How often does a flame sensor need to be replaced?

How often does a flame sensor need to be replaced?

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.

What’s the most expensive part of a furnace?

Here are four of the most expensive furnace repairs and how you can avoid them.

  • Blower Motor and Capacitor: $500 – $1,500.
  • Draft Inducer Motor: $500 – $1,500.
  • Circuit Board: $500 – $1500.
  • Gas Valve: $400 – $1,000.

How do I know if my furnace flame sensor is bad?

6 Signs of a Malfunctioning Gas Furnace Flame Sensor

  1. Yellow Burner Flames. Open up or glance through the peephole of your gas furnace to see the color of the flames firing up in the burner.
  2. Rusted Flue Lines.
  3. High Utility Bills.
  4. Water Leaks.
  5. Old Age.
  6. Constant Thermostat Adjustments.

Why do flame sensors fail?

What are causes of a dirty flame sensor? As with any piece of equipment a simple reason could be that dirty flame sensor just goes bad. However a more common reason is that it is just dirty. It is a sensitive sensor so any type of dust or carbon buildup could cause it to malfunction.

What are the symptoms of a bad flame sensor on a furnace?

6 Signs of a Malfunctioning Gas Furnace Flame Sensor

  • Yellow Burner Flames. Open up or glance through the peephole of your gas furnace to see the color of the flames firing up in the burner.
  • Rusted Flue Lines.
  • High Utility Bills.
  • Water Leaks.
  • Old Age.
  • Constant Thermostat Adjustments.

How long do furnace flame sensors last?

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 I clean flame sensor myself?

REMOVE THE OLD SENSOR It’s usually pretty easily accessible and is mounted by a quarter-inch hex-head screw. Remove this screw and the flame sensor should easily slide out so you can clean it. You may have to detach a wire from the end of it if you need more room to work, but often, this isn’t necessary to do.

What happens when flame sensor goes bad?

If your flame sensor is dirty or faulty, it will automatically shut down the heating unit if it doesn’t detect a flame. Most furnaces will go into a safety ignition lockout when a shutdown happens three times.

What is the average life expectancy of a gas furnace?

A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.

How to replace flame sensor?

Locate the flame sensor (refer to the furnace flame sensor location portion above)

  • Remove the furnace access cover,which may involve releasing screws or bolts
  • Unfasten/unscrew the flame sensor from the burner assembly
  • Disconnect the wiring that leads to the sensor and control box
  • Loosen the screws and remove the flame sensor
  • How to replace a furnace thermocouple or flame sensor?

    Turn off the electrical power and gas supply to the furnace.

  • Confirm that the old flame sensor is actually removable.
  • Disconnect the electrical wires leading to the sensor and those leading to the control box as well.
  • Proceed to remove the sensor by loosening the screws with a wrench or a basic screwdriver.
  • Is a flame sensor and a thermocouple the same thing?

    People tend to use the terms “flame sensor” and “thermocouple” interchangeably. In truth, while they basically perform the same job, they’re not the same thing. If your furnace uses an electronic controller, it’s got a flame sensor. Thermocouples are used on standing pilot furnaces that have pilot lights.

    How to fix flame sensor on furnace?

    Furnace burners turn on but go out after a few seconds

  • Soot and other debris is covering the end of the sensor (cleaning the flame sensor may fix this issue rather than a flame sensor replacement)
  • Tip of flame sensor is black
  • Porcelain/sensor casing is cracked
    • September 27, 2022