If you’re like many homeowners out here, you probably don’t think about your furnace until it’s not working. And then, you have to scramble to find a reputable HVAC company to come out and fix it. Gas furnaces, especially, need regular maintenance to function correctly and safely. Failure to do so can result in a gas leak, which can be dangerous – even deadly.
Several safeguards help keep your furnace running safely. Some of the most important are:
The Flame Rollout Sensor
A flame rollout sensor is a switch used in gas furnaces as a safety measure. This sensor is designed to detect when the flame in the furnace is not burning correctly, and if it senses this, it will shut off the gas flow to prevent a potentially dangerous situation. In most cases, the flame rollout sensor will be located near the burner assembly and connected to the furnace’s control panel.
If the sensor detects an issue with the flame, it will send a signal to the control panel, shutting off the gas and stopping the furnace from operating. While this may seem like a small problem, it can be hazardous if not caught and dealt with quickly. A faulty flame rollout sensor can lead to a gas leak, resulting in an explosion or fire. As such, it’s essential to ensure that your furnace is equipped with a working sensor and that you check it regularly to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
The Flame Sensor
When gas flows into the furnace, it ignites and creates a flame. Some ignitors or burners help to create this flame. What if the ignitors fail or the flame goes out? That’s where the flame sensor comes in.
The sensor performs the crucial task of checking whether a flame is present in the furnace. If the sensor doesn’t detect a flame, it will shut off the gas flow to prevent an explosion.
If you have a gas furnace, it is essential to make sure that your furnace is equipped with a working flame sensor. You should also check it often to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
The High Heat Limit Switch
Another crucial safety feature of furnaces is the high heat limit switch. This switch is built to shut off the furnace if the temperature inside the unit gets too high. The high heat limit switch will most likely be near the heat exchanger. On normal operation, the switch will not be activated. However, if the furnace overheats, the switch will trip and shut off the gas flow to prevent further damage.
The Flue Exhaust Pressure Sensor
Last but not least is the flue exhaust pressure sensor. The purpose of this sensor is to monitor the pressure in the flue pipe. If the pressure gets above average, it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the pipe. If this happens, the sensor will send a signal to the control panel, shutting off the gas and stopping the furnace from operating.
Again, while this may appear as a small problem, it can be dangerous if not caught and dealt with quickly. A blocked flue pipe can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside your home, which can be deadly. As such, it is crucial to ensure that your furnace is equipped with a working flue exhaust pressure sensor and that you check it regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few safeguards that help keep your furnace running safely. By understanding how these safety features mentioned above work, you can rest assured that your furnace is equipped with the latest safety technology.