Why Your Space Heater Keeps Shutting Off
If you are wondering why your space heater keeps shutting off, you have come to the right place. This article provides you with information on a few different issues that could be causing it to do so.
Overconsumption of electric current
If you are looking for an affordable way to keep warm in the winter months, consider purchasing an electric space heater. These units are easy to install and will keep your room warm and cozy. However, they can also impact the power supply in your home. The most common reason for the malfunction is when your space heater uses too much current. To prevent this, make sure you plug your heater into a circuit that has no other electrical demands. This will minimize the chance of an overheated circuit and a blown fuse.
Using a space heater in combination with other electrical appliances may also cause an overload. In this case, you will want to plug your heating device into a circuit with a lower ampere rating. By doing this, you will ensure that you are not tripping your circuit breaker.
If you are not an electrical expert, you might need to call a professional to assess the situation. An electrician will be able to find the source of your power problems and fix it. Alternatively, you can try testing your heater at a friend’s house.
Overheat limit sensor
There are many reasons your space heater may keep shutting off. You may have a dirty air filter, a faulty pilot light, or a caked sensor rod. Regardless of the cause, a little maintenance can go a long way to keeping your home warm and your family safe.
The best way to keep your heater operating at its peak performance is to ensure that it is regularly cleaned. Dusty air filters can restrict the airflow, leading to overheating. It is also a good idea to change the filter every three months.
Other common causes of overheating are a faulty limit switch or a faulty blower motor. These can both be repaired and can save you a lot of money. If you aren’t comfortable doing any of these jobs yourself, consider having an electrician take a look. A qualified technician will be able to determine the source of your trouble and recommend a course of action.
In addition to regular maintenance, you may want to consider changing the flame sensor on your heater. Flame sensors can last for years, but they can wear out if they aren’t kept clean.
Incompatible voltage and wattage
There are many reasons why your space heater might shut off, but the most common is an incompatible voltage and wattage. If this happens to you, the first thing to do is to check the electrical socket for damage. You also need to check the power cord. Moreover, you should seek professional help if you are not comfortable doing the work yourself.
Most space heaters shut off due to an electronic fault in their circuitry. Then, you need to test it by plugging it into another wall outlet. This will let you know whether the problem is with the electrical socket or with the wattage and voltage of your space heater. Lastly, you might want to look for a replacement.
Generally, an electric space heater needs a minimum of 1.5 kW and an average of 1500 Watts to function properly. However, if your heater draws too much current, it may overheat the circuit and shut off.
You should contact a qualified electrician if you suspect a defective home power supply. An electrician will be able to inspect the home’s electrical circuitry and redistribute the power load.
Wet cleaning an air filter
If you own a space heater, you must keep it maintained. This includes checking the air filter to make sure it is not clogged. Not only does a dirty air filter reduce the flow of air through the heater, but it can also cause it to shut off.
If you notice that your heater is shutting off, the first thing you should do is check the filter. An air filter is a sieve that separates harmful particles from the air in your home. These include mold, pet dander, and pollen.
A dirty air filter can also lead to a leak in your HVAC system. When water builds up, it can spill out, damaging the interior of your home. You should check your air filter at least once a month, especially during the cooling months.
If your filter is dripping, it could be that the drain line is clogged. If so, you may need to call a professional to clean the pipe.