Gas furnace point not bright? Try to clean the thermocouple

In your gas stove with a small, cheap electronic components is called a thermocouple. However, this humble device plays an enormous role in the operation of the furnace, if can't work normally, will be unable to run the whole system.

if you refuse this winter light gas furnace, you thermocouple is likely to become dirty. The following is a key component for more information about this, and how to clean the parts.

what is a thermocouple?

thermocouple is merely a temperature sensor, but the role of it in the furnace is very important to maintain security. When the stove to receive signals from the thermostat to start heating, thermocouple in allows the system to check whether there is a lamp ignition gas before entering burner.

this pressure check is crucial, because unburned gas near the furnace and the accumulation and explosion danger. However, when thermocouple failure due to external soot accumulation problems. At this point, even if there is light and ready to ignite the burner, also won't light the stove.

although other problems may be the cause of the refused to light up the stove, but if the blower unit starts, you should immediately suspected the problem of thermocouple, but once issued a call immediately stop heating.

how to clean a thermocouple?

fortunately, thermocouple problem is usually far from serious, even homeowners to be able to use basic hand tools, and can also be easily corrected. The following is the method of cleaning dirty thermocouple.

1. Disconnect the electricity and gas

before starting any operation the stove, please disconnect the power supply and equipment supply of natural gas. In the absence of a key step for any work of any attempt could lead to electric shock or even explode.

you can on the main circuit breaker panel disconnect the power supply of the furnace, the furnace should be determined by the single gas pipeline supply. Find the gas shutoff valve in the line and rotate it 90 degrees, until the valve handle is perpendicular to the line.

2. Find gas burners and remove the thermocouple

once shut off the power and gas, the next step is to find the gas burners. This part of the furnace are usually located in the back of the metal shell, you may need to remove a few screws can enter. Be careful when using metal plate, in order to avoid cut, and replaced the screws in a safe location for later.

cover plate will be removed after, you will be able to see chy-tech to guide a small gas pipeline, and single wire will roughly parallel to the thermocouple. According to the wire until we find thermocouple, thermocouple is made up of thin metal probe. Thermocouple with screws, which can be easily removed.

3. Clean and replace thermocouple

after the thermocouple is taken from the burner, with emery cloth to clean the probe tip. May use alcohol to clean the probe, you can also remove the accumulation of oil or other gunk.

thermocouple after cleaning, to reinsert it into place and tighten the screw should be fixed in place. To ensure that the wire is still intact, and carefully reinstall metal plate cover, at the same time avoid extrusion connection or damage any other components.

4. Attaches great importance to the stove after

clean and replace thermocouple, please restore the furnace electrical and gas supply. Next, please refer to the manufacturers instructions about lighting the stove, and enjoy the new warmth.