Everything You Need to Know About Your Furnace Heat Sensor

Heat sensors indicate the presence of a flame, whether they’re used in a home furnace or an industrial boiler. They’re also extremely useful in preventing gas or carbon monoxide leaks. To learn more about the importance of home furnace heat sensors, read this article from Perfect Degree HVAC, a leading provider of quality HVAC installation services.

What Is a Furnace Heat Sensor?

A furnace heat sensor is an added safety measure to prevent deadly carbon monoxide from entering your home. It ensures that there’s a flame burning inside your furnace at all times. If the flame dies out, unburned gas will escape from the system and fill your house. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or an explosion.

To prevent this, the heat sensor creates a small electrical current to detect the presence of a flame. If the flame goes out, the sensor will shut off the entire system, keeping you and your family safe from a gas leak. Thus, you need to make sure that your heat sensor is operating properly during your furnace installation.

How Can You Tell if Your Furnace Heat Sensor Is Failing?

It’s difficult to identify a gas problem because it’s invisible and odorless. If your heat sensor stops working, this can be dangerous for you and your family. As such, you need to know the common signs of a failing furnace heat sensor. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

The furnace turning on but shutting off again after a few seconds
Cracks in the porcelain covering the heat sensor
Soot or corrosion on the heat sensor

However, even if you do notice these signs, you don’t need to immediately go out and buy a new part. In some cases, all you need to do is clean carbon buildup off of the furnace heat sensor.

How Do You Clean Your Furnace Heat Sensor?

Dirt can accumulate on the sensor as time goes by, so be sure to clean it to keep it in good operating condition.

First, cut the power. Turning off the thermostat isn’t enough. To ensure your safety, turn off the unit completely and shut off electric power to the furnace at the breaker box.
Next, remove the heat sensor. You can do this using a screwdriver. Look for a rod-shaped device at the back of the unit. Loosen the screws and pull them down from the bracket.
Then, clean the sensor. Rub off any residue on the metal rod using emery paper or light-grit sandpaper. Be sure not to scrub too hard, as this may scratch and damage the sensor. Wipe away any dust with a lint-free cloth afterward.
Finally, replace the heat sensor. Reattach the sensor to the furnace and tighten the screws. Turn on your furnace to check your work.

If you’re still having problems even after cleaning your heat sensor, it’s time to call the professionals like those at Perfect Degree HVAC. We offer many residential and commercial HVAC services, including heat pump installation. Call us today at (610) 529-7372 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

Jennifer Woodruff