Furnace Not Heating Not Blowing Hot Air Shuts Off Troubleshooting | Carrier | Flame Sensor Oxide

Troubleshooting a Furnace Not Heating or Blowing Hot Air | Carrier Flame Sensor Oxide Buildup

Hello, everyone! I’m Ostenako, and today I’m going to walk you through troubleshooting a common issue with furnaces, specifically with a Carrier model. If your furnace isn’t heating or blowing hot air and shuts off shortly after turning on, you might have an oxide buildup on the flame sensor. Let's get into it!

Step 1: Identify the Problem

1. Check the Thermostat:

   • Set your thermostat to the desired temperature and listen for the furnace to turn on. If it shuts off after a few seconds, there’s an issue.

2. Inspect the Furnace:

   • Locate the LED indicator light on your furnace. If it’s blinking three times, it indicates an oxide buildup on the flame sensor.

3. Read the Indicator Guide:

   • Check the paper near the LED indicator for instructions. It should mention the oxide buildup on the flame sensor.

Step 2: Locate and Inspect the Flame Sensor

1. Find the Flame Sensor:

   • Open the furnace panel and locate the four burners. The flame sensor is a small metal rod with a wire connected to it.

2. Check for Buildup:

   • Inspect the flame sensor for any oxide buildup. If it looks clean, the problem might be the debris that has accumulated underneath it.

Step 3: Cleaning the Flame Sensor and Surrounding Area

1. Gather Tools and Materials:

   • If you don’t have specialized tools, use a rolled-up paper towel and a diluted bleach solution (be extremely careful with any chemicals around your furnace).

2. Remove the Flame Sensor:

   • If you have the tools, unscrew the flame sensor and clean it with a steel brush. If not, clean around it as best as you can.

3. Clean the Debris:

   • Carefully reach back and clean the debris around the flame sensor. This debris can cause the flame sensor to malfunction and shut off the furnace for safety reasons.

4. Use a Safe Method:

   • Gently wipe the flame sensor with a slightly damp paper towel. Avoid leaving any fibers behind. Do not soak the paper towel, as it could tear and leave residue.

5. Blow Away Dust:

   • Blow gently to remove any remaining dust. Be cautious not to inhale any debris.

Step 4: Reassemble and Test the Furnace

1. Reattach the Flame Sensor:

   • Once the area is clean, reattach the flame sensor and ensure it’s secure.

2. Power On the Furnace:

   • Turn the power back on and set the thermostat again. Check the LED indicator to ensure the error code is cleared.

3. Observe the Flame:

   • A healthy flame should be blue. If the flame is orange, there might still be debris or another issue causing improper combustion.

4. Final Check:

   • If the furnace runs smoothly and the flame remains blue, the problem is likely resolved. If issues persist, it may be time to call a professional technician.

Safety Tips

• Avoid Flammable Products: Do not use highly flammable products near the furnace.

• Use Non-Flammable Cleaners: Stick to non-flammable cleaning methods whenever possible.

• Be Cautious: Always ensure the furnace is powered off before attempting any cleaning or maintenance.

Conclusion

Cleaning the flame sensor and the surrounding area can often resolve the issue of a furnace not heating or blowing hot air. I hope this guide helps you troubleshoot and fix your furnace. Please like this video, subscribe to my channel, and leave a comment if you have any questions or additional tips. Until next time!

https://youtu.be/yyTEDzsITvo