Does your furnace try to start up, but as soon as it gets going shuts down? Does it do this multiple times and then not come back on? If the answer is yes, you’re probably dealing with a dirty flame sensor. You are not alone. This is an issue that homeowners encounter regularly every year.
Luckily, it’s relatively easy to clean your Lennox furnace flame sensor. However, if you’re having other issues with your system, make sure you call a professional HVAC technician for Heating Service Blue Ash right away.
What Is a Flame Sensor and What Does It Do?
A flame sensor is a small, rod-shaped component that’s located near the burner assembly in your furnace. Its primary purpose is to detect whether or not there’s a fire present in the combustion chamber.
If the sensor detects a flame, it sends a signal to the furnace’s control board telling it to allow electricity to flow to the igniter. This causes the igniter to heat up and ignite the gas flowing into the combustion chamber. If the sensor doesn’t detect a flame, it will shut off the flow of electricity to prevent a dangerous situation.
What Causes a Flame Sensor to Get Dirty?
- There are a few reasons why your flame sensor might become dirty.
- One of the most common reasons is a build-up of dirt, dust, and other debris on the sensor. This can happen over time as your furnace runs.
- Another possibility is that you have a cracked heat exchanger. If this is the case, combustion gasses and sparks can escape from the furnace and land on the flame sensor, causing it to become dirty.
How Do I Clean My Lennox Furnace Flame Sensor?
If you think your flame sensor is dirty, you can try cleaning it yourself.
First, you’ll need the following supplies to clean your flame sensor:
- 1/4″ Hex Head Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Clean, Dry Paper Towel
Once you have your supplies, follow these steps to clean your flame sensor:
- Shut off the power to the unit at the breaker box.
- Remove the access panel to expose the interior of your furnace.
- Locate the flame sensor and remove it. It should be near the burner assembly.
- Use sandpaper to gently clean the metal rod of the sensor. Be careful not to damage it. Use the paper towel to get rid of any dust from the sandpaper.
- Once the sensor is clean, you can reattach it, put the access panel back on, and turn the power back on to your furnace.
- Turn on your furnace and see if it starts up correctly.
If the furnace still isn’t working properly, you might need to call a professional for furnace services.
Are you looking for a reliable professional for a furnace tune-up in Lebanon, OH to get your Lennox furnace flame sensor cleaned? We at Comfort Solutions Heating & Cooling can help you save money on all your repairs and tune-ups. To schedule our professional services, give us a call at (513) 932-7200.
