Flame Sensor Clean vs. Replacement

[Done That]

I didn't want to hijack the other thread.

Question for any Pros here....what percentage of time might you replace the flame sensor instead of cleaning it...since it is relatively low cost?

Any reasons why/why not?

Appreciate the insight.....full disclosure, will use your input for some product strategy at the office.

 

[Jim greengo]

I think I've replaced a total of 2 in 20 plus years.

 

[Jackfre]

Just saw this one. Refer to the other thread. If I was to replace the FR I would replace the sparker too. Jim is about on the money. There isn't much that can go wrong with them other than a cracked insulator or mis-positioning and that is not the sensors fault. If you are having repeated problems with a piece of equipment check with the manuf and see if there is an upgrade. I had to do that on my Buderus boiler about 20 yrs ago. Confirm gas pressures.

 

[EricVonHa]

I've cleaned and cleaned mine through the years. On a propane fired furnace, however, the unit would "cough" upon start-up. More or less a misfire... guess what the final cure was? Of all things, the flame sensor was the culprit. I was shocked when I replaced it and the startup of the furnace was smooth and silent. I always thought that flow thru a venturi may have been the issue.. but nope, flame sensor. Should have replaced it a loong time ago. That's my 2 cents. One furnace, one guy and a $10 part.

 

[Done That]

Appreciate the comments. EBay sellers move quite a few, maybe its more to the diy for basic low cost/risk parts changing.