What Are the Benefits of a Furnace Temperature Sensor?

Does your furnace have a temperature sensor? Your thermostat measures the temperature of your home, of course, but tracking the heat put out by your furnace is also important. Furnace temperature sensors keep you safe and keep your system running smoothly. Read on to learn how.

The Importance of a Furnace Temperature Sensor

Also called a flame sensor or a heat sensor, a temperature sensor’s job, essentially, is to make sure there’s heat coming from your furnace. If there’s no heat, that means there’s no flame. If there’s no flame, that means the gas flowing into your furnace isn’t being burned up. Instead, it may be leaking into your home.

If there’s carbon monoxide leaking into your home, it can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and a variety of other symptoms, ultimately leading to illness and death if you don’t get away from exposure as immediately as possible. Your carbon monoxide detector can tell you if there’s gas in the vicinity, but a heat sensor can tell you even sooner that there’s a problem. As soon as the pilot light is out, the sensor will alert you, so you can address the issue before gas starts to spread.

Furnace Temperature Sensor Maintenance

Like any other HVAC component, the temperature sensor needs regular maintenance. If dirt accumulates, it can keep it from working properly. Therefore, it should be cleaned periodically.

Turn off power to the furnace at the circuit breaker. Then, look toward the back of the furnace for a small, metal rod near the burner. This rod can be unscrewed and cleaned with light grit sandpaper.

Wipe away excess dirt with a cloth and replace the sensor. You should also check for signs that the sensor needs to be replaced. If you notice soot or corrosion on it, or if the porcelain covering the sensor is cracked or damaged, you’re likely due for a new one.

Cleaning the sensor can be done yourself, but you can also have your HVAC technician do it during your annual maintenance visit.

For help choosing furnace temperature sensors for your home, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve the home-comfort needs of Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin.