Some people do not like having their feet cold at all. For them, toe kick heaters are a blessing.
So if the toe kick heater not blowing properly, it can have you ruffled up.
The toe kick heater could be blowing cold air due to thermostat or heating element problems. Or the blower may be faulty. Blocked air vents need to be cleaned. If the heater won’t turn off then the thermostat, the switch, the wiring, or the heating element is to blame.
This just touches on the problems and their solutions. More details can be found right here in this article.
Troubleshooting
There are some different problems that can occur with a toe kick heater. The solutions to the problems are discussed in length here.
Troubleshooting a toe kick heater is very different from troubleshooting a garage heater. So go through everything carefully.
Problem 1: Blowing Cold Air
Toe kick heater blowing cold air can happen sometimes. This situation is a sign that your toe kick heater is not working properly. Let’s move forward to solve the issue.
Solution:
The solution can vary depending on the cause of the problem. Do follow the steps bellow to find out the cause and solution respectively.
Step 1: Check the thermostat and calibrate/replace it if needed
Locating the thermostat will be your first order of business. Typically, the thermostat will be found on the inside of the heater unit. It is placed in close proximity to the heating element. Consult the user’s manual if you have difficulty finding the thermostat.
Once you find the thermostat, check the temperature setting on the thermostat. Then, check that the thermostat is set to a setting that will activate the heating element. And then turn the thermostat up to that temperature.
After that, make use of the thermometer. Put the thermometer in front of the heater, then switch the heater on. Be patient as it will take a few minutes for it to reach the ideal temperature.
Check the reading on the thermometer against the temperature that’s been set on the thermostat. Depending on the degree to which the reading deviates from the preset, the thermostat has to be calibrated accordingly.
Make the necessary calibrations to the thermostat’s temperature setting using the screwdriver. To raise the temperature, rotate the screwdriver in a clockwise direction. And to bring down the temperature, turn it in a clockwise direction.
Check the temperature using the thermometer on a regular basis while simultaneously changing the setting on the thermostat. But only do this if you are seeing changes in temperature. Do this until the two readings coincide.
The thermostat must be calibrated precisely in order for the heater to work properly and provide adequate warmth.
If adjusting the thermostat to its factory settings does not resolve the problem, you may need to purchase a new one.
Make sure that there is no electricity going to the heater before you begin the procedure of replacing it.
Find the screws or the wires that are holding the old thermostat in place so that you may remove them. Remove the screws using a screwdriver, or unplug the cables, whichever comes first. Remove the old thermostat in a cautious manner and then put it away.
When installing the replacement thermostat, make sure to do it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. To install the new thermostat properly, you may either screw it in or connect its wires.
After you are finished, turn the heater back on so that you may test it. Note that calibrating the thermostat does not affect the boiler pressure of the heater.
Step 2: Check the heating element
First, make sure the power is turned off. To protect yourself from an electrical shock, disconnect the power supply from the heater.
Then search the inside of the toe kick warmer for the heating element. In most cases, it takes the form of a coiled or wrapped wire or rod made of metal. Check the user’s handbook if you’re having problems locating what you’re looking for.
Examine the item for any obvious indications of wear and tear, such as cracks or discoloration. After that, make sure there is continuity. To determine whether or not the heating element has continuity, use a multimeter.
Touch the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating element. That is after adjusting the multimeter to the ohm setting. If the heating element is functioning as it should, the measurement ought to be somewhat near 0 ohms.
Watch carefully for overheating. It is possible that the heating element has overheated and needs to be replaced if it feels hot to the touch or if it has changed color.
Repeat the test as many times as necessary. If the toe kick heater includes more than one heating element, you will need to repeat these instructions for each individual element.
Step 3: Check the blower
Turning off the electricity is the same approach as previously.
The blower must then be located. Inside the toe kick heater is where you’ll find the blower. In most cases, it is a little motor or fan.
Examine the blower carefully for any obvious indications of wear and tear, such as cracks or discoloration.
Also, make sure there aren’t any obstructions. Check to see that the blades of the blower are not being obstructed by anything.
Make sure the rotation is set up correctly. This is one of the primary reasons for the cold air that is being released.
Turn the blower blades with your hands. It is possible that it needs to be oiled or replaced if it does not spin freely or if it creates noise.
Test the blower after you’ve finished everything else. The heater may be turned on when the power supply has been reconnected to it. Check that the blower is operating correctly by paying attention to its speed, direction, and noise level.
Perform the tests once again. If the toe kick heater has more than one blower, you will need to repeat these instructions for each individual blower.
One thing more, The workings of a fan and blower are similar.
Problem 2: Blocked air intake or exhaust
The next problem is having a clogged air intake or exhaust. Dirt and debris building on the intake and exhaust vents can be a major issue if you don’t solve it immediatey.
Solution:
Cleaning the vents will solve the problem. You can easily do it just by following the steps below.
Step 1: Locate the vents
To begin, make sure the power is off. In order to avoid receiving an electrical shock, you should disconnect the power connection from the heater.
Find the vents that allow air to enter and leave the room now. On the toe kick heater, there are air intake and air exhaust grilles or vents. Consult the manual if you have any confusion regarding the vents.
Step 2: Clean the vents
Now you need to clear away any obvious obstructions. Use a vacuum cleaner or soft brush to remove any visible debris or dust from the air intake and exhaust vents.
Continue cleaning the vents. Now, clean the inside of the air intake and exhaust vents using a soft cloth or a brush.
Remember that you should not use any water or cleaning solutions. Because they have the potential to cause harm to the heater.
Step 3: Reinstall the vents and run tests
When you are finished cleaning, it is time to reinstall the vents in their original locations. Reinstall any covers or grilles that were taken off during the procedure.
Test the heater once everything has been put back where it belongs. The heater may be turned on when the power supply has been reconnected to it.
Keep an eye on how the heater is functioning. This is so that you can make sure it is providing proper airflow and heating.
Problem 3: Won’t turn off
Sometimes the toe kick heater won’t turn off. This situation can happen due to malfunctional thermostat, damaged wiring, malfunctional switch and blower.
Solution:
Since the problem can initiate due to multiple causes, the solution would be multiple as well. In this situation you need to perform a troublshooting. Follow the steps below to get over the situation.
Step 1: Malfunctioning thermostat
It’s possible that the thermostat is stuck in the “on” position, or isn’t detecting the temperature correctly. Or the thermostat may be turned up too high or miscalibrated.
We have already gone through in great detail how to deal with a faulty thermostat in a previous section. You’ll find all the information you need in the previous section.
Step 2: Faulty Wiring
The first thing you should do is make sure the power is turned off. To avoid receiving an electrical shock, turn off the heater’s power source.
After that, go on to locate the wiring. Check the heater and the area around the control panel for any wires that could be broken or hanging loose.
Completely check all of the connections. Check that each of the wires is connected to its corresponding terminal in a safe and secure manner.
If you discover any broken wires, you should patch the broken part together. After that, finish the repair by securing it with electrical tape or wire nuts.
Step 3: Broken Switch
Locate the location of the control switch for the heater. You may either find the switch next to the control panel or on the wall close to the heater itself.
Conduct several tests on the switch to see if it is damaged or not working as it should. In the event that the switch is damaged in any way, it will have to be replaced.
It is highly recommended that you get the switch changed by a trained professional.
Step 4: Damaged Heating Element
It’s possible that the faulty heating element is what’s keeping the heater turned on all the time. We have already gone through the specifics of how to fix any problems that may arise with the heating element. Please refer to the preceding section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How does a toe kick heater work?
A toe kick heater is a type of space heater that is installed under the cabinets in a kitchen or bathroom to provide warmth to the feet. It typically works by heating air and circulating it through vents in the toe kick area, using electricity.
How long does it take for a heater to reset?
The time it takes for a heater to reset depends on the type of heater and the reason for the reset. For a simple reset, such as resetting a thermostat or turning off and on the power to the heater, it may only take a few seconds to a minute.
What happens if you leave a heater on all day?
If a heater is left on all day, it can consume a significant amount of energy and increase your electricity bill. Additionally, it can also be a fire hazard if it is not properly maintained or if it malfunctions. Running a heater continuously can also cause wear and tear on the unit.
Conclusion
And with that, we know so much more about toe kick heaters not blowing.
If you continue facing trouble with the heater, take it to a professional.
Good luck!
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