensor leave you in the cold this winter. This simple 15-minute maintenance task could be all that stands between you and a warm, comfortable home. However, if cleaning doesn’t solve the problem or you’re not comfortable performing the maintenance yourself, AME Plumbing Heating and Cooling is ready to help with professional furnace services throughout the Long Branch and Monmouth County area.