ProCom Heater Problems: Troubleshooting and Solutions

Common ProCom Heater Problems and Solutions

If you’re experiencing issues with your ProCom heater, the following are some of the most common problems and their solutions:

1. No Heat / Heater Won’t Turn On

If your ProCom heater isn’t producing heat, it could be due to power supply issues, gas flow interruptions, or ignition system malfunctions.

Possible Causes:

• Power supply issue: If the unit isn’t receiving power, it won’t turn on. This could be due to a tripped circuit breaker or unplugged unit.
• Gas supply problem: If the gas supply is interrupted or the gas valve is closed, the heater won’t be able to ignite.
• Faulty thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat may prevent the heater from turning on or maintaining the desired temperature.
• Ignition failure: If the ignition system is dirty or faulty, the burner may not ignite, resulting in no heat.

How to Fix It:

• Check the power supply: Ensure the heater is plugged in properly and the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped. Reset the breaker if needed.
• Inspect the gas supply: Check that the gas valve is open and there’s gas in the tank. If the gas is running low or the valve is closed, refill the tank or open the valve.
• Inspect the thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, consider replacing it.
• Check the ignition system: If the ignition system is dirty or faulty, clean the igniter or replace it if necessary.

2. Heater Blows Cold Air

If your ProCom heater is blowing cold air, the issue could be with the thermostat, gas supply, or a malfunctioning heating element (for electric models).

Possible Causes:

• Incorrect thermostat settings: If the thermostat is set too low or is malfunctioning, the unit may blow cold air.
• Gas supply issues (gas models): If the gas flow is interrupted or the burner doesn’t ignite, the heater will blow cold air.
• Faulty heating element (electric models): A damaged heating element will prevent the unit from heating the air, causing cold air to blow out.

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 gas supply (gas models): Make sure the gas valve is open and the gas supply is active. Replace the gas tank if it’s empty.
• Inspect the heating element (electric models): If the heating element is faulty, it may need to be replaced to restore heat production.

3. Strange Noises from the Heater

If your ProCom heater is making unusual noises like buzzing, rattling, or popping, it could be due to airflow restrictions, a dirty burner, or a malfunctioning blower motor.

Possible Causes:

• Loose parts: Loose screws or components inside the unit can cause rattling or buzzing noises during operation.
• Clogged air filter: A clogged filter can restrict airflow, causing whistling or buzzing noises as air struggles to pass through the system.
• Dirty burner (gas models): A dirty burner or combustion chamber can cause popping or crackling noises during operation.
• Faulty blower motor: A malfunctioning blower motor can produce squealing, grinding, or buzzing sounds as it operates.

How to Fix It:

• Tighten loose components: Inspect the heater for loose screws or parts, and tighten or secure them to stop the rattling or buzzing noises.
• Clean or replace the air filter: Clean or replace the filter to allow proper airflow and reduce noise caused by obstruction.
• Clean the burner (gas models): Clean the burner and combustion chamber to remove dirt and debris that could be causing popping or crackling noises.
• Inspect the blower motor: If the blower motor is malfunctioning, clean it and check for any debris or damage. Replace it if necessary.

4. Foul Odor from the Heater

If your ProCom heater is emitting a strange or burnt smell, it could be due to dust buildup, gas leaks (for gas models), or overheating electrical components.

Possible Causes:

• Burnt dust: If the heater has been unused for a while, dust may have accumulated on the heating elements. When turned on, the dust burns off, causing a burnt smell.
• Gas leak (gas models): A gas leak can cause a strong and unpleasant odor, which is a safety hazard.
• 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 and allow it to cool. Clean any accumulated dust from the heating elements to prevent burnt odors.
• Check for gas leaks (gas models): If you smell gas, immediately turn off the gas supply. Inspect the gas lines for leaks and use soapy water to check. If a leak is detected, call a professional.
• Inspect electrical components: If the smell is electrical, turn off the heater immediately. Inspect the wires and components for overheating and replace any damaged parts.

5. Heater Turns Off Unexpectedly

If your ProCom heater turns off unexpectedly, it could be caused by overheating, power issues, or a malfunctioning safety feature.

Possible Causes:

• Overheating: Most heaters have a safety feature that automatically turns them off if they overheat.
• Power supply issues: A faulty power cord, tripped breaker, or loose connection could cause the heater to lose power and turn off.
• Thermostat malfunction: If the thermostat is faulty, it could cause the heater to shut off prematurely.

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 power supply: Ensure the heater is plugged in securely, and check the power cord for any visible damage. Reset the circuit breaker if needed.
• Inspect the thermostat: Check the thermostat settings and functionality. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, replace it to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps and your ProCom heater is still not working, or if you encounter more serious issues like a gas leak, electrical malfunction, or internal component failure, 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 operation.

Conclusion

ProCom heaters are designed to provide reliable and efficient heating, but like all appliances, they can encounter problems. Whether you’re dealing with no heat, strange odors, or unexpected shutdowns, most common issues can be resolved through simple troubleshooting. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can restore your ProCom heater to full functionality. However, if the issue persists or seems too complex to fix, don’t hesitate to contact a professional technician to ensure your heater operates safely and efficiently.