We all know an infrared heater to be a machine and machines always get one or more issues which might seem discomforting and make us want to spend irrationally.

Worry less; things just got more comfortable as I’m going to take us through different situational crisis an infrared space heater can develop and how to troubleshoot them taking note that the way a unit is engineered, constructed and how much it’s being used in coordination with other heat sources affects its overall efficiency.

Below is what you have to start looking for when your heater isn’t working.

1. Burning Smell

This is not uncommon with new infrared space heaters when first used and also depends on whether the air moves past its heating elements or through the unit.

If the lamp doesn’t create much convection, there would be a lack of smell, and if not, the smell should go away with time since it is hot dust.

Dirty heating elements can as well make the filament burn out prematurely which could be dangerous for some infrared space heaters especially when they are not new therefore careful vacuum dirt, dust from the unit while power is off.

If your infrared space heater is having problems, you should not rush to get it repaired just yet. First, take the time to perform a few simple checks to make sure that the problem is actually serious.

Open the service panel and remove the heater control knob. If the unit has a separate thermostat, remove the knob and loosen the knob stem nuts and faceplate mounting screws and remove the group from the wall.

If necessary, remove the unit from the wall and open up the cabinet to access the heating element completely.

Also, when you turn on your heater for the first time each season, you may notice a strange burning smell. This is usually caused by a fine layer of dust that has settled onto the heat exchanger. As the metal heats up, the dust singes or burns off, creating the burnt smell.

If the smell bothers you, you can open the doors or windows to your house and let it vent out for about fifteen minutes. However, it’s important to note that this is not carbon monoxide, which is an odorless gas that can only be detected by a carbon monoxide detector. If your detector goes off, call the fire department immediately.

2. Overheating

The thermostat is solely responsible for this, thereby making it to shut off, produce unbearable heat or not able to heat the environment at all.

The thermostat is an auto safety measure from the manufacturer. Still, it can be corrected by adjusting the thermostat to the highest position as the case may be, and you can be sure of no harm by doing this then wait for the area around the infrared heater to reach the desired comfort level and then slowly turn the temperature knob back until the infrared space heater shuts off.

For one-touch electronic thermostat, the pressing the mode button it can be adjusted to the desired temperature as they are more accurate than the analogue type.

You may sometimes have to check out the user’s manual for additional details when dealing with some specific product type.

Absence of a thermostat control is not recommended and could cost you more money. Avoid the use of an extension cord with infrared space heaters as it could be a significant fire hazard.

3. Warm Cord And Circuit Breaker

In most situations, a warm cord does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the heater. It might just be due to the old or worn-out outlet.

If there is a loose connection between the plug and the socket that will cause resistance and also lead heat build-up, the outlet should then be replaced.

Tripping of the circuit breaker can occur when there is an overload on the outlet and other heavy appliances. All you need to do is to reset the circuit breaker.

If the fuse is blown or popped, replace with an appropriate fuse. You may also have to divert other appliances the faults to other outlets if after circuit repair it keeps tripping off.

4. When Infrared Space Heater Will Not Turn On?

Different factors could be responsible for this fault but for an electric infrared heater, try to ensure that the unit is plugged in and that the cord is free of damage.

If the unit has a thermostat, check that the thermostat is not set too low.

Check that the electrical socket is working properly by plugging in a known working appliance and check that the circuit breaker or fuse box is working.

How to fix a infrared 1500w space heater ?

For some other heaters that are powered by natural gas or propane gas.

This consequentially means that the gas tanks must be present and filled with the valve open. Ensure there are no leaks by checking for bubbles when using a spray bottle filled with soapy water to spray the pipeline.

Fix the leaks. Make sure you hear the gas coming through the heater before you try to ignite it.

If it still doesn’t work, disconnect your tubes and blow air through, if they are clogged, the sky is likely to clear them out and allow them to function correctly.

5. When Infrared Heater Will Turn On But Still Not Work

If after checking out all of the power systems and connection and they are in perfect condition, but your heater is still not working, there are other possible areas to worry about.

Start with the grill of the heater. Make sure it is free of debris, even dust as it can build up and cause problems over time. Carefully use your vacuum cleaner to clear out the front and rear grills if you think it is necessary.

Then allow your heater to run for some time, check the fans. If they are not turning or turning slowly, you may need to shut the heater down entirely and clean them as well.

Also, changing the heater’s filters may help if you are not getting airflow or heat from your heater.

6. When Infrared Space Heater Turns On And Off?

Blocked airflow to the unit may be responsible for this. Also if there is a faulty thermostat or control switch, a similar thing would occur therefore remove all obstructions to heater such as furniture, drapes, plants and so on and if there is no obstruction replace the switch.

7. When Heater Will Not Turn Off

The unit is probably undersized for the room, or the apartment is poorly insulated, allowing heat loss which exceeds the unit’s ability to heat the space.

Insulate the walls if they are exterior and stop excessive air infiltration into the room by weather-stripping doors and windows.

An additional heater may also help to combat the issue is space is beyond the capacity of the heater you have.

8. When There Is Insufficient Heat Circulation

Infrared space heaters, for instance, work best when they are in direct view and much harder for the radiation to reach you when the element can’t be seen.

To combat this some infrared heater use fans to help dissipate the heat they radiate other heaters likewise too and usually make use of electricity to operate.

Infrared space heater troubleshooting guide.

Check for the activity of the fan, whether slow or not if slow turn-off and clean the fans as described. Those without fans or with faulty fans can make use of external fans to help circulate the heat or repair the fans.

9. When Only Cold Air Is Coming Out Of The Heater

Here are some common reasons why a heater may blow fresh air:

  • Some infrared space heaters have a fan only setting which will enable the user to use the radiator as a fan. If your model has that feature, check to see if the heater is on the fan only setting.
  • If the heater is on one of the heat settings, rather than the fan only setting, then it may have overheated and shut off power to the radiator. Follow the reset instructions found on the heater or in the owner’s manual.
  • With some digital thermostats, the fan will run for 30 seconds without heat once the set temperature is reached. This is to blow out excess heat and ensure an accurate and consistent temperature reading.

10. When Doesn’t The Electric Heater Fan Work?

This may be an indication of wiring not connected to the fan motor, fan blades been obstructed, bad switch, or broken fan motor.

Remove the cover, check for obstruction and lose wiring to the fan.

Check for current at the motor with a volt-ohm meter. If the engine is getting current, replace the motor.

11. When The Electric Fan Works But There Is Still No Heat?

It could be due to a defective heating element or disconnected wiring connected to the unit. Please make sure power is turned off to the electric heater at the service panel before making these repair.

Then remove the heater control knob and if the unit has a separate thermostat, remove the thermostat knob.

If they are fixed to the wall, loosen the knob stem nut and faceplate mounting screws and remove the unit from the wall.

Check for wiring connections and tighten any loose or disconnected connections.

12. When There Is A Red Glow In The Heater Only Visible In The Dark

Some infrared space heaters always come with elements that glow red. If your heater has a feature that should not glow red, then it is possible that the light emitted from the power light causes the red glow seen.

13. When The Heater Is Making The Sound

Some models of heaters will make certain sounds, which are normal. For example, Radiant, Parabolic, Quartz, and Baseboard heaters will have a crackling or vibrating sound coming from them when they are first turned on.

This is caused by the heating elements expanding as they heat up, which is normal.

If you feel the heat on all the heat settings, then the heater is working correctly as an element would both temperature up and produce heat or not work at all.

There are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue:

  1. Check for loose parts: Make sure all parts of the heater are securely fastened and not vibrating or rattling.
  2. Clean the fan: A dirty or clogged fan can cause the heater to make noise. Clean the fan blades and the surrounding area.
  3. Check the motor: The motor may be causing the noise. Check if it needs lubrication or if it needs replacement.
  4. Check the heater’s positioning: The heater may be vibrating against a wall or another object, causing noise. Reposition the heater.
  5. Check the heater’s manual: Consult the manual for troubleshooting tips and maintenance requirements specific to the heater.
  6. Contact the manufacturer or a professional technician: If the noise persists or if you are unsure how to fix the issue, contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for assistance.

How to Reset An Infrared Heater?

  1. Turn off the heater and unplug it from the power source.
  2. Check the air vents for any blockages.
  3. Wait for the heater to cool down completely (10-15 minutes).
  4. Locate the reset button on the heater.
  5. Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds until you hear a click.
  6. If the heater still doesn’t work, turn off the power and unplug it from the wall socket for 5 minutes.
  7. After waiting for 5 minutes, plug the heater back in.
  8. Turn the heater back on to see if it starts working again.
  9. If the heater still doesn’t work, consult the manufacturer’s manual or contact their customer service for further assistance.

How to troubleshoot a ceramic quartz infrared heater?

Troubleshooting a ceramic quartz infrared heater involves identifying potential issues and taking appropriate steps to resolve them. Here are some common issues and solutions:

Heater Does Not Turn On:

  • Check the Power Source: Ensure the heater is plugged into a working electrical outlet, and there are no issues with the circuit breaker or fuses.
  • Check the Power Switch: Make sure the heater is switched on and set to the desired temperature.
  • Check Safety Features: Many heaters have safety switches or tip-over protection, so make sure the heater is on a level surface and the safety features are engaged correctly.

Heater Turns On But Does Not Produce Heat:

  • Check the Thermostat Setting: Ensure the thermostat is set to a temperature higher than the current room temperature.
  • Inspect the Heating Elements: Look for any visible signs of damage or wear, and replace the elements if necessary.
  • Check the Wiring and Connections: Inspect the heater’s internal wiring for any loose or damaged connections, and replace or repair if needed.

Heater Produces Insufficient Heat:

  • Clean the Heater: Dust and debris can accumulate on the heating elements and reduce their efficiency. Turn off the heater, unplug it, and carefully clean the elements using a soft brush or cloth.
  • Check the Room Size: Infrared heaters are designed for specific room sizes, so ensure the heater is suitable for the space you are trying to heat.
  • Ensure Proper Placement: For optimal performance, place the heater in an open area, away from walls or furniture that may obstruct the heat distribution.

Heater Cycles On and Off Frequently:

  • Adjust the Thermostat: Set the thermostat to a more consistent temperature to prevent the heater from cycling on and off too often.
  • Check for Drafts: Ensure windows and doors are closed to minimize heat loss, which may cause the heater to work harder and cycle more frequently.
  • Inspect the Thermostat Sensor: Make sure the sensor is not obstructed by dust or debris, and clean it if necessary.

Unusual Noises or Smells:

  • Inspect the Heater for Damage: Any strange noises or smells could indicate a damaged or malfunctioning component. If you find any issues, unplug the heater and contact a professional for repair.
  • Check for Debris: Make sure there is no debris inside the heater that could be causing the noise or smell.

Overheating:

  • Unplug the Heater Immediately: If the heater becomes too hot to touch or smells like it’s burning, unplug it right away and let it cool down.
  • Check for Blockages: Inspect the heater for any obstructions that may be preventing proper air circulation, and remove them if necessary.
  • Contact a Professional: If the heater continues to overheat after addressing these issues, it’s best to consult a professional for repair.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when using and maintaining your heater. If you are unsure about a particular issue, it’s best to consult a professional for assistance.

 

Additional Tips

  • It’s important to ensure that the heater’s front grill is clean, as accumulated dust can trigger problems over time.
  • To clean the grill, use a ball of fine steel wool, ensuring that it’s kept cleaned regularly to maintain a free flow of air.
  • If the fans are dirty, they should be cleaned to improve efficiency. However, it’s worth noting that sometimes the fans don’t turn on immediately and require some time to warm up and start.
  • Don’t forget to check the air filters and rear vent, preferably with a vacuum cleaner, to ensure that they’re free of dust and debris. Regular maintenance of these components can help ensure the heater operates efficiently and safely over the long term.