As we continue to progress through the winter months, the cold temperatures don’t get any easier to bear. This is why it’s so important to have working heat. If your electric heater has suddenly stopped working, there’s no need to panic. There are a few different reasons why it may not be operating properly, and thankfully, most of the time it’s easy to fix. If your electric heater isn’t working in your house, trust these solutions from SBPHA/C.
Causes
The first thing you need to do if your electric heating stopped working is to determine the cause. Once you determine the cause, you’ll be better equipped with finding the right solution. There are a few things that can be causing problems with your heater, including the power source or a blown fuse. The power cord used should also be considered, as it may have been ruined or stopped working, along with the outlet you have it plugged in to as well. If that doesn’t seem to be the case, another cause could be the safety shutoff, which triggers if the heater becomes too hot. If that still isn’t the problem, always make sure to double check the thermostat. Sometimes it could be stuck, has gone loose or may have become faulty. Lastly, it could be the heating element, the piece of equipment that actually heats up within the compartment. Whatever it may be, it is important to know what is giving you and your heater problems so you can work towards finding the best solution.
Solutions
Now that you have identified the cause of your unfortunate lack of heat, let’s take a look at how to fix it.
- Power: If your power source doesn’t seem to be working, you may have blown a fuse, have a faulty outlet or a broken power cable. Do some tests with other electrical devices to better determine where the problem is, and move forward from there. Maybe all you need to do is reset the fuse or circuit breaker, or buy a new power cable. If it’s the outlet or your home’s power in general, you may need some more professional repairs.
- Safety Shutoff: If your heater is at risk of overheating, the safety shutoff will activate. In this case, switch the heater to the off position and unplug it. Wait 10-15 minutes to plug it back in, and switch it back on.
- Thermostat: Sometimes your thermostat might just be set on too low of a setting. Make sure it’s turned up to your preferred heat, and see if the heater kicks on. If it still isn’t working, the dial may have gotten stuck or become faulty, and sometimes it may be something with the wiring as well. In this case, make sure to contact a professional to get it repaired or replaced.
- Heating Element: The heating element is the resistor that heats up as electric current runs through it. Sometimes its resistance has dwindled, meaning it won’t hold the current or heat up as it’s supposed to. If this is the case, it’s time to get a new heating element. Make sure to get the exact same size, make and model to ensure that everything fits properly.
Trust SBPHA/C With the Solution
If you’ve tried all these tactics and nothing still seems to be working, call Solution Based Plumbing, Heating and A/C. We SBPHA/C have experienced, knowledgeable technicians that know exactly what to look for and how to fix it. Whether it’s your heating, or something else like plumbing or A/C, we have the solutions. Plus, with 24/7 emergency response, friendly staff and guaranteed top quality service, there’s no reason not to trust us with the job! If you’re experiencing problems with your heating unit, contact us today for a consultation, and don’t let the cold weather hinder your home life!