Receiving your annual furnace maintenance helps keep your heating system running up to thirty percent more efficient and helps extend the life of your system. But things could still go wrong, and when they do, you may feel like you’re always hearing about something else.
This time it’s your blower, next time it’s your control board. Now you need to replace your flame sensor.
A flame sensor is an important safety feature on your gas heating system. During the ignition sequence, your gas furnace goes through a process where either a spark or a hot surface igniter will actually ignite the gas. As the gas is ignited, the flame sensor creates a current of electricity. This is measured in micro amps. If the furnace’s control board doesn’t read the correct level of micro amps, the furnace will stop giving the system fuel to avoid an explosion.
Over time, if the flame sensor is not cleaned appropriately, oxidation or carbon buildup can interfere with the flame sensor’s ability to work properly, which can result in a malfunction of the furnace.
The way to diagnose if a soiled flame sensor is to blame for a furnace malfunction is to take a micro amp draw reading, which an expert furnace technician can provide you. If a dirty flame sensor is the culprit, the technician will clean the sensor with steel wool. If dirt was the sole factor, we will see a much higher amp reading. If the reading shows no change, the technician will proceed with the heating system repair diagnostic process.
If you aren’t certain your heating system is going to outlast these last few weeks of winter, give Falso Service Experts a call and we’ll come out and provide you with a full furnace maintenance or a free in-home estimate on a new heating system.
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There’s no reason to skip your seasonal maintenance that saves energy and helps ensure your air conditioner and heater will work reliably all season long.
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