Empire wall heaters are reliable and efficient solutions for heating small to medium spaces. However, like all appliances, they can encounter problems that prevent them from functioning properly. If your Empire wall heater isn’t working as expected, don’t worry—many issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common problems you may face with your Empire wall heater and provide step-by-step solutions to help restore its performance.
Common Empire Wall Heater Problems and Solutions
If your Empire wall heater isn’t working correctly, the following are common issues and how to fix them:
1. No Heat / Heater Won’t Turn On
If your Empire wall heater is not producing heat, the issue could be related to the power supply, thermostat settings, or gas flow (for gas models).
Possible Causes:
- Power supply issue: If the heater isn’t receiving power, it won’t operate. This could be due to a tripped circuit breaker or an unplugged unit.
- Thermostat malfunction: A faulty thermostat may prevent the heater from turning on or maintaining the correct temperature.
- Gas supply issue (gas models): A closed gas valve, low propane, or gas line blockage can prevent the heater from igniting.
- Ignition failure (gas models): If the ignition system is dirty or faulty, the heater will not light and produce heat.
How to Fix It:
- Check the power supply: Ensure the heater is plugged in and the circuit breaker is not tripped. Reset the breaker or replace any blown fuses if necessary.
- Inspect the thermostat: Set the thermostat to the desired temperature. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced.
- Check the gas supply (gas models): Ensure the gas valve is open and the gas tank has sufficient fuel. If the gas is low, replace the tank or open the valve.
- Inspect the ignition system (gas models): Clean the ignitor and pilot light. If the ignitor is damaged, replace it to restore ignition.
2. Heater Blows Cold Air
If your Empire wall heater is blowing cold air instead of warm air, the issue may lie with the thermostat, heating element (electric models), or the ignition system (gas models).
Possible Causes:
- Incorrect thermostat setting: If the thermostat is set to a low temperature or in fan-only mode, the heater will blow cold air.
- Malfunctioning heating element (electric models): If the heating element is damaged, the heater will blow cold air instead of heat.
- Gas supply issues (gas models): If the gas supply is interrupted or the burner fails to ignite, the heater will blow cold air.
How to Fix It:
- Set the thermostat correctly: Ensure the thermostat is set to “Heat” mode and the temperature is higher than the room’s current temperature.
- Inspect the heating element (electric models): If the heating element is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
- Check the gas supply (gas models): Ensure the gas valve is open and the gas flow is consistent. If the burner is dirty or clogged, clean it or replace it if necessary.
3. Strange Noises from the Heater
If your Empire wall heater is making unusual noises such as buzzing, rattling, or popping, it could indicate airflow restrictions, combustion issues, or mechanical problems.
Possible Causes:
- Loose components: Loose screws, panels, or parts inside the heater can create rattling or buzzing noises during operation.
- Dirty burner (gas models): A clogged or dirty burner can cause popping, crackling, or rumbling noises during combustion.
- Clogged air filter or blocked vents: A dirty air filter or obstructed vents can cause whistling, buzzing, or whining noises as the air struggles to pass through the system.
- Faulty blower motor: A malfunctioning blower motor can cause squealing, grinding, or buzzing noises as it operates.
How to Fix It:
- Tighten loose components: Inspect the heater for any loose screws or parts and tighten or replace them to eliminate rattling or buzzing noises.
- Clean the burner (gas models): Clean the burner and combustion chamber to remove dirt and debris that may be causing popping or crackling noises.
- Clean or replace the air filter: Inspect and clean or replace the air filter to restore airflow and reduce noise.
- Inspect and clean the blower motor: Check the blower motor for debris or damage. Clean or replace it if necessary to eliminate squealing or grinding noises.
4. Foul Smell from the Heater
If your Empire wall heater is emitting a strange or burning smell, it could be caused by dust buildup, gas leaks (for gas models), or electrical problems.
Possible Causes:
- Burnt dust: If the heater has been idle for a while, dust may have accumulated on the heating elements. When turned on, the dust burns off, producing a burnt smell.
- Gas leak (gas models): A gas leak is a serious safety concern and can cause a distinctive, unpleasant odor.
- Electrical issues: A burning electrical smell may indicate overheating wires or components inside the heater.
How to Fix It:
- Clean the heater: Turn off the heater, allow it to cool, and clean the heating elements to remove any dust that could cause the burnt smell.
- Check for gas leaks (gas models): If you smell gas, immediately turn off the gas supply and inspect the gas lines for leaks. Use soapy water to check for bubbles. If a leak is detected, call a professional.
- Inspect electrical components: If you smell a burning electrical odor, turn off the heater immediately and inspect the wiring for signs of overheating. Replace any damaged parts.
5. Heater Turns Off Unexpectedly
If your Empire wall heater turns off unexpectedly, it could be due to overheating, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a power supply issue.
Possible Causes:
- Overheating: Many heaters have an automatic shut-off feature that prevents damage by turning off the unit when it overheats.
- Faulty thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat may cause the heater to shut off prematurely.
- Power supply issues: Loose connections, a tripped circuit breaker, or a faulty power cord can cause the heater to lose power and shut off unexpectedly.
How to Fix It:
- Allow the heater to cool: If the heater turned off due to overheating, allow it to cool for 20-30 minutes before turning it back on.
- Inspect the thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is functioning correctly. If it’s malfunctioning, replace it to restore proper temperature regulation.
- Check the power supply: Ensure the heater is plugged in securely, and check for any issues with the power cord. Reset the circuit breaker if necessary.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps and your Empire wall heater is still not working, or if you encounter more serious issues such as gas leaks, electrical malfunctions, or internal damage, it’s time to call a professional. Heater repairs involving gas or electrical components should always be handled by a licensed technician to ensure safety and proper functioning.
Conclusion
Empire wall heaters are efficient and reliable, but like any appliance, they can experience problems from time to time. Whether you’re dealing with no heat, strange odors, or unexpected shutdowns, most of these issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can restore your Empire heater to full functionality. If the problem persists or seems too complex to fix, don’t hesitate to contact a professional technician to ensure your heater operates safely and efficiently.