Bryant 315AAV Error Code 22: Abnormal Flame-Proving Signal
What Does Code 22 Mean?
Status code 22 on the Bryant 315AAV is an abnormal flame-proving signal: the flame-sensing circuit is detecting a flame at a time when the gas valve is de-energized and there should be none. Because a flame with the valve commanded off can mean unburned or burning gas is present when it should not be, this is one of the most safety-critical codes on the control.
To protect the home, the control keeps the inducer motor running until the fault clears, using the induced-draft venting to purge any products of combustion from the heat exchanger and flue. Bryant lists the primary causes as a leaky gas valve or a stuck-open gas valve, with a faulty flame sensor giving false readings as a secondary possibility. This differs from code 21 (gas heating lockout for a mis-wired valve or bad relay) and code 34/14 (failure to prove flame when it should be present) — here the problem is the opposite: flame proven when it must not be.
Every listed cause involves the gas valve or the flame-sensing circuit, so there is no homeowner repair. The safe response is to stop the furnace and get a technician out promptly.
What You'll Notice
- The inducer motor keeps running even though the furnace is not going through a normal heat cycle
- The status LED flashes two short then two long flashes
- The furnace behaves abnormally around shutdown, as if it cannot confirm the burners are truly off
- In some cases a faint gas or combustion odor is present — treat any gas smell as an emergency
Common Causes
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY? |
|---|---|---|
| Leaky or stuck-open gas valve | Most common | ✗ Call a pro → |
| Faulty flame sensor giving false readings | Common | ✗ Call a pro → |
How This Is Diagnosed
A technician verifies whether flame or a flame signal truly exists with the valve de-energized, then focuses on the gas valve: checking for a valve that leaks by or is stuck open, which would let gas continue to burn after the call ends. They also evaluate the flame sensor and its circuit for a false 'flame present' reading. Because the safest failure mode is assumed first, the gas valve is the priority suspect.
When to Call a Professional
This code involves components that are not homeowner-serviceable, so have a licensed HVAC technician diagnose and repair it. Keep in mind:
- The inducer runs continuously and the furnace will not return to normal standby
- You smell gas or combustion odor — leave the house and call your gas company first, then a technician
- The furnace seems unable to confirm the burners have shut off
- Any indication of a leaking or stuck-open gas valve, which is never a homeowner repair
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Bryant 315AAV inducer keep running with code 22?
The control deliberately keeps the inducer running to purge the heat exchanger and flue because it is sensing flame when the gas valve should be off. It will run until the fault clears.
Is code 22 an emergency?
Treat it as urgent. It can indicate a leaking or stuck-open gas valve. Shut the furnace off and call an HVAC technician; if you smell gas, leave immediately and call your gas company first.
Could it just be a bad flame sensor?
A faulty flame sensor giving false readings is a possible cause, but because a leaking or stuck-open gas valve is the more dangerous explanation, a technician rules that out first.
Sources
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026