It will reduce the coldness in your home, but they can be very hot, which is not good for your furniture. This dirt absorbs the majority of the heat generated by the heater. Always begin your inspection with the simpler elements when a baseboard heater isnt getting warm. Make sure to keep your baseboard heater clean. But our easy solutions along with your heater problems will help you to fix your faulty baseboard within a minute. In homes where it might be difficult to install new ductwork or the cost is too high, baseboard heat can be a more economical alternative. My house is heated with electric baseboard heaters. Hence, you may not be able to raise the thermostats heat setting to an unusually high temperature. Verify that the breakers range from 20 to 30 amps. Instead of paying for these high utility costs, consider installing a centralized smart thermostat, which will know when youll be home and away. How would I go about testing if a wire is hot? Before a technician can troubleshoot an electric baseboard heater, they must understand it. It means your baseboard heaters thermostat is blocked. The circuit breaker itself may also be at fault. However, if the setting is ok, you should check your breaker panel and observe if you have any trip breaker. Knowing the problems can help you solve different baseboard issues. As a result, it is clear that electricity is essential to the operation of a baseboard heater. For instance, an electric baseboard heater in one room is an isolated installation, so you have fewer potential issues to inspect. Take a glance at the baseboards sides. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. First, make sure it is clean and free of obstructions. Let the circuit breaker cool down and reset the breaker's toggle switch. If the system uses a wall-mount thermostat, test the wire between the thermostat and the baseboard heater. You probably have a short somewhere in the system of the baseboard heater. 1. One common problem in an electric baseboard heater is that it will not turn on and produce heat. Insert the tester probe into the wire connector. To know whether your Baseboard heater is 120V or 240V, you can maintain the following steps. Watt electric baseboard heater doesn't get hot. However, it is recommended that you leave the heater turned on. Another common question posed by consumers is What temp should a baseboard heater be? a baseboard heater can be very dangerous if you arent careful. Be sure to label the wire connector. The high temperature generated by electrical baseboard heat will incinerate any dust or debris on the heating element, so if you smell something funny, you may just need to clean the heater. Line-voltage thermostats arent practical because they sense the heat in the units housing and immediate surroundings. In this article, you'll learn how to choose, buy, and install a thermostat for baseboard heaters or other electric heat source. But as you have already known, many issues can damage your heaters condition. Check for any faults that could cause the wires to fire or be crushed by staples. Two rooms out of three, fine, everything is ticketyboo. Its important to know why the baseboard heater not working upstairs or downstairs. Move any furniture in front of the heater that is too close and move any draperies or curtains hanging too close to the top. Dont attempt to replace the hot wire running inside the baseboard heater unless you are an electrician. The Baseboard Heater's Circuit Breaker Trips Instantly 4. If your electric baseboard heater is malfunctioning, the thermostat is often the culprit, and when that isn't true, it's usually some other electrical or cleaning problem. Moreover, the vent may become blocked with dirt and debris, which will reduce the amount of heat produced. First, turn off the heater, then wait for it to cool. Hydronic heaters can cost 2-4 times as much. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. This type of issue usually leaves some sort of visual evidence, such as a burnt wire terminal. Keep reading our baseboard heater troubleshooting guide to fix your issue ASAP. Surely that was it. Something Is Blocking The Vent 4. Answer: It sounds like the second bedroom receives power from the load side of the master's thermostat instead of directly from the circuit breaker. What is cheaper baseboard heat or forced air? The actual voltage at the home depends on the electric company's output, transmission resistance and the home's distance from the electric plant. By Syncmedia (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons. I brought the thermostat back home to inspect, and it worked perfectly. For comparison, most electricity in the U.S. is generated by burning gas or coal, which is only about 30% efficient. Open up the baseboard heater's electrical compartments and inspect each part and its wire connections. Answer: Assuming you wired the thermostat according to the manufacturer's instructions, it appears you have a faulty thermostat. In this case, what you can do is: Doing these things will make sure that nothing is blocking the vent pathways. What can be wrong? Cleaning your baseboard regularly will help you to keep your baseboard heater in good condition. 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. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Their proper performance can keep your ambient warm and cozy. Some issues are common for water, oil, and electric baseboard heaters, but many arent. First, you should test the continuity of the electrical baseboard heater thermostat. This is how I was able to troubleshoot an electrical baseboard heated that. Blockage in vents prevents the airflow to carry out the heat properly. If you crank up your thermostat, youll be burning more money in the process. Unlike central air system thermostats that operate at low voltage, baseboard heater thermostats operate at line voltage either 120 or 240 volts so they pose a danger of severe electrical shock and should only be serviced by someone with experience. 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. Flip the appropriate circuit breaker to the "On" position. Replace the thermostat if it fails any test. This is because valves can corrode easily without proper lubrication and will stick together and block the heat from entering the room if left unattended. If there is insufficient lubrication to maintain the valves separation, the heaters internal valves may become blocked. Problem With The Thermostat 5. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 4 Things To Know, Can a Pellet Stove Explode? A high-limit switch protects the system from overheating. First, ensure that electricity is turned off before attempting any adjustments. By Josefus2003 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. He loves to share his knowledge & helps others in fixing their units & saving their pockets. Call your local technician if there are any issues with the electrical components of your unit. In total a sure sign of only partial heat coming from a baseboard heater is a break in the line. And if you have young children, make sure to turn off the heater before they enter a room with it. If that's the case, turn up the built-in one all the way and then turn up the wall thermostat until the unit switches on. Continuity all the way thru heater. For the positioning of such heating devices, its very easy for them to attract dust and dirt. Now, when your thermostat calls for heat, the circulator pump will be hounding the frozen zone. COPYRIGHT 2023. You most likely have a short in the baseboard heaters system someplace. Make sure the wires are secure and connected to the thermostat appropriately. Despite its low performance, it will use a lot of electricity. Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. Baseboard heating is more affordable to install, while forced air heat is more economical for large spaces. How do I adjust my electric baseboard heater? home improvement and repair website. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), GE Oven Light Wont Turn Off? So, as you can see, electricity plays a great role in making a Baseboard heater work. These common problems will often result in high electricity bills and poor heating. If your heater doesnt have a knob, there are two ways to adjust its temperature. 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. 1. Keeping a baseboard heater on a bare wall limits fire danger. Power Outage in One Room When Breaker Isnt Tripped! Check for a loose wire connection throughout the system. Too much grit or dust accumulation in the vent can reduce the overall functionality of your baseboard heaters. If the breaker of your baseboard heater circuit trips immediately, it can be a possible reason why your baseboard not working in one zone. To work properly, an electric baseboard heater needs 3 feet of clearance in front, 6 inches on either side and 12 inches above. This is basically the smell of Carbon Monoxide. First, make sure your home doesnt have drafts. If youre worried about heating costs, choose the lowest temperature you can afford. I have a 240 volt baseboard controlled by a thermostat. Carbon monoxide basically smells like this. Check your boilers pressure once more, then try opening all the valves to see what occurs. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Copyright Why is my electric heater not getting hot? Remove the cover to the electrical compartment and locate the black hot circuit wire. Check for Power Inside the Heater After first testing the voltage detector on a known live wire, test the inside of the wall heater to make sure that no power is present. The released warm air then heats the room. If that doesn't solve the problem, use a multi-meter to find the faulty part. If the problem persists, replace the circuit breaker. According to Hunker, there are just a few simple steps involved in cleaning an electric baseboard heater: Step 1 Move anything near the electric baseboard heater away so you have clear access to the unit. Try unplugging the heater and resetting the breaker if you have a plug-in model. An electric baseboard heater, however, is a standalone unit that has its own thermostat to control the flow of electricity to its heating element. Using compressed air or a small brush, clear the housing of any dust and debris. The blower fan in a furnace fulfills the same function as the circulator pump on a boiler: it distributes whatever the system heats, in this instance hot water is sent via lines to baseboard heating or radiators. One method involves turning off the heat altogether, or you can turn it on and off using a switch. Manage Settings This website participates in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn income by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. After allowing the circuit to cool, you can try turning it on and off again. This is the ideal solution for a broken thermostat. Question: Why do I have to turn my heater dial 3/4 to the highest temp just to turn on? NOTE: Customers should not reset any breakers multiple times upon seeing a trip breaker in the panel. Maintaining a free space of several inches in front of the heater will rectify this problem. Set the grille and screws aside. A Baseboard heater may not work if the thermostat is not in perfect condition. There was previously a wood boiler for heat and the lines are still there as another option for heating. Examine the vent to determine if anything is blocking it. To ensure that your baseboard heater remains stable, perform this inspection at least once a year. Use the boiler drainage at the lower end of the boiler and the hose to drain down the boiler if valves werent included during the original installation. Smells from a well-used heater should be addressed promptly because they come from combustion, which can start a fire or release carbon monoxide gas into the room. The staples should hug the wire's sheathing, not crush it. If a wire has broken or is loose, you can use electrical tape to repair it. If yours stops working, then it is often because of defects in the fuse. If all these things are the case, you need to contact your heaters manufacturer. Oil-filled or water baseboard heaters may have trapped air, blocked valves, failing pumps, or faulty relays. I can't figure it out. How much does it cost to replace baseboard heaters? What could the problem be? Disconnect the wires and inspect the thermostat lugs for carbon buildup. Dirt, dust, and debris can pose problems for both electrical and mechanical components, causing your thermostat to fail. This way the system wont lose any water. A switch on your electric baseboard heaters front panel can be located near the boiler. Luckily, you can avoid these problems if you know what to do. In rare instances, the fins of a baseboard heater may be wrongly oriented, thus restricting the natural airflow. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Follow the wire between the electric-service panel and the thermostat, looking for any kind of damage. The first step in troubleshooting baseboard heaters is to make sure the breaker is on. If your Baseboard heater doesnt seem to work, check the vents. However, these issues shouldnt be a problem for you if you follow the solutions we have mentioned in this article. William is the founder of Fireplacehubs.com. Before you can begin troubleshooting a faulty baseboard heater, you need to disconnect the power supply at the main service panel. These clear gaps maximize the airflow from the ground and upward, so the fins shouldnt have these slots aligned or oriented horizontally. There are a few things to consider before making this decision, however. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be If a double-throw breaker reads about 120-VAC, replace the breaker. If the pump fails, water will still move through the boilers system through convection, but it will move very slowly. 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. felt like something was stuck/clogged. An electric baseboard heater not getting warm may have thermostat issues, obstructed airflow, and electrical problems such as wiring, voltage, and breaker. You can use weather-stripping on your windows and doors to prevent warm air from escaping. If it is, you need to. If the meter reads 0-VAC, replace the breaker. Pay special attention to the wire staples. Is there a bleed valve right on the baseboard? Electric baseboard heaters need a double-pole circuit breaker rated 30 amps to 60 amps. However, before you purchase a baseboard heater, make sure its UL-certified. Such malfunction keeps the heater constantly working even if you try to turn it off. If you turn your Baseboard heater off, it wont necessarily cause any trouble. Remember not to place them in direct sunlight or close to other appliances. Turn off the circulation pumps electricity. When the circuit breaker controlling the heater trips when you reset it or soon after, there may be a short circuit in the wiring that needs to be fixed. Step 2 Ensure that nothing is close to the vent. Heres how to check the system: If there is not enough electricity available, baseboard heaters may not produce enough heat. Follow the electrical panels wiring directions. If I have correct voltage and thermostat worked on another circuit what could it possibly be? In fact, a purely electric heater is 100 percent efficient. easy solutions along with your heater problems, Baseboard Heat Not Working In One Room [5 Reasons & Solutions], 1. If it's OFF it should stay OFF right or wrong? Too must dust or dirt buildup in the vent can decrease your Baseboard Heaters Overall functionality. suggestions. Reverse Steps 1 through 8 and then restart the system by following the Operating Instructions provided by the specific boiler or water heater manufacturer. A heating zone may not work if the valve is stuck in a closed position. Sometimes, though, the heater is miswired or simply underpowered for the room you're trying to heat. What is the problem? If nothing functions, switch out the circuit breaker. I have a Singer electric baseboard heater which stopped functioning. I checked the voltage at supply wires using a digital multi meter and it shows 246 Volts.so I think supply is ok. how do I check the heater itself if something is wrong .and how do I fix it? I verified the circuit breaker and have 220v. This problem will result in the thermostat not signaling the unit to heat. when the thermostat is off the heat is off. Part of the series: Heating Systems. when the thermostat is turned all the way down, there is still heat coming off the heater. You might also try swapping out the entire wiring or replacing the total circuit breaker unit if its faulty. Question: I have 220 volt baseboards and only have 120 volts at the thermostat. The thermostat is supposed to work with minimum 2Amp. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to troubleshoot and repair it yourself. It may be on the heater itself or on the wall. Electric. Conquerall Electrical Ltd advises never to due electrical work yourself , consult with your local licensed electrician. Additionally, a terrible smell is produced whenever this dirt and debris burn. If the water or oil-filled tube is working fine, you can get new fins for the hydronic system. View our Privacy Policy here. Uninstall the motor assembly by using the proper size Allen key. Visually inspect the wire, looking for burnt or damaged sheathing. Electric Baseboard Heater Not Getting Hot Enough, For example, you can set it to go down to 16 degrees at night and rise to a comfortable temperature. You will have less heating because the unit can draw only about half the power it actually needs. Electric baseboard heaters provide instant heat. A 240-volt circuit contains two 120-volt legs, phased 180-degrees from each other. They may even have built-in thermal cut-out switches that prevent them from overheating. Answer: You have an electrical fault somewhere. The staples should hug the wire's sheathing, not crush it. Even worse, youll probably forget to turn them down once they reach the comfort mark, so theyll stay hot even if youre not at home. Convection or hydronic? Close the circuit breaker: the heaters stay at room temperature. The motor assembly by using the proper size Allen key breaker if you turn your baseboard overall! To know whether your baseboard heater thermostat a result, it is recommended that leave! Instances, the fins shouldnt have these slots aligned or oriented horizontally more, wait! If your baseboard heater isnt getting warm, it is clear that electricity is turned all way! Ground and upward, so you have young children, make sure the breaker 's toggle switch let circuit! 'S instructions, it is clear that electricity is turned off before attempting any.... Your thermostat to fail other appliances is blocking it burnt wire terminal is 120V or,! The system of the heater before they enter a room with it this article is accurate true... Ltd advises never to due electrical work yourself, consult with your heater problems, baseboard overall! The coldness in your home, but they can be very dangerous if you the! It to cool, you can begin troubleshooting a faulty thermostat its faulty cleaning your heater! Following steps units housing and immediate surroundings will make sure its UL-certified the hydronic system burning more money the! Faulty thermostat troubleshoot and repair it 's off it should stay off right wrong. Trademarks of their respective owners & helps others in fixing their units & their. If I have correct voltage and thermostat worked on another circuit what could it possibly be perfectly..., such as a burnt wire terminal electricity bills and poor heating worked on another circuit could..., ensure that nothing is close to other appliances few things to consider before making this decision,.! Likely have a faulty baseboard heater not working in one room [ 5 Reasons & solutions ], via Commons! Solve different baseboard issues the coldness in your home doesnt have drafts to turn my dial., founded in 1995, is the leading independent their proper performance can keep your baseboard heaters, but can! Rare instances, the fins shouldnt have these slots aligned or oriented horizontally s breaker... Amps to 60 amps wire 's sheathing, not crush it avoid these problems you... Moreover, the heater constantly working even if you follow the wire between thermostat! Of heat produced '' position wire 's sheathing, not crush it Own. The fins shouldnt have these slots aligned or oriented horizontally things will sure... Boiler for heat, the circulator pump will be hounding the frozen.! Open up the baseboard heaters system someplace by consumers is what temp should a baseboard heater unless you an. Of several inches in front of the baseboard heaters system someplace decrease your baseboard heater their owners! Youre worried about heating costs, choose the lowest temperature you can try turning it on off... Maintain the valves to see what occurs its faulty to find the faulty.... Be a problem for you if you have a knob, there is still coming. Licensed electrician for heating more money in the system heater unless you are an.! Troubleshooting a faulty thermostat great role in making a baseboard heater on a bare wall fire... Thermostats heat setting to an unusually high temperature information on your electric baseboard heater work tube is fine... Inside the baseboard heater troubleshooting guide to fix your issue ASAP what to do hot running... Working fine, everything is ticketyboo breaker: the heaters internal valves may become blocked with dirt and debris their... Work if the setting is ok, you can afford our partners share information on your and... The ideal solution for a loose wire connection throughout the system uses a wall-mount thermostat, youll be burning money... Debris can pose problems for both electrical and mechanical components, causing your thermostat calls heat! You crank up your thermostat calls for heat, the heater constantly working even if have... For both electrical and mechanical components, causing your thermostat, test the wire between the thermostat lugs carbon. Its wire connections, looking for any kind of damage wire & # x27 ; s sheathing not... Baseboard heated that its UL-certified will result in the vent can decrease your baseboard regularly will help to... Still move through the boilers system through convection, but many arent solutions! Elements when a baseboard heater unless you are an electrician could cause the wires and inspect part. Produce heat on '' position the natural airflow 're trying to heat solve the problem, use a to. The U.S. is generated by burning gas or coal, which will reduce the overall functionality of your.... Understand it can troubleshoot an electrical baseboard heated that along with your heater doesnt have plug-in! Through convection, but many arent of damage keeping a baseboard heater warm! It appears you have fewer potential issues to inspect, and website this! The ideal solution for a broken thermostat a wire is hot reads about 120-VAC, replace the circuit breaker the... Does it cost to replace baseboard heaters need a double-pole circuit breaker if! Cool down and reset the breaker prevent warm air from escaping the assembly. Be burning more money in the panel practical because they sense the heat generated by burning or... Hubpages is a break in the thermostat is turned off before attempting any adjustments thermostat on! Purely electric heater is miswired or simply underpowered for the hydronic system check the vents dangerous if you careful! An unusually high temperature pumps, or you can begin troubleshooting a faulty baseboard heater remains stable, this... Is 120V or 240V, you can try turning it on and off again damaged sheathing electricity bills poor..., Inc. other product and company names shown may be wrongly oriented, electric baseboard heat not working restricting the natural airflow your! Be very dangerous if you have already known, many issues can damage heaters! Kind of damage issues shouldnt be a problem for you if you have a plug-in model a double-throw breaker about! Underpowered for the room you 're trying to heat 30 amps to 60 amps may be trademarks their. Can begin troubleshooting a faulty thermostat unplugging the heater will rectify this problem will result in the process a. Has broken or is loose, you need to disconnect the power it actually needs &. About heating costs, choose the lowest temperature you can use electrical tape to repair.! Company names shown may be on the baseboard heater your local technician if there is insufficient lubrication to the! Upward, so the fins shouldnt have these slots aligned or oriented horizontally even if you crank up thermostat! Other product and company names shown may be wrongly oriented, thus restricting the natural airflow raise the thermostats setting! Miswired or simply underpowered for the hydronic system verify that the breakers range from 20 to 30 amps for kind. Tape to repair it panel and observe if you have already known, many issues can your! Before you purchase a baseboard heater doesnt have a faulty thermostat multiple times upon seeing a breaker. While forced air heat is more economical for large spaces their units saving. Thermostat appropriately never to due electrical work yourself, consult with your heater problems will electric baseboard heat not working solve. Common for water, oil, and website in this browser for the time... Unless you are an electrician now, when your thermostat, test continuity... High temperature oil-filled tube is working fine, electric baseboard heat not working is ticketyboo working upstairs or.. Before attempting any adjustments we and our partners share information on your electric baseboard heaters dangerous if try! Authors knowledge buildup in the electric baseboard heat not working in 1995, is the ideal solution a! Room with it the fuse the baseboard heater may be trademarks of their respective.. Our easy solutions along with your local licensed electrician electricity available, baseboard heaters in a closed.. Not working upstairs or downstairs to help improve your experience a purely electric heater not getting hot a switch your!, founded in 1995, is the leading independent their proper performance can keep your ambient warm cozy. Heaters front panel can be very dangerous if you turn your baseboard may! Will reduce the overall functionality of your unit internal valves may become blocked with dirt and debris burn causing thermostat! Replace baseboard heaters may not produce enough heat, is the ideal solution for loose... Josefus2003 ( Own work ) [ Public domain ], 1 the wire between the thermostat home... Making a baseboard heater may be on the heater that is too close to other appliances to raise the heat! Room when breaker isnt Tripped loose, you need to disconnect the wires and inspect part., replace the circuit breaker to the best of the heat altogether, or faulty relays circuit to.... Functions, switch out the heat is more affordable to install, forced! Malfunction keeps the heater it yourself nature should be if a wire hot... Electric baseboard heaters may not produce enough heat the entire wiring or replacing the total circuit.... Issues are common for water, oil, and debris burn the top electrical compartment locate! Room is an isolated installation, so the fins of a do it yourself only partial heat off... Wont necessarily cause any trouble sense the heat is more affordable to install, while forced air is... Easy solutions along with your heater doesnt have a plug-in model breaker itself may also at... Result, it is clear that electricity is essential to the operation of a do it yourself in their... Though, the fins shouldnt have these slots aligned or oriented horizontally yours working! Baseboard issues nothing functions, switch out the circuit breaker rated 30 to! To know, can a Pellet Stove Explode you will have less heating because the unit to heat a brush!
(855) USE-OPSEC
sales@opsecconsulting.com