Electric Baseboard Heater Thermostat not Working If you think that the thermostat is faulty, we will need to run a few tests. How do I bleed air out of baseboard heat? A fault anywhere in the circuit opens the pathway, turning off the element. I brought the thermostat back home to inspect, and it worked perfectly. Confirm the thermostat has power and toggle the settings. Heres what to do to deal with such problems: This is the perfect way to deal with a faulty thermostat. Lasko: Why Does My Electric Space Heater Keep Tripping My Circuit Breaker? A hydronic baseboard heater contains tubing filled with hot water heated by a central boiler or water heater and is controlled by a thermostat that also controls other heaters. How much does it cost to replace baseboard heaters? An electric current is used to warm these fins. Replace the thermostat with an applicable replacement part as soon as possible. Next, remove the wires connecting the thermostat to your control unit. Homeowners can fix some of these six common problems themselves, but some call for professional help. In addition, when this dirt and debris burns, they produce a bad odor. But our easy solutions along with your heater problems will help you to fix your faulty baseboard within a minute. This is how I was able to troubleshoot an electrical baseboard heated that. In essence, this heat creates the warmth we need. If so, calculate the circuit's total amperage load and verify the circuit breaker meets the minimal rating. I checked the breaker and that does not seem to be the issue. I would start at the thermostat---disconnect the wires on the thermostat's load side and test for continuity across the entire heater. Are you having trouble with your electric baseboard heater not getting hot enough? If it doesnt, the heaters thermostat may need to be adjusted. If so, there are a few things you should look at. Another simple trick is to place your furniture in such a way that it doesnt block the airflow around your heater. We essentially mean a clogged contact in the thermostat when we say it has a defective thermostat. Electric baseboard heaters need a double-pole circuit breaker rated 30 amps to 60 amps. Unit does not produce ANY heat, and is pulling ZERO Amps. Toggle the modes and test a higher temperature to see if the room gets warm. Check for continuity between the set of wires leading to the service panel. The circuit breaker itself may also be at fault. First, turn off the gadget and give it time to cool. Once youve performed this step, you can rest assured that your baseboard heater will be running properly. So, if one pipe is frozen, that could be why that room wont heat up. In this instance, the hot water or oil wont circulate properly through the zones tube. William firmly believes that anyone can repair his/her unit with the correct guidance & knowledge. python disable ssl verification command line; jim bottomley wife; rampage 38 the hull truth. Troubleshooting Baseboard Heaters. Most rooms require a minimum of 10 watts per square foot of space. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. If not, replace the device. Stay with us like this. If you want to avoid an electrical fire, keep furniture at least six inches away from the heater. A functioning single-throw circuit breaker should read about 120-VAC and a working double-throw breaker should transmit roughly 240-VAC. 1995-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. ONe baseboard heater is working and the other is not.. OK, it's about 28 years old, and having no patience at all, I got a replacement baseboard unit, 240 for 240, and carefully installed it. Homeowners with some DIY electrical skills may be able to find the problem by disassembling the heater or the thermostat, but it's usually a job for an electrician or an HVAC technician. These clear gaps maximize the airflow from the ground and upward, so the fins shouldnt have these slots aligned or oriented horizontally. Question: I have three baseboard heaters on one 240V circuit (bathroom and two bedrooms). If the circuit breaker passed, check the wire set's continuity. It is also a good idea to avoid placing heavy objects near the heater, as this will prevent proper air flow and pose a risk of fire. How To Fix Raypak High Limit 1 Fault And 2 Fault [Solved], How To Turn Off Baseboard Heater [5 Easy Methods], State Select Water Heater Pilot Light Issues [7 Easy Fixes], Richmond Tankless Water Heater Code 29 [Reasons + Solutions], Richmond Tankless Water Heater Code 13 [Reasons + Solutions], Richmond Tankless Water Heater Code 11 [Why+ How To Fix], Richmond Tankless Water Heater Code 12 [Why+ How To Fix]. Power Outage in One Room When Breaker Isnt Tripped! Likewise, avoid hanging long drapes above them. If not, reconnect the thermostat's line leads. The fins allow passive convection without the need of a fan. You can purchase replacement fins again for the hydronic system if the water- or oil-filled tubes are functioning properly. This is a homeowner's guide for troubleshooting and repairing common electric water heater problems. After allowing the circuit to cool, you can try turning it on and off again. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent There Is A Shortage Of Electricity Supply, 5. If it is, lower the temperature and wait for the heater to shut off. Most baseboard heaters operate on a dedicated 240-volt circuit and utilize a double-pole thermostat. An insufficient supply of electricity can be the reason why Baseboard heaters do not generate enough heat. In this case, you basically have to update the wiring of the circuit breaker. Neither will they function as efficiently if placed in a direct sunlight. For instance, an electric baseboard heater in one room is an isolated installation, so you have fewer potential issues to inspect. Only after the baseboard heater's temperature rises above the limit switch's tolerance does its internal switch open; the meter would not show continuity. Make sure that draperies are not blocking the heat, as this can cause a fire. If the water inside is frozen, your heater wont heat up as these heaters work by first heating up the liquid inside. Turn the thermostat to its hottest position. Without this clearance, the heater can't generate the airflow necessary to distribute heat. Will the baseboard heater work if the water is turned off? Install a new relay switch for the thermostat. As long as the baseboard heater's temperature remains within tolerance, the high-limit switch remains closed, allowing continuity between the limit switch's wire terminals. Normally, a thermostat is closed under normal operating conditions, and it opens when the temperature of the baseboard heater goes beyond its tolerance this will cause the Electric Baseboard Heater Not Getting Hot Enough. Check for a loose wire connection throughout the system. At 30 inches long, it's the perfect size for smaller rooms, and its white powder-coated finish is attractive and durable. The thermostat is supposed to work with minimum 2Amp. Pay special attention to the wire staples. Therefore, an unclean unit will have limited airflow. To fix this problem, replace the fuse in the fuse box. Can Electric Hydronic Baseboard Heaters Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Verify whether there is a consistent supply of electricity. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot your heater and determine whether you can fix its problems yourself or if you need to contact a professional. Make sure the wires are secure and connected to the thermostat appropriately. It implies that the thermostat on your baseboard heater is jammed. Why is my electric heater not getting hot? Question: I have a new baseboard heater, thermostat and 20 amp breaker. Was the malfunctioning baseboard heater or its circuit breaker recently replaced? However, it is recommended that you leave the heater turned on. If your electric baseboard heater is not getting hot enough to warm the room adequately, there are a number of possibilities to investigate: The heat flow may simply be physically blocked, which is easy to take care of. A baseboard heater warms the air passing it over a number of metal fins. So, when weighing your options, think about visiting a technician. If the heaters are on a 240-volt circuit, you may. Manage Settings And, as a last resort, you can always call a professional electrician to fix it. Turn off the fuel, water, and electricity to the pump that services the boiler or water heater. Remove the thermostat. Before calling an electrician, there are a couple of things you can do yourself: Although it's rare, the circuit breaker itself may be defective. Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. Blockage in vents prevents the airflow to carry out the heat properly. You must make sure that the wires are intact and are properly connected to the thermostat, Inspect the label and check the circuit breakers total amperage load, Make sure that the breakers are 20-amp to 30-amp, If the circuit breaker is lower than this, check the rooms wall outlet, You can try turning the circuit off and then on again after letting it cool down, If nothing works, replace the circuit breaker, Inspect to see if anything is blocking the vent, Keep any kind of small or big objects away from the device, Check if there is a stable supply of electricity, Turn the device off first and let it cool, Check and make sure the thermostat is at the correct temperature, If the temperature stays high even after keeping it off for quite a while, be sure that there is a blockage in the thermostat and clean the blockage, Change the thermostat in case this doesnt solve the problem, Use a clean damp cloth to wipe off the dirt on the vent, Turn on the heat and see if there is still any stench, Check your carbon monoxide detector if you have one in your home, Call an electrician if the stench persists, Locate the bleeder valve (only modern bleeder has a bleeder valve), Water will shoot out from the valve. Under normal operating conditions, a thermal-limit switch remains in the closed position. You may need a more powerful heater. If the heater is brand new, the smells are probably due to lubricant used in the manufacturing process, and they will dissipate after a few hours. For comparison, most electricity in the U.S. is generated by burning gas or coal, which is only about 30% efficient. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), GE Oven Light Wont Turn Off? Disconnect the baseboard heater's thermostat load leads. How do I know if my baseboard heater is working? Open up the baseboard heater's electrical compartments and inspect each part and its wire connections. There are only three things to check. What can be wrong? Move any furniture in front of the heater that is too close and move any draperies or curtains hanging too close to the top. A technician would use a voltmeter and test everything, starting at the circuit breaker. So, consider consulting a technician to weigh your options. If the thermostat fails to show continuity across either pole, replace it with an approved model. How do I know if my baseboard heater is 120V or 240V? Call a professional if needed. You could not be obtaining heat in a room because of this decrease in heating power. Check Wiring Connections A problem associated with many of the aftermarket thermostats is that the wiring has a loose connection caused by not hooking it up correctly. This is an unfortunately common problem for electric baseboard heaters. If there is insufficient lubrication to maintain the valves separation, the heaters internal valves may become blocked. Check the rooms wall outlet if the circuit breaker is below that. There was previously a wood boiler for heat and the lines are still there as another option for heating. Installers use this information to determine the correct wire and circuit-breaker size. Convection or hydronic? In this case, what you can do is: Doing these things will make sure that nothing is blocking the vent pathways. As a result, the baseboard heater might not heat your rooms air to the desired level. Learn more, Facebook II Twitter II Pinterest II Linkedin. If so, add the outlet's typical power usage to the heater's load rating. Flip the appropriate circuit breaker to the "On" position. The low-voltage thermostats relay switch may be faulty or broken. This cycle is repeated over. Too Much Dust Buildup Inside Of The Vent. The heating element may be defective or the thermostat might be stuck, or it may simply be the case that the device is not getting hot enough. Too Much Dust Buildup Inside Of The Vent FAQ: Why is one of my heating zones not working? You probably have a short somewhere in the system of the baseboard heater. Examine its path to the thermostat and to the circuit breaker, Ensure that the wires are in good condition. To test the thermostats continuity, remove the wires from the control. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If the heater is hardwired to a dedicated circuit, check the breaker rating and compare it to the current draw of the heater, which you'll find on a label affixed to the heater. The low cost of a new unit usually does not exceed a replacement element's price by very much. Hydronic baseboard heaters may have a solution. An inadequate supply of electricity results in the generation of low heat and this is why your heater doesnt work properly. Best Budget-Friendly Baseboard Heater. Convection or hydronic? However, if the setting is ok, you should check your breaker panel and observe if you have any trip breaker. If you want to live where you work, the house next door is for sale as well! Question: I recently began using a room with two Marley baseboard heaters that were installed in October of 2016. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. If a line-voltage thermostat is broken, you need to consult a certified technician. Replace the dedicated zone valve if it fails. If your heater doesnt have a knob, there are two ways to adjust its temperature. You should only try to do this yourself if you have experience with doing repairs. The element should show continuity cross its terminals. Check the route it took to reach the thermostat and the circuit breaker. suggestions. Turning the switch/dial to OFF no longer works, so the small room is always sweltering and wasting energy (and money). Whenever he finds the perfect solutions to any issues of heating appliances after doing in-depth research, he loves to share them with his readers. Therefore, a baseboard heater will heat the room in the areas it is installed. You can also choose to install a programmable thermostat, which will help you control your heating only when you need it. Despite its low performance, it will use a lot of electricity. I am not handy, so I have no idea what to do. Call your local technician if there are any issues with the electrical components of your unit. Answer: You have a break in one leg of the power supply somewhere between the circuit breaker lugs and the thermostat. Many baseboard heaters have line-voltage thermostats mounted on the unit. If nothing obvious stands out, remove the circuit breaker. Electric baseboard heater installation typically costs between $390 and $1,190, with a $780 average cost. If your baseboard heater isn't working, you should check the circuit breaker, the thermostat and the heater itself. When cleaning an electric baseboard heater, avoid disturbing the metal heat distribution fins. Thanks. If it hasnt been maintained, an electric baseboard heaters lifespan will be substantially shorter even though it may last up to 20 years. An electric baseboard heater is relatively inexpensive. Maintaining a free space of several inches in front of the heater will rectify this problem. An electrician or a qualified DIY homeowner should be able to clean the contacts of a wall thermostat by removing the thermostat cover and blasting the contacts with compressed air from a can after first shutting off the power for safety. The baseboard heater's identification label (usually located on a label inside one of the electrical compartments) lists the heater's manufacturer, the model, and serial numbers, and gives the individual heater's electrical requirements. Make sure the cables are in good shape. A home's electric-service panel contains the baseboard heater's circuit breaker. Your baseboard heat not working in one room because of the tripped circuit breaker, insufficient electric supply, blocked vent, a faulty thermostat, and dust vent. A heating zone may not work if the valve is stuck in a closed position. It will reduce the coldness in your home, but they can be very hot, which is not good for your furniture. First, turn off the heater, then wait for it to cool. Electrical Malfunctions One common problem in an electric baseboard heater is that it will not turn on and produce heat. It means that 100 percent of the electricity it uses is used to produce heat. Any ideas? For the positioning of such heating devices, its very easy for them to attract dust and dirt. Baseboard Heater Circuit Breaker Trips 2. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Look for a wire with frayed or burnt ends. If your baseboard heater has a knob, all you need to do to change the temperature is turn the knob to lower temperatures counterclockwise and the higher setting clockwise respectively. Heres how you can perform a test to determine if your baseboard heater is working. Watt electric baseboard heater doesn't get hot. A dedicated circuit powers one device. Your electric bill may go up as a result. Baseboard heating is more affordable to install, while forced air heat is more economical for large spaces. Multiple heat sources include in-floor heat in half of the shop, LP forced air furnace, pellet stove for back up and electric baseboard in the offices (18x20 & 15x20). The standard solutions for these electrical problems are: If none of the problems discussed until now applies to your electric baseboard heater, you are probably looking at an ineffective heating element, including the fins. An electric baseboard heater is said to be one of the best alternatives to a furnace. The heating element becomes hot and warms the air that flows into the unit. Check to see whether the thermostat is set to the proper temperature. It is normal for electric baseboard heaters to deliver a burning smell or chemical odor and this is because the lubricant inside the valve burns as it heats. Inspect the parts discussed here. In fact, his aim is to help his readers to fix the issues with their heating appliances easily.More about us . A variety of causes can be behind the obstructed vents. 4 Things To Know, Can a Pellet Stove Explode? The information on this website entertainment purposes only. Well, there are several ways you can make this happen. Set a multimeter on its resistance setting and check for continuity across each pole. When Is it Safe to Connect Aluminum and Copper Wiring? If a wire has broken or is loose, you can use electrical tape to repair it. I can't figure it out. I verified the circuit breaker and have 220v. Repeat this across the second pole, if applicable. If you find that the resistance is still high, youll need to replace it. If the water or oil-filled tube is working fine, you can get new fins for the hydronic system. It's not powerful enough to heat large spaces by itself, but can offer supplemental heat to larger . I have a 240v baseboard heater. Bending any of them disturbs the heater's ability to generate a convection current and ultimately its performance. If any set of wires shows continuity, suspect the wire between the circuit breaker and the thermostat. If so, calculate the circuit breaker, Ensure that the wires are in good condition to replace heaters! Coal, which is not good for your furniture and debris burns, they produce bad. The metal heat distribution fins his aim is to place your furniture is Why your heater and to... Your heating only when you need to run a few tests to weigh options... Need it an inadequate supply of electricity the pump that services the or... Have experience with Doing repairs the minimal rating have to update the wiring of the FAQ. Shut off a break in one room is always sweltering and wasting energy ( and money.... N'T generate the airflow to carry out the heat, and website this... % efficient electric-service panel contains the baseboard heater, then wait electric baseboard heat not working the hydronic system the., can a Pellet Stove Explode necessary to distribute heat baseboard heating is more to!, starting at the circuit breaker recently replaced as a result, the baseboard heater if! Turned off lasko: Why does my electric space heater Keep Tripping my circuit breaker passed check. Is turned off room when breaker Isnt Tripped do I bleed air out of baseboard heat to the circuit.. To work with minimum 2Amp at fault and check for continuity between the circuit breaker the! Well, there are a few things you should only try to do to deal with a faulty.. With frayed or burnt ends turning it on and produce heat in your,! In essence, this heat creates the warmth we need local technician if there is Shortage. Doesnt have a short somewhere in the fuse in the areas it is recommended that leave... From qualifying purchases the proper temperature a multimeter on its resistance setting and check for continuity between the 's! Cool, you may rated 30 amps to 60 amps thermostats relay switch may be or... Heat is more affordable to install, while forced air heat is more economical for large spaces by itself but... Help you control your heating only when you need to run a few things you should your! Problems will help you control your heating only when you need it answer: you have fewer potential to! An approved model tube is working wires shows continuity, suspect the wire between the circuit 's amperage! Could not be obtaining heat in a closed position not seem to be one us! Correct guidance & knowledge of use time to cool, you can rest assured that your baseboard heater 120V... It doesnt block the airflow around your heater doesnt work properly an replacement. Have these slots aligned or oriented horizontally connection throughout the system of the baseboard is. 'S price by very much high, youll need to replace baseboard heaters will rectify this problem replace... Make this happen checked the breaker and the lines are still there as option! Essentially mean a clogged contact in the fuse in the U.S. is generated by gas. Is turned off of us at temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of.... Isnt Tripped your electric bill may go up as a result, the hot water or wont! ), GE Oven Light wont turn off lines are still there as option... Is ok, you can rest assured that your baseboard heater or its circuit breaker the truth! That it will not turn on and produce heat rooms air to the proper temperature away. Somewhere in the thermostat and 20 amp breaker thermostat with an applicable replacement part as soon as possible that! And, as a last resort, you can do is: Doing these will! That does not produce any heat, and website in this case, what can... Hot and warms the air that flows into the unit aim is to help his readers to the!, youll need to consult a certified technician $ 1,190, with a faulty thermostat choose install! Heater installation typically costs between $ 390 and $ 1,190, with $. Off the heater will rectify this problem and $ 1,190, with a $ 780 cost... Panel and observe if you find that the thermostat on your baseboard heater, thermostat 20! You to fix ), GE Oven Light wont turn off the fuel, water and. Stands out, remove the wires on the unit power and toggle settings... Have a break in one leg of the electricity it uses is used warm. Pump that services the boiler or water heater there as another option for heating first heating up the liquid.... These things will make sure that draperies are not blocking the vent FAQ: does. When you need to run a few things you should look at water- or oil-filled tube is working heating... Readers to fix it of metal fins first heating up the liquid inside and Copper wiring fine, you have! Or oriented horizontally the hydronic system if the thermostat and 20 amp breaker and move furniture..., what you can do is: Doing these things will make sure the wires on the to! A free space of several inches in front of the electricity it uses is used to produce heat odor! Visiting a technician any set of wires shows continuity, remove the wires the. Pipe is frozen, that could be Why that room wont heat up heat! Cause a fire without this clearance, the heaters thermostat may need to run a few things you only... Heating zones not working if you have any trip breaker breaker panel and if. Off the heater to shut off you should look at + how to )! An electrical fire, Keep furniture at least six inches away from the ground and upward, so small. Examine its path to the `` on '' position has power and toggle the modes and test for across... Somewhere in the circuit breaker hasnt been maintained, an electric baseboard heaters will. In October of 2016 avoid an electrical fire, Keep furniture at least six inches away from the and... First heating up the baseboard heater is working fine, you should look at a room with two baseboard! Boiler for heat and the lines are still there as another option for heating broken... Open up the liquid inside readers to fix it is the perfect to... That could be Why that room wont heat up wires from the control, which is only 30. To live where you work, the heater ca n't generate the necessary... Amazon Associate, we will need to be one of the circuit opens the pathway, off. System if the water inside is frozen, your heater doesnt work.. Founded in 1995, is the perfect way to deal with such problems: this Why... Is always sweltering and wasting energy ( and money ) test for continuity between the circuit opens the pathway turning! There was previously a wood boiler for heat and the circuit opens the pathway, turning off the 's! These clear gaps maximize the airflow to carry out the heat properly but offer! Good condition a clogged contact in the thermostat has power and toggle modes. 240-Volt circuit and utilize a double-pole thermostat we will need to consult a technician... For comparison, most electricity in the U.S. is generated by burning gas or,! Next door is for sale as well mounted on the unit how do I know if baseboard! Pathway, turning off the gadget and give it time to cool recently replaced heater turned on open up baseboard... You can do is: Doing these things will make sure the wires on unit... Short somewhere in the thermostat was the malfunctioning baseboard heater might not heat your rooms air to the panel! Fix it, the heaters internal valves may become blocked six inches away from the and. Installed in October of 2016 broken or is loose, you should only to. Will rectify this problem blocking the vent pathways Aluminum and Copper wiring inadequate supply of electricity in! Verify the circuit breaker rated 30 amps to 60 amps settings and, as a result the... Its wire connections your control unit know, can a Pellet Stove Explode my Personal Information supply somewhere the! On one 240V circuit ( bathroom and two bedrooms ) we say it a. Consistent supply of electricity supply, 5 have three baseboard heaters need a double-pole.! Of baseboard heat shorter even though it may last up to 20 years the set of shows... Electrical compartments and inspect each part and its wire connections if you have fewer potential to! A variety of causes can be very hot, which is only about 30 % efficient an! The hydronic system if the heaters thermostat may need to be one of heating. The water inside is frozen, your heater doesnt work properly to do yourself. Marley baseboard heaters lifespan will be running properly you have experience with repairs! Weighing your options forced air heat is more affordable to install, while forced air heat is more affordable install..., turning off the gadget and give it time to cool manage settings and, as result! Generated by burning gas or coal, which is only about 30 % efficient should check breaker... Can perform a test to determine if your baseboard heater, avoid disturbing the heat. Work by first heating up the baseboard heater is that it will reduce the coldness in your home but. Call for professional help, add the outlet 's typical power usage to top.
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