Quck answer
Here are some steps to troubleshoot an electric space heater:
1. Check the power supply: Ensure that the heater is plugged in and that the power outlet is working. Try plugging the heater into a different outlet to see if it works.
2. Reset the heater: Look for a reset button on the heater and press it. This can help resolve any temporary issues or overheating problems.
3. Clean the heater: Dust and debris can accumulate on the heating elements, affecting the heater’s performance. Clean the heater thoroughly and remove any obstructions.
4. Inspect the thermostat: Make sure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature and is functioning correctly. If necessary, replace the thermostat.
5. Check the circuit breaker: If the heater keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it may be drawing too much power. Consider using a lower heat setting or using the heater on a different circuit.
6. Seek professional help: If none of the above steps solve the issue, it’s best to consult a professional electrician or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can potentially identify and resolve common issues with your electric space heater.
Out of all the heating options available, electric space heaters are one of the most popular due to their convenience and portability. They are used to heat rooms, garages, and greenhouses, and provide personal warmth. These heaters are perfect for instant, emission-free heat, but their main drawback is the expensive electricity usage. However, since they are used for intermittent heating, the benefits usually outweigh the costs.
Electric heaters produce resistive heat using electrical resistance to current passing through a heating element. Radiant heaters directly radiate heat into the room, while convective heaters use fans to circulate heated air. When a space heater malfunctions, it is usually due to an electrical problem, although mechanical malfunctions can occur.
You don’t need to be an electrician to fix a broken space heater, but some electrical knowledge is helpful. If you feel that electrical repairs are beyond you, call an electrician or bring the heater in for service instead of attempting to disassemble it. Many simple repairs can be done by anyone safely.
Electric Space Heater Components and Operation
The resistive heating element is the heart of an electrical space heater, which may be visible through a grille on the front of the housing or buried deep inside. Any household receptacle operates at 120 volts, and most heating elements draw between 4 and 12.5 amps, consuming between 400 and 1,500 watts of power. The electrical resistance of the element converts 100 percent of that power to heat, but units differ in how they distribute it.
The simplest type of electric space heater is a radiant heater, which uses a curved metal surface to magnify and direct the heat into the room. Some wall-mounted panel heaters create natural convection currents to circulate heated air, while most convection heaters use a fan or blower controlled by a thermostat. Common safety features include a limit switch to shut off the power when the unit overheats and a tip-over switch that shuts off the heater if the base loses contact with the floor. The National Fire Protection Association recommends buying a model with these safety switches since portable space heaters caused 43 percent of home heating fires from 2011 to 2015.
In addition to necessary components, space heaters often come with convenient and energy-efficient features like rotating towers or louvers, programmable thermostats and timers, and low-power modes. However, improper use of these functions can cause malfunctions, so it’s important to use them correctly to restore normal functions.
Before using your new space heater, it’s crucial to read the owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with the various designs and features. This can prevent frustration and confusion when trying to operate the heater, especially if it has features like a programmable timer or LED display.
One common issue with space heaters is failure to turn on, often due to a tripped circuit breaker or GFCI outlet. This can be resolved by removing other appliances from the circuit or finding a different circuit to plug the heater into. Additionally, checking the power cord and using an appropriately sized extension cord can prevent electrical issues and fire hazards.
To inspect the power cord connections, you can easily remove the terminal panel cover by unscrewing a few screws with a screwdriver. Tighten them if they aren’t soldered or replace the power cord (if possible) if it’s damaged. Check that the power switch is also firmly connected to the heater housing.
Nowadays, most space heaters have a high limit switch or fuse to prevent overheating and a tip-over switch. The tip-over switch is on the bottom of the unit and needs to be in contact with the floor. Make sure the heater is on a flat, solid surface so the button is fully depressed. It’s rare for this switch to malfunction, but if it does, it needs to be replaced. Some heaters have a resettable limit switch that switches off power when the heater overheats and then switches it back on as soon as the heater cools down. If the high limit fuse has blown, replace it with an identical one.
If your portable heater powers up but doesn’t put out sufficient heat, the heating element may be at fault. Before disassembling the heater, check the controls to verify that it isn’t in eco mode or programmed to come on at a certain time or temperature. If you have a convection heater, check the fan. Disassembly begins by removing screws, and there may be just a few or quite a few depending on the heater. Depending on the heater, the back of the unit may come off first followed by the top and the front, or the housing may separate into two halves.
If you plan to test the resistance of your heater, make sure to turn off and unplug the unit first. Without power, you can use a multimeter to measure the ohms of resistance by touching the leads to the element terminal and ground. You may need the manual to identify the terminals. A good element should read 50О© or more, while a bad one will read close to zero.
Image Credit:
Evgen_Prozhyrko/iStock/GettyImages
Unpleasant Odors from the Heater
Electric space heaters are usually odorless, so if you detect a burning smell, it’s likely dust on the element. This should burn away as the heater runs, but if it persists, there may be gunk from a spill or accident on the heating element. To clean this, you can remove the front grille or disassemble the heater and use a damp rag or solvent, such as alcohol, to clean the element and ceramic surroundings. Before cleaning, turn off the heater and disconnect it from the power source. If you use a flammable solvent, allow it to evaporate before reconnecting and turning on the heater.
Repair or Replace a Space Heater
Complicated electrical problems inside a space heater should be handled by a professional. Overheating may cause the control board or soldered connections to degrade, requiring replacement. However, considering the low cost of a space heater and the high hourly rate of a service pro, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace the heater instead of repairing it.
FAQ
1. Why is my electric space heater not turning on?
There could be a few reasons why your electric space heater is not turning on. First, check if it is properly plugged into a working power outlet. Make sure the power switch on the heater is in the “on” position. If it still doesn’t turn on, there might be an issue with the thermostat or the heating element. In this case, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact their customer service for troubleshooting tips or to arrange for repairs.
2. Why is my electric space heater not producing enough heat?
If your electric space heater is not producing enough heat, there are a few things you can check. Start by ensuring that the thermostat is set to the desired temperature and that the heater is not on an energy-saving mode. Make sure that the heater is not blocked by any objects or furniture that may impede the airflow. Additionally, check if the heating element is clean and not covered in dust or debris. If none of these steps resolve the issue, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for further assistance.
3. Why does my electric space heater keep tripping the circuit breaker?
If your electric space heater keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it could be due to overloading. Space heaters typically draw a significant amount of power, and if they are connected to a circuit that is already heavily loaded, it can cause the breaker to trip. Try unplugging other devices from the same circuit and see if the issue persists. If the problem continues, it might be a sign of a faulty heater or a wiring issue. It is recommended to consult an electrician to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs or adjustments to the electrical system.