How to clean the flame sensor on your furnace for maximum efficiency?

Flame sensors are among the most important components in your furnace. These flame sensors help to detect the presence of the flame and if these sensors malfunction or become dirty, then it can lead to safety issues or inefficient heating. HVAC companies in Denver also recommend regularly cleaning the flame sensors for the best performance of the furnace.

How to recognize a dirty flame sensor?

There are some common visible signs that will help you identify if the flame sensor are dirty and needs cleaning such as:

• The furnace repeatedly turning on and off rapidly which means flame sensor is not able to detect the flame properly
• Incomplete combustion because of dirty sensors which can lead to build up of carbon monoxide
• The furnace regularly displays error codes related to flame sensors. You need to consult the user manual or professional HVAC contractor in Denver to understand the specific codes.

How to clean the flame sensor?

Once you have identified the signs of dirty flame sensors, you can proceed ahead with cleaning it. Follow the steps below to clean it properly:

1. Ensure proper safety

Working with any kind of mechanical parts, not just HVAC systems requires proper safety before working on it. Agencies like Everest Mechanical that offer heating and cooling in Denver ensure proper safety to prevent damage to costly furnace parts. 

You must also follow the safety practices before maintaining any maintenance. Turn off the furnace, let it cool down completely, and disconnect the power supply to prevent any accidents.

2. Locate and remove the flame sensor

You can refer to your furnace’s manual and try to identify where the flame sensor is located. It is often a small, cylindrical device near the burner. Then carefully disconnect the electrical wires leading to the sensor. You may sometimes need to use specialized tools to remove them. If you are confused and not sure about it, then better contact HVAC companies in Denver to locate, remove, and clean it. 

3. Clean the sensor

Take a soft and dry cloth or a cotton swab and gently wipe away any kind of dirt buildup, dust, debris, and soot from the sensor’s surface. It is better to avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive materials to damage the flame sensor surface.

4. Check for damage

While cleaning, also pay attention to any kind of physical damage if any is there on the flame sensor such as cracks or bends. It will require replacement if you damage the parts.

5. Reinstall the sensor

After properly cleaning the flame sensor, carefully reconnect the electrical wires to the sensor and reinstall it in its original position. Also, ensure that the sensor is securely fastened.

Test the furnace now and see if it is working properly. If not, then there might be loose wire connections. Check again and solve the problem. If it persists, consider contacting a professional HVAC technician in Denver.

Everest Mechanical for your HVAC needs in Denver

Locating, removing, cleaning, and reinstalling flame sensors can be a complex task, and not everyone can do it. So, to ensure you do not damage your flame sensor and enhance the performance of the furnace, you must contact a professional HVAC contractor in Denver.

Everest Mechanical is one of the most reliable and trusted HVAC service companies in Denver and offers all kinds of HVAC repair, replacement, and installation services.

Our qualified, trained, experienced, and certified technicians display the utmost professionalism and ensure the job is done in one go. If you are looking for a reliable, warranted, and affordable heating and cooling service in Denver, then contact Everest Mechanical now.

To sum up!

Flame sensors are important components of a furnace and they need to be properly taken care of. Dirt build-ups and dirty flame sensors can significantly impact the performance of the furnace and cause it not to heat up properly. So, clean it regularly and contact professional HVAC contractors in Denver now.