It may seem like there are endless HVAC components to clean, replace, and worry about. Some of which are so small and out of the way that you rarely notice them doing their job. Still, these components need to work correctly in order to keep your HVAC running smoothly and your home comfortable year round. One such component is the flame sensor. A small piece that communicates between your furnace’s ignition and control board, the flame sensor may appear unassuming but it is a crucial part of HVAC safety. When your HVAC service team performs your biannual maintenance check, the flame sensor is one area to investigate.
To learn more or to schedule a maintenance check if you suspect a problem with your furnace, contact our St. Louis heating & air conditioning specialists at Galmiche & Sons today!
Why Does My Furnace Have a Flame Sensor?
So why is there a flame sensor in your furnace and how does it play such a crucial role in furnace safety? The flame sensor, it turns out, is a key part of a safe ignition sequence. During ignition your furnace’s igniter will use a flame or a hot surface to ignite the gas that heats your air. As this gas lights, it is important that everything is working correctly to prevent an explosion or gas leak. This is where the flame sensor comes in. It helps your furnace regulate the ignition sequence and prevent dangerous conditions. In fact, you might be surprised by how many safety features like this the modern furnace has. They all work best the more you know about them though, so let us dive into the specifics of how a flame sensor works.
How Does a Flame Sensor Work?
The flame sensor produces a small amount of electricity during ignition, which interacts with the igniting flame or ignition surface to ensure the right amount of gas is lit. Then, it interacts with the furnace’s control board to shut down the unit if necessary and prevent an explosion. So, it is very important that your sensor is working correctly and not damaged or misreading the electrical feedback from your furnace.
Dirt and buildup from oxidation can get in the way of this important process, and one of the main ways in which this part can malfunction is simply to become too dirty with dust and other buildup that is common inside of HVAC systems. Thankfully, there is an easy check that your service team can perform during your next HVAC system maintenance visit to determine if there are any issues with your flame sensor. One key aspect of HVAC safety and maintenance is regular cleaning, with special attention to safety components like sensors and other diagnostics.
Contact Galmiche & Sons to Check Your HVAC System’s Flame Sensor
Like many components and parts found throughout your HVAC system, flame sensors can malfunction on their own and are important to replace before they fail completely. To learn more about how these parts keep your HVAC system functioning and your family safe, get in touch with the heating & air conditioning professionals at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis today.
