The baseboard heater has a separate thermostat in the room where it's located. set the thermostat level to 50 and, set the temperature level very low then the baseboard heater will work properly. Thatll significantly decrease the heat coming from it. Located the emergency shut-off switch near the boiler; turn on the switch, if it is shut off. Common Baseboard Heater Problems and Their Solutions, thermostat and whether its working properly. A malfunctioning thermostat could increase your energy bills. This problem is less likely in electric baseboards, since the units are factory-sealed. Finally, if the problem is with the heating element or the wiring, it may be necessary to call a professional for help. You can test these elements to know the causal problem. If the heating element is damaged, it may need to be replaced. Locate the emergency shut-off switch, usually located at the top of the basement stairs or right outside of the boiler room; turn it on if it is shut off. Most baseboard heaters, be they electric or hot water based, have small vents or louvers that can be opened and closed. Additionally, the thermostat may be faulty. Refer to the manufacturer's spec sheet for detailed instruction on the function of the zone valve. Located the emergency shut-off switch . Here are 5 proven ways to turn off your baseboard heater: 1. Dealing with electrical components can be risky, so call a technician to inspect these parts of your unit. All rights reserved. If it is too hot or too cold, adjust the thermostat accordingly. There are many potential issues that can keep a baseboard heater from turning on. Buy an alarm and connected it with wifi and set your fixed thermostat level 50. If the hot water baseboard heating system is still not working, the trouble is with the boiler. How to check if your baseboard heater is working properly? If you did not see your problem listed here, then you may want to contact a professional to ensure that the wiring and other components are thoroughly tested in your baseboard heater. When the thermostat calls for heat, it tells the zone valve to open, allowing hot water to flow through the pipes. An electric baseboard heater uses electricity to heat a space immediately as opposed to a forced-air system with a furnace. JohannesStrachan 7 yr. ago. Then, get your volt ohmmeter to the volts position after turning it on. And sometimes insurance won't cover it. Finally, check the temperature of the room where the baseboard heater is located. It has been below 32 dergrees for over 36 hours. While it is unlikely, burning debris in a baseboard heater can cause carbon monoxide to be produced, so make sure that youve got a detector nearby if you own a baseboard heater and that the battery is replaced yearly to keep it fresh and new. If the hot water baseboard is still not working, open the manual gate valve located directly above the zone valve -- the zone valve is located close to the boiler. Finally, it is also possible that there is an issue with the boiler itself. Some of them will have an "Off" position and others won't. For those that have the off position marked in, just move the knob to that marking and that'll turn off the heater. If your water heater is making hot water too hot all of a sudden, it's likely the result of the temperature setting being too high, a malfunctioning thermostat, high mineral content, or the pressure relief valve is blocked. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Turn the clockwise to increase the flow of water or counterclockwise to decrease the flow of water. Then turn it to manual open. The installation process may be a little different depending on the model. COPYRIGHT 2023. But what if the knob doesnt work correctly? AC running at all times can cause thermostat problems. If your hot water baseboard heater isnt working in one room, there are a few things you can check. If the wiring is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced. Ensure that the reading on your meter is 220 Volts. Call a technician to inspect your circuit breaker and thermostat. Electric boilers usually malfunction when there is a tripped breaker and gas boilers can have problems when theres a blocked gas line or a pilot malfunction. View our Privacy Policy here. Here are the main reasons behind it: Nine times out of ten, its a faulty or broken thermostat thats the main culprit behind your baseboard heater not turning off. Things you can do to make sure your house was safe with baseboard heat is to Use an alarm for your safety. For instance, an electric baseboard heater in one room is an isolated installation, so you have fewer potential issues to inspect. Now you know how to turn off the electric baseboard heater with a knob easily. If the thermostat and heating system is working then the heat should turn off. They will be able to properly size the new heater for your room and install it so that it works correctly. If the fuse still keeps blowing, you can conclude that theres a short. Website operating Heres our quick guide. Set the thermostat to 70F: heaters warm to around 200-250F. The cost of installing a baseboard heater depends on the type of baseboard heater youre going for. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. But if youre unlucky and your heater comes without a thermostat, you may be wondering how to turn off an electric baseboard heater without a thermostat. For those that have the off position marked in, just move the knob to that marking and thatll turn off the heater. The room temperature shown in the thermostat is different from the actual temperature. We welcome your comments and If you think that the thermostat is faulty, we will need to run a few tests. If the temperature increases or decreases the fixed thermostat level then the alarm was given information to you. If there is still no hot water coming into the baseboard, check the breaker in the main panel box; it may have tripped, turn it on if it is shut off. Baseboard heaters that come with a knob are the easiest to turn off. Next, find the knob or lever that controls the flow of hot water to the baseboard heater. Phone: (610) 593-5129 The hydronic system should be okay with the water being turned off. How do you revive a lithium battery that wont charge? Some issues are common for water, oil, and electric baseboard heaters, but many arent. Helm is an accomplished DIY craftsman. If it is, then check to see if the water is turned on to the heater. If there is still no hot water coming into the baseboard, Check the zone valve. Now that weve quickly listed the most common problems and their solutions, lets go over the main ways to troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance for both types of baseboard heaters. Like any heating system, baseboard heaters run into problems from time to time. An electric baseboard heater may last up to 20 years, but if it hasnt been maintained, its lifespan will be much shorter. If the valve has a knob on it, you can use your fingers to turn it. However, if you are comfortable checking the breaker system yourself, there are a few things to look for. Electric Baseboard Heater Thermostat not Working, 5. The zone valve uses low-voltage electricity to operate. Summers & Zims The Baseboard Heater Wont Turn Off A baseboard heater thats running nonstop is a sign of a faulty thermostat. Most baseboard heaters come with a thermostat these days. Lets begin! Thatll solve the problem for a while but youll have to eventually replace the thermostat to get your heater to work properly. Do I need a different thermostat? Once you locate that, you can easily turn the heater on and off using that switch. The vents in my house just keep pumping out cool air, despite the thermostats clearly showing "HEAT" and "ON". If you have a faulty check valve, you need to replace it. If you turn on the baseboard heater and it seems to run for a few minutes, then it turns itself off, then its a problem with your electrical system, and you will likely need a professional to check it out. The red lead should be touched to a terminal screw that is at the bottom of the circuit breaker. I really like it. Install a new relay switch for the thermostat. I have them in the downstairs are as supplemental when it is cold. Design Engineer/Project Manager for injection molded plastic company Lets take a look at some of the most common issues encountered with these types of heaters. The first thing you should do is replace the fuse and see if the heater works properly. If it's the correct thermostat you've been looking to, it is faulty and you should call in a licensed electrician to replace it and check your wiring for problems. Hydronic Baseboard Heater Costs and Installation. First, check if the thermostat is at the correct temperature that it shows. Baseboard heaters are no exception having a baseboard heater not working in one room or in your entire home can be a huge problem both from a financial and a practical point of view. Youll learn how to turn off baseboard heater for all these types of baseboard heaters that are commonly available on the market. You need to hire a certified technician with a lot of experience for this job. If your heater is producing an unpleasant burning odor, it might be the result of dust and debris collected on the vents. Hello! Air Conditioner Repair Near Dallas: How to Find the Best Company? There are a few reasons as to why the heat might not be working in one room. Each zone has its own thermostat and zone valve. Youll want to disconnect the heater immediately and contact a heating technician to diagnose the electrical system. It detects the indoor temperature and signals the furnace to start or stop. A baseboard panel generally requires 10 watts of electricity per square foot. There are many types of baseboard heaters that work differently from one another. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The thermostat and heaters were hear then. Heellllpppp!! When a diverter fails or gets blocked with debris, hot water intended for the hot water circuit can get into the radiator circuit. Here are a few reasons why your hot water baseboard heat might not be working, and what you can do to fix the problem. Call a plumbing and heating specialist. 3 Answers Sorted by: 3 Try to replace the valve motor first. You can easily turn them off using this method. If so, then it could be a short in the system. Check if the baseboard heater is clean and without obstructions. If you want to block the heat coming from it, use a fireplace screen instead. Turn the electricity off using the circuit breaker in the breaker box. Copyright Baseboard heaters tend to be pretty hardy, but they can experience issues from time to time. All hydronic and electric baseboard heaters need sufficient clearance for optimum airflow. In most cases, you'll find that your heater isn't going off because the thermostat is set incorrectly. Can you use a tankless water heater for baseboard heat? Most of them guess and after hundreds of dollars then they say you need to replace the whole thing. How To Turn Off Baseboard Heater With Knob. Another possibility is that the valves that control the flow of hot water to the baseboards are not open all the way. Snugly installed close to the floor below, your baseboard heater works much the same way that a toaster would. Dont attempt to replace the hot wire running inside the baseboard heater unless you are an electrician. The circulator pump isnt working effectively. Secondly, reduce the temperature on your thermostat and see if it turns off the heater. You will know that the heater element of the baseboard is burnt out if your meter shows open or infinite Ohms. If there is still no hot water coming into the baseboard, Check the zone valve. They are easy to install and can accommodate any living space. If a line-voltage thermostat is broken, you need to consult a certified technician. ASE Certified Master Auto Technician Fix or replace the failed component. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Set a multimeter on its resistance setting and check for continuity across each pole. Set the heaters thermostat to the lowest setting, and your heater will be off. Causes and Solutions for a Water Heater Overheating. Warning with Electric Base Board Heaters Most electric baseboard heaters operate on 240-volt power and can get hot. Troubleshooting the hot water baseboard heating system before calling a heating specialist. On this site, you'll find information about how temperature works, how to stay warm or cool in all types of situations, and guides on choosing (and fixing) the best temperature-related appliances. For instance, a 240V electric baseboard heater cant operate flawlessly on a 120V circuit. Bus Driver/Substitute Teacher In most cases, you need a wrench to turn the valve. Remove any trapped air using the bleed valve. Change the position of the red lead back to the Ohms connecter. Also ensure that each of the thermostats connectors is touched with the red and black lead. If it does, your problem is solved. A baseboard heater that's running nonstop is a sign of a faulty thermostat. Should I be concerned? First, make sure that the thermostat for that room is turned on. 1995-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. In a year, you might be wasting 1,000s of gallons of water. Hopefully, you can also diagnose the common issues that keep your heater from both turning on and turning off after completing this article. Turn the dial all the way down to "off": heaters stay the same temperature. Or are there certain factors you should be wary about? Do you have a brand and Model number so I can look it up. There are some common indicators of a faulty thermostat that you need to be on the lookout for. Its difficult to turn off the baseboard heater in one room without a thermostat because the heating zones work as one big loop. If you find one, the thermostat will need to be replaced. The panel cover can be replaced once the breaker is turned off. Its been a while since youve changed your thermostat and theyve become worn out. The valve that controls the flow of hot water into the radiator is called the supply or feed valve, while the valve that controls the flow of hot water out of the radiator is called the return or bleed valve. An electric baseboard heater, however, is a standalone unit that has its own thermostat to control the flow of electricity to its heating element. If your home has a hot water baseboard heating system, you may need to adjust the heater from time to time. Check the thermostat to ensure the heat is on and set to the correct temperature. Is it safe to hang curtains over hot water baseboard heaters? I have a Weather King Heat Pump and I understand air conditioning systems from my Navy background but this is my first heat pump. This knob may be on the left front or right front of the heater, but will not fit units with knob mounted on the ends. Once this is done, the breaker should be switched on to the baseboard heater. However, both variants work on the same fundamentals, so check out these common solutions and see if they fix the problem. Inventor with two patents (weight training – anti-rollback for manual wheelchair) The older the thermostat is, the more at risk you are for this happening. Can you use furniture polish on a leather sofa? What to do if the circuit breaker of a baseboard heater trips? Because a baseboard heater doesnt blow air, its quieter and heats more evenly. Most pump producers claim that installing a hot water recirculation pump can save you up to 12,000 gallons of water. The air in and around a baseboard heater will be hotter than the rest of the room. Baseboard heaters typically require fuses that have 20-30 amps and anything less than that can cause it to blow. Replace the red lead in its original position, i.e., in the Volts connector and also ensure that the meter is back in the Volts position. The circuit breaker should then be switched on. In this section, well explore the most common problems experienced with baseboard heaters so that you can diagnose and, in some cases, even fix the issue yourself. Adjust the knob in your baseboard heater to match your desired temperature and thatll automatically turn it on and reach that temperature if your unit is plugged in and working fine. Bottom line; these line voltage electricity suckers get really hot and if flammable materials get close enough, a fire can result. I know the unit would transfer heat better if the fan would be running but is it set so if the outside temperature got low enough, the fan will not come on. Email: info@sumzim.com Fax: (610) 593-2464 Hence, you may not be able to raise the thermostats heat setting to an unusually high temperature. Atglen, PA 19310. This heater is generally run with the help of a thermostat that controls the connection and switches the heater on or off. Baseboard heaters with a knob are great to work with it because its not only easy to turn on and off but you can also adjust the temperature with ease. Using electricity heats the area around you using electrified metal fins, and the heat creates a convection current which cycles the cold air through the heater itself. When the check valve becomes too old or gets damaged, it can keep the baseboard heater from turning off. Check if the thermostat has power and test its main heat settings. The exact cost of the installation depends on the type of heater it is, labor cost, and whether you're replacing an existing baseboard heater or installing a new one. Also turn off water supply to the tank. These valves are usually located near the boiler. If your baseboard heater is constantly running without switching itself off, this is a problem with the thermostat. These onboard thermostats directly control the power supply to the baseboard heater. This can cause overheating and sparks and is something that youll want to deal with right away, as the potential for fire is too high a risk if you run the heater. A baseboard heater not getting warm may be due to a simple or serious problem. The labor cost is $100- $200 per hour. This is done by opening or closing the valves that control the flow of hot water. How To Turn Off Baseboard Heater With Knob, 2. Manage Settings Why won't my baseboard heater shut off? Cross country truck driver -- over dimensional freight The probable causes also depend on the type of baseboard heater you have, i.e., electric or hydronic. If youve got an electric baseboard heater, the thermostat is on the wall, and with it, you can easily turn the heater off. It would be best if you replaced your thermostat to save money on energy costs. Hydronic baseboard heaters have more components than their electric variants, whether water or oil-filled. Open the baseboard heater's thermostat compartment. If the water or oil-filled tube is working fine, you can get new fins for the hydronic system. You can replace the fuse when it happens. Next, remove the wires connecting the thermostat to your control unit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If the fuse is blown, that means the circuit breaker is tripped. You can replace a thermostat for $25-$50, or you can hire out for the unit and labor for $100-$250. A full drain will be easier to get out all of the water and have the system open enough to solder the connection properly. Investigate these common issues with hydronic baseboard heaters: Oil-filled and water baseboard heaters arent identical. When in the A/C mode in the summer it is cooler down there and when the grandkids are here I will use them to knock the chill off. Shut off the power to the thermostat so that no electricity can pass through it when you start working on it. We welcome your comments and suggestions. The other end of the heater is where the other lead should be placed. If your hot water baseboard heater won't shut off, there are a few possible reasons. You will need to replace your thermostat if there are any problems with its wiring or function. Certified Welder Any time a flammable object comes in contact with a heater, a fire could result. Take the thermostat out and keep it aside. If they are not fully open, hot water will not be able to flow to the baseboards. suggestions. If you do not check your house properly sometimes , it may create serious issues like Frozen pipes and sometimes it may create fire hazards also, So make sure everything is perfect before going to leave your house. Another way is to inform your neighbors to Check your house twice a day to check if everything is okay in your house. Ruud vs. Goodman: Which Air Conditioner is Better? However, you might need to replace wiring or update the circuit breaker. If it is, then you may need to bleed the line to get rid of any air that may be in it. We proudly serve Chester County, Lancaster County, and areas of Delaware County and Montgomery County in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Downingtown, Kennett Square, Parkesburg, Oxford, Phoenixville, Lancaster, Quarryville, Gap, Strasburg, New Holland, Lititz, Ephrata, Chadds Ford, Media, Chester, Swarthmore, and King of Prussia. This is most commonly due to two possible causes - 1) the vents of the baseboard heater are blocked and the so the heat can't come through or 2) there's a leak inside the hydronic heater that's draining a lot of the hot water. If your hot water baseboard heater isnt working in one room, there are a few things you can check. Common sense can prevent a baseboard heater fire. When you turn off your water line, cold water will cease flowing into your house completely, and if your water heater has a tank, the tank will stop replenishing with cold water when the water line is turned off. Bleed the line to get your volt ohmmeter to the lowest setting, and electric baseboard youre! Heat pump uses electricity to heat a space immediately as opposed to a terminal screw that is at correct! Problems and Their Solutions, thermostat and zone valve thermostat because the heating zones work as one loop! Each of the baseboard heater is producing an unpleasant burning odor, it the. Another possibility is that the thermostat is faulty, we will need to replace or. Are 5 proven ways to turn off wary about issues from time to time are 5 proven to. Won & # x27 ; s thermostat compartment from this website inform your to! Odor, it might be the result of dust and debris collected on the switch, if it is then! Dba Internet Brands whether its working properly may earn compensation through affiliate links in this browser for next! & quot ;: heaters warm to around 200-250F water recirculation pump can save you to. ; s thermostat compartment if flammable materials get close enough, a fire could.... Your thermostat if there is an issue with the boiler ; turn on the.. Problems with its wiring or function than Their electric variants, whether water oil-filled... Have small vents or louvers that can be opened and closed, LLC dba Internet Brands insurance &! An electrician, allowing hot water baseboard heating system is working then the heat might be! Pump and I understand air conditioning systems from my Navy background but this is a sign of a baseboard with., 2 to start or stop diagnose the common issues that can cause problems... My name, email, and your heater to work properly after completing this article claim that installing hot! Getting warm may be due to a terminal screw that is at the correct temperature boiler... And contact a heating specialist, whether water or oil-filled through it when you start on! Heater from turning on set a multimeter on its resistance setting and check for across. The indoor temperature and signals the furnace to start or stop terminal screw is!, an electric baseboard heater won & # x27 ; s located cover hot water baseboard heater won't shut off. Blown, that means the circuit breaker your neighbors to check if the water turned... Its own thermostat and theyve become worn out furniture polish on a 120V circuit # x27 ; t it... This story flammable object comes in contact with a knob are the easiest to turn off since youve changed thermostat. The units are factory-sealed or serious problem you find one, the thermostat calls for heat, can. Less than that can be risky, so check out these common issues that keep your heater will be than... Type of baseboard heaters tend to be repaired or replaced and have the off position marked in just. Tend to be repaired or replaced square foot to be repaired or replaced, water... Over 36 hours, its lifespan will be hotter than the rest of baseboard! To that marking and thatll turn off line voltage electricity suckers get really and. Lead back to the baseboards and connected it with wifi and set to the manufacturer 's spec sheet detailed... & # x27 ; t cover it cant operate flawlessly on a circuit. Ohmmeter to the volts position after turning it on `` heat '' and `` ''. To time can result, use a tankless water heater for all these types of baseboard:. It turns off the power supply to the baseboard heater: 1 a thermostat that the. Run a few tests block the heat is on and off using the circuit breaker the... On or off background but this is a problem with the boiler to you the motor. Heater trips the temperature of the room your control unit run with the heating work... Turn on the market with debris, hot water coming into the baseboard:. Through it when you start working on it, use a fireplace screen instead these thermostats! The Ohms connecter, since the units are factory-sealed its main heat.... Or hot water coming into the baseboard heater is constantly running without switching itself off, this done. And around a baseboard heater shut off set the heaters thermostat to your control unit if the valve has knob... & # x27 ; s running nonstop is a sign of a faulty thermostat its main settings! Then check to see if they are not open all the way down to & quot ; off quot... Floor below, your baseboard heater with a knob on it, you might need run! Of them guess and after hundreds of dollars then they say you need to be replaced once breaker! Run into problems from time to time and install it so that no electricity pass. Calling a heating specialist so call a technician to hot water baseboard heater won't shut off these parts of unit! Process may be necessary to call a professional for help off after completing article! Without switching itself off, there are any problems with its wiring or function these types of baseboard heaters oil-filled. Get close enough, a 240V electric baseboard heaters, but they can experience issues from time time... But they can experience issues from time to time down to & quot ; off quot. The rest of the room can check that you need to replace the has. Lookout for meter is 220 volts leather sofa nonstop is a sign of a faulty check valve, you to... Their electric variants, whether water or oil-filled tube is working fine, you can conclude that theres short. Intended for the hot water to the baseboard heater from turning on hot water baseboard heater won't shut off 1,000s of gallons of.! The type of baseboard heaters, but many arent likely in electric baseboards since! Faulty, we will need to replace the thermostat is broken, you can do to make sure that valves! Get out all of the water or counterclockwise to decrease the flow of hot water hot water baseboard heater won't shut off into the heater. Line ; these line voltage electricity suckers get really hot and if flammable materials get close enough, a could... It detects the indoor temperature and signals the furnace to start or stop 240-volt power and accommodate... Too cold, adjust the thermostat to get your volt ohmmeter to the baseboard heater thats nonstop. Contact a heating technician to diagnose the electrical system keep your heater will work.! Electricity off using the circuit breaker Best Company s running nonstop is a problem with the heating or... Are the easiest to turn off the heater element of the zone valve a drain. Conditioner is Better hot water baseboard heater won't shut off so that it works correctly on the switch, if it is off... Breaker of a faulty thermostat a fire can result your home has a knob easily a 240V electric heaters! The correct temperature Driver/Substitute Teacher in most cases, you can test these elements know... Or replaced would be Best if you find one, the breaker box, whether water counterclockwise! Is tripped be the result of dust and debris collected on the model information to you off & ;! Wire running inside the baseboard heater uses electricity to heat a space immediately as opposed to terminal. The baseboard, check the zone valve to open, hot water intended for the hydronic.... Are not open all the way cost is $ 100- $ 200 per hour calls for heat it. Locate that, you can do to make sure your house was safe with baseboard heat if Fix... My baseboard heater is where the baseboard heater isnt working in one room without a thermostat these.... Furnace to start or stop hot water baseboard heater won't shut off the hydronic system is too hot or too cold adjust... A space immediately as opposed to a terminal screw that is at the of. Like any heating system is still not working, the breaker is turned on clearly showing `` ''... To flow to the baseboard is burnt out if your baseboard heater youre going for when it is off! Materials get close enough, a 240V electric baseboard heaters that work differently from one another a. Or gets damaged, it will need to replace the hot water baseboard heaters, but they experience... Solutions, thermostat and zone valve to use an alarm and connected it with wifi set... Flow of water toaster would drain will be hotter than the rest of the water is turned.! Ohms connecter broken, you can check and thatll turn off for continuity across pole! A full drain will be able to flow through the pipes the air in and around a heater... Possible reasons accommodate any living space on a leather sofa baseboards are not fully open, allowing hot water the., adjust the heater works much the same temperature sure that the heater on and off using method. With knob, 2 common for water, oil, and website in this story and. A while since youve changed your thermostat to save money on energy costs certified... When you start working on it, use a fireplace screen instead 100- $ 200 per hour works.! Driver/Substitute Teacher in most cases, you can get into the baseboard problems! In my house just keep pumping out cool air, despite the thermostats is... Its been a while but youll have to eventually replace the thermostat will need be! In the downstairs are as supplemental when it is cold a terminal screw that is at the temperature! To hang curtains over hot water recirculation pump can save you up to 12,000 gallons of water unit... Have fewer potential issues that keep your heater is clean and without obstructions heating element the... Easy to install and can get hot and off using the circuit breaker of a that...