How to Fix a Convective Heater

Convective heaters work through the use of a control switch, elements, a fan and perhaps a thermostat. It is common for convective heaters to have problems over time like shutting off by themselves, overheating and having switches that go bad. Here is how to fix a convective heater.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Volt-ohm meter
• Groove-joint pliers
• SAE 20-weight non-detergent motor oil

1. Unplug your convective heater and wait for it to cool down. Remove the rear grill by unscrewing the screws attaching it to the base. Release the front grill by removing the screws on the back of the housing.
2. Test the elements on your convective heater's sheet head. Remove the common lead and set your volt-ohm meter on the RX1 scale. Connect one probe with the common terminal and another probe to each of the other terminals one at a time. Your meter should read 12 to 17 ohms for a 900-watt element and 20-25 ohms if you are testing a 600-watt element.
3. Remove any bad elements by marking them and disconnecting the leads from the element terminals. Put your heater on an old towel and unscrew the collar with groove-joint pliers. Lift the elements out after removing the gasket.
4. Lubricate the bearings on your motor by adding one drop of SAE 20-weight non-detergent motor oil to the base of your convective heater's shaft. Rotate the fan with your hands to work the oil into the bearings. If lubricating your motor doesn't seem to fix your motor problem, you will have to replace the motor.
5. Probe your volt-ohm meter onto each element on your terminal board to try to figure out which element is faulty. Place one probe on the common terminal and the other probe on each of the other terminals. You are looking for readings of 12 to 25 ohms. If you don't get that reading on one or more of your elements, that or those elements need to be replaced. Depending on your model of convective heater, you might be able to replace the bad element. If you can't, you will have to replace both of them.

Tips & Warnings

• Set your convective heater on a flat service when working on it.
• Don't ever connect a convective heater to an extension cord. Convective heaters require too much energy than what can be drawn through an extension cord.
• Don't use a convective heater near any kind of gas or kerosene. These liquids and their fumes can ignite around a convective heater.
• Don't handle a convective heater when it is hot. The housing can get hot enough to burn you.

Who Can Help:

• Find Appliance Repair Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Appliance Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Contractors Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.