If you own a wall-mounted heater, you might want to learn to turn it on. You may be wondering what’s complicated about turning on the heater in your home! Most recent heaters have an on/off switch located either near the heater itself or on the wall. This article provides you with step by step guide on how to turn on the heater at home:
But first thing, first!
When Should You Turn Your Heater On?
You should generally turn your heater on when the temperature inside your home drops below 55°F. That is typically during cold months such as winter. If you need to warm your home faster or if you want the temperature to remain comfortable throughout winter, you should consider setting it a few degrees higher. It is important to note, however, that keeping your heater on for extended periods can be costly and could lead to high energy bills. Thus, it is best to use your heater as economically as possible and only when necessary. Additionally, it is vital to ensure that your heating system is properly maintained and serviced regularly to maximize efficiency. By doing this, you can increase your system’s longevity and ensure it is running optimally.
How to Turn on the Heater at Home
-
Locate the Pilot Light
The first step in turning on a wall-mounted heater is to find the pilot light. Find the switch or button to turn on your heater. It’s usually located near the base of the heater or on the wall near it. This small, round, red, or blue flame can be found near the bottom of the heater. In some heaters, it’s easy to spot just behind the heater vent. However, you’ll have to open up the cover to the burner region and remove it completely, then follow the connection of gas from the main supply to the pilot light. In this case, the pilot light is situated inside the heater, right behind the metal plate. You’ll need a flashlight to find it. Once you’ve located the pilot light, make sure it is lit.
Here are the basic steps for re-lighting the pilot light of a gas furnace.
-
Locate the Instructions Label on Your Heater
Every heater should have a label or a manual book containing the manufacturer’s instructions For operating the furnace, which includes how to re-light the pilot light. Read through this manual to become familiar with the furnace’s basic operation.
-
Find Pilot Light and Components
Once you have read the instruction manual, find the pilot light and its associated components. The pilot light consists of a small tube with an opening at the end that is filled with gas. There should be two valves nearby, one For controlling the gas flow and another For lighting it. Near the bottom of your furnace is a switch that normally says “Pilot,” “On,” and “Off.” Find this switch and turn it to the “Pilot” mode.
-
Light Pilot Light
Once the switch is in the “pilot” position, use a match or a long-stemmed lighter to light the pilot light. Hold the flame close to the opening at the end of the tube and press the knob for the gas valve at the same time. The pilot light should ignite and stay lit after a few seconds. If it does not, turn the switch to the “Off” position and then back to the “Pilot” mode. Keep trying until it lights.
-
Turn Main Control Switch to “On”
Once the pilot light is lit and burning steadily, you can then turn on the main control switch. This is typically a switch with an “On” and “Off” position located either at the bottom of the furnace or near the pilot light. turn the switch to the “On” position and wait For a few minutes. If all is working properly, you should feel warm air coming through the vents.
-
Check the Flame
Once the heater is on, it’s essential to check the flame regularly. This can be done by lifting the cover or glass to check For any signs of the flame’s discoloration, flickering, or yellowing. If you notice anything unusual, turn the heater off immediately and consult a professional For help.
Ignition Process:
-
For Electric Heaters
Now, it’s time to find the dial on the heater. For newer electric wall heaters, there is a dial you should turn towards ‘Pilot’ and then press it down the ‘Ignite’ button. You may have to hold it down for about 30 seconds before you hear an audible click. Once you do, release the button and turn the dial toward the desired setting. When the pilot light is on, hold the button for another minute and then release it.
After that, turn the dial to ‘ON’ to ignite the main burner. You’ll hear the sound of your burnet lighting up. Finally, remember to return the cover to the opening of the heater.
-
For Gas Heaters
For old heaters, you should turn the dial towards ‘Pilot,’ press down the pilot gas button instead of the ignite button, and hold it For a few seconds until you hear an audible click. You’ll need to press it down For about 30 seconds.
Release it and press the button again to turn the pilot light on. While new wall heaters ignite the pilot light with a spark, old wall furnaces need to be lit up manually by pressing the pilot gas button repeatedly. Once the pilot light is on, turn the dial to ‘ON’ to start the main burner.
-
Set the temperature
Once the main burner is lit up, it’s time to adjust the temperature. You can set the temperature to your preferred level using the Electric thermostat. Check to make sure that your thermostat is set correctly. For gas heaters, use the manual thermostat knob to adjust the temperature by turning it clockwise or counterclockwise. Some heaters have digital displays with up and down arrows that you can use to change the temperature, while others have a temperature dial. Move the dial to your desired setting, and that’s it! You can now enjoy a cozy atmosphere in your home.
The thermostat keeps the temperature consistent, and the heater shuts off automatically when it reaches the desired temperature. turn the dial to your desired setting. When it reaches the highest point on the dial, the heater should start heating up. It’s advisable to keep the temperature at a comfortable yet energy-efficient level; around 70° to 78° Fahrenheit should be fine!
Finally, inspect your heater regularly and check For any signs of wear or damage to ensure the heater is in safe working order. Call a professional to take care of the repairs if you notice any irregularities.
-
Safety Precautions
It’s important to remember some safety precautions when turning on your heater. If you own a wall heater, you probably have a thermocouple too. These are small metal sensors that detect the presence of a flame. If your thermocouple is not working, gas might leak from the heater and cause health hazards or even fire.
It’s also essential to make sure that the space around the heater is free from any combustible materials, such as paper. Also, ensure no obstructions or other items are placed near the heater, as it can be a fire hazard.
Keep curtains and flammable materials away from the heater, and ensure it is unplugged before inspecting.
Finally, never leave a wall heater on when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep. These are a few essential safety tips to remember when turning on your wall heater!
Why Is My Heater Not Turning On?
If your heater isn’t turning on, it could be because of several things. It could be due to an issue with the power supply, a problem with the wiring, or an issue with the thermostat. If that is the case, you should contact a professional to diagnose and fix the problem. Here are some other common reasons why your heater may not be turning on:
- If the pilot light is off, then you’ll need to relight it if the issue is due to the gas valve or pilot light, which a blocked line can also cause.
- If the furnace filter is dirty, it’ll need to replace it.
- If the thermostat isn’t set correctly, you should adjust it to the desired temperature.
- If the air ducts are clogged, clear them of any obstructions.
- If the igniter or burner is damaged, it needs to be replaced.
- If the blower motor isn’t working properly, service it ASAP.
In any case, you should contact a professional for assistance if your heater isn’t working properly. They will be able to inspect the system and make any necessary repairs.
Read more blogs: