Electric Heaters—Basic Troubleshooting And Repair Processes

An electric element heats air that a forced system or a baseboard system emits. An electric heater is typically basic in design. A heating element, a switch, and a thermostat are three vital parts that may need to be repaired after excessively using an electric heating system.

Basic Principles

An electric heater should be installed on a level surface. The installation of an immobile heating unit is typically performed by a licensed HVAC contractor. A large heater may be installed in a basement. A large model will be used to heat up a large interior space. A smaller wall unit or a baseboard heating system may be designed solely for use in one room.

Many smaller heaters are considered to be supplemental heaters. When an electric element is triggered to turn on, it will appear to be glowing. The fan that comprises a heater will spin continuously. A thermostat that is built into a unit will control when a heater turns on or off.

Repair Processes

If you own an electric heater that is either not heating up air sufficiently or isn't operating at all, perform some basic troubleshooting steps. First, use a flashlight to peer into the front of the heater. Observe whether or not the heating element is glowing. Next, locate the fan and observe whether or not it is spinning.

If you have taken note that the thermostat doesn't seem to be triggering the heater to turn on or off at regular intervals, this part may need to be replaced. If the lack of a spinning fan is what you have observed, dust that has accumulated on the fan's blades may be causing a disruption in how your heater operates. Some HVAC technicians will provide an inspection of a heater during what is considered an emergency repair process.

A technician should be furnished with the observations you made when you conducted the troubleshooting steps. A contractor will use a screwdriver or a drill to remove the cover that is on your heater. Since the technician will be aware of what you observed, they will make certain to bring replacement materials that they think the heater is in need of.

A technician will check the wiring, an electrical cord, and any other accessories that may be contributing to the heater not operating or operating improperly. A technician will ensure that all of the electrical components are hooked up properly during the repair process. Proper installation processes will prevent the heater from becoming a fire hazard. 

For more info about HVAC servicing, contact a local company.


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