Furnace flame sensors are crucial for many heating systems. They sense when a flame is present and turn off the gas until a flame is detected again, preventing gas from leaking out of the system. Therefore, it’s crucial to have the best furnace flame sensor installed on your furnace.
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The best furnace flame sensor is the Blue Stars Furnace Flame Sensor Replacement for Goodman & Amana. This sensor is compatible with most top brands’ furnaces and is durable. This device is also the best in terms of price and warranty and comes with a money-back guarantee.
However, the Blue Stars sensor is not a one-size-fits solution. I wouldn’t recommend it if:
- You have a Goldman furnace. Go with the Popbee Furnace Flame Sensor (available on Amazon.com).
- You have a Rheem furnace. Go with the IDEASURE Flame Sensor Fit for Rheem Furnace (available on Amazon.com).
- You have a Payne, Carrier, or Bryant furnace. Go with the Packard PFS014 Furnace Electrode Flame Sensor (available on Amazon.com).
The rest of this article will discuss the best furnace flame sensors on the market. Read on for more information on each type of sensor and what factors to consider before purchase.
Factors To Consider
There are three primary factors to consider when buying flame sensors:
- Compatibility with your furnace
- Durability
- Price range and warranty
Here’s a rundown of these factors:
Read: Furnace Flame Sensor – Troubleshooting Guide
Compatibility With Your Furnace
Furnace Flame Sensor | Compatible Furnaces | Score |
Blue Stars Furnace Flame Sensor Replacement for Goodman & Amana | Most Goodman, Amana, and Kenmore furnaces | 8/10 |
Popbee Furnace Flame Sensor | Goodman, Amana, and Kenmore furnaces | 8/10 |
IDEASURE Flame Sensor Fit for Rheem Furnace | Rheem and Ruud gas furnaces | 7/10 |
Packard PFS014 Furnace Electrode Flame Sensor | Payne, Carrier, or Bryant furnaces | 8/10 |
There are several types of furnaces available on the market. Because of that, you have to make sure that you buy a replacement part for your specific brand and model of furnace.
Tip: To check what brand and model you have, look at the data plate on the front of your furnace. In most cases, it’s a sticker that looks like a rectangle with rounded corners. The manufacturer name is typically followed by a specific model number, such as Carrier Furnace Model 38CKC030XXXXX.
However, if you’re having trouble finding your data plate, I recommend checking your owner’s manual.
Durability
Furnace Flame Sensor | Material | Score |
Blue Stars Furnace Flame Sensor Replacement for Goodman & Amana | Metal and ceramic | 8.5/10 |
Popbee Furnace Flame Sensor | Metal and ceramic | 8.5/10 |
IDEASURE Flame Sensor Fit for Rheem Furnace | Metal and ceramic | 8.5/10 |
Packard PFS014 Furnace Electrode Flame Sensor | Metal, alumina, and ceramic | 9/10 |
Generally speaking, you should look for a durable flame sensor. In most cases, you can tell the durability of a sensor by looking at the material used in construction. Most manufacturers use metal (typically stainless steel) and ceramic to ensure their products last as long as possible.
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Price Range and Warranty
Furnace Flame Sensor | Price Range/Warranty | Score |
Blue Stars Furnace Flame Sensor Replacement for Goodman & Amana | Price: $7-$10Warranty: One year + money-back guarantee | 10/10 |
Popbee Furnace Flame Sensor | Price: $11-$15Warranty: On year + money-back guarantee | 9.5/10 |
IDEASURE Flame Sensor Fit for Rheem Furnace | Price: $9-$12Warranty: One year | 9/10 |
Packard PFS014 Furnace Electrode Flame Sensor | Price: $7-$10Warranty:One year | 9/10 |
You should be willing to spend at least $7 on a flame sensor replacement. This price range will get you the best quality, most reliable sensors – any cheaper and they probably won’t last long or fit correctly.
Warranties may vary between brands and models of flame sensors. Generally speaking, it’s better to buy from a brand that offers a warranty, just in case your sensor malfunctions.
Read: Is A Heat Pump More Expensive Than A Furnace?
Best Overall: BlueStars Flame Sensor Replacement for Goodman & Amana
The Blue Stars Furnace Flame Sensor Replacement for Goodman & Amana is the best overall furnace flame sensor.
As the name suggests, it’s an excellent choice to replace any faulty or broken Goodman or Amana gas valve flame sensors. However, this flame sensor replacement works with certain models of Kenmore furnaces as well.
Blue Stars offers a one-year warranty on parts that are proven defective in material or craftsmanship under typical installation and service conditions. Besides, Blue Stars promise to refund your money in full should you be dissatisfied with this flame sensor, making it a risk-free purchase.
Some of the pros and cons of this flame sensor include:
Pros
- Compatible with Goodman and Amana models of furnaces
- 12-Month Warranty
- Durable
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- May not fit all Goodman and Amana models of furnaces
- Requires frequent cleaning
- May bend or twist if not handled or installed properly
Note: If you need a primer on how to clean your furnace flame sensor, this video may come in handy:
Read: Does Furnace Filter Size Matter?
Best for Goldman Furnaces: Popbee Furnace Flame Sensor
The PopBee Furnace Flame Sensor is an excellent choice if your furnace is manufactured by Goldman. It works with most models of their furnaces and is a worthwhile replacement for various model numbers, including the B11726-06, B1172606, 0130F00010, to mention but a few.
This replacement part offers a one-year limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship.
Additionally, it has excellent durability and resistance to corrosion and chemicals. The sensor itself is made out of quality ceramic, making it highly resistible to heat and humid conditions. This makes it perfect for use with heating systems.
Here are the notable pros and cons of the Popbee flame sensor:
Pros
- Easy to install
- Sturdy design
- Resistant to corrosion and chemicals
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not suitable for Rheems, Maytag, or Lennox furnaces
- Requires regular maintenance, including cleaning
- May bend or twist if installed incorrectly
Read: Goodman Furnace Error Codes – Troubleshooting Guide
Best for Rheem Furnaces: IDEASURE Flame Sensor Fit for Rheem Furnace
The Flame Sensor Fit For Rheem Furnace is a good choice if your furnace is manufactured by Rheem. It works with most models of their furnaces, the 62-23543 series (01 to 04).
This flame sensor replacement offers a one-year limited warranty and is durable and resistant to chemicals, corrosion, and extreme temperatures. It has a high-quality ceramic element that lasts longer than the average flame sensor.
Here are some of the pros and cons of this furnace flame sensor:
Pros
- Easy to install – especially if you find the exact model number for your furnace on their list of compatible products
- If it doesn’t work, the product comes with a 1-year limited warranty from its manufacturer
- Highly durable
Cons
- You have to make sure you get the correct model number or else this product won’t fit correctly in your unit.
- The sensor may bend or twist if installed incorrectly
- Requires regular cleaning
Read: 7 Most Common Rheem Furnace Problems
Best for Payne, Carrier, and Bryant Furnaces: Packard PFS014 Furnace Electrode Flame Sensor
The Packard PFS014 Furnace Electrode Flame Sensor is a good choice if your furnace is manufactured by Payne, Carrier, or Bryant. It works with most models of their furnaces and is a worthwhile replacement for various model numbers.
This flame sensor replacement is made of high-quality, durable materials to last for extended periods. The product is also designed with compatibility in mind, so it’s compatible with most Payne, Carrier, and Bryant furnaces.
The Packard PFS014 Furnace Electrode Flame Sensor comes with a unique ratchet design that ensures easy installation. That makes this model an excellent choice for first-time do-it-yourselfers who want to save on professional installation costs.
Last but not least, this replacement furnace flame sensor is backed by a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.
That said, here are some of the pros and cons of this flame sensor:
Pros
- Durable construction to ensure longevity
- Industrial-grade compatibility
- Withstands up to 1800°F (982°C)
- Easy to install due to its ratchet design
Cons
- Requires regular cleaning to work effectively
- Not compatible with all Payne, Carrier, and Bryant furnaces
- If installed incorrectly, it may bend or twist
Read: How Long Do Flame Sensors Last?
Final Thoughts
Having considered the best five furnace flame sensors on the market, let’s revisit the crucial factors to consider before you decide which one to pick:
- Compatibility with your furnace is the most critical factor to consider. If the part does not fit correctly, you may eventually spend more on repairs and replacements.
- Durability is also crucial. You do not want your equipment breaking down due to faulty parts.
- Price range and warranty are crucial. You want a flame sensor that fits the budget and offers you peace of mind with a replacement or money-back guarantee.