Heater Flame Sensor Won’t Detect Flame? Here’s How to Fix It Safely
Few things are more frustrating in winter than turning on your heater and realizing it refuses to stay lit. One of the most common causes of this problem is a faulty or dirty flame sensor. Though it’s a small and inexpensive part, the flame sensor plays a critical role in your heating system’s safety and efficiency. If your heater flame sensor won’t detect a flame, your furnace may shut down repeatedly or fail to ignite altogether, leaving you with cold air instead of warmth. The good news? Many flame sensor problems can be fixed with careful cleaning and proper maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explore what a flame sensor does, why it stops working, and safe steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Why the Flame Sensor Matters The flame sensor is a safety device inside your gas furnace. Its primary function is to verify that a flame is present when the gas valve opens. If no flame is detected, the sensor sends a signal to shut off the gas supply. This prevents raw gas from filli...