As a homeowner, you may wonder why your toe kick heater is not blowing and how you can fix the problem. Fortunately, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found.
Problems like a dirty air filter, incorrect thermostat setting, and defective heater core can cause a toe kick heater not to blow. The following are things you can do to tackle the issue:
- Change the filter
- Adjust the thermostat settings
- Check the breaker
- Call for professional assistance
You should fix the problem as soon as possible so it doesn't get worse. Keep reading to get detailed information on what to do when you have a faulty toe kick heater.
Why Is My Toe Kick Heater Not Blowing?
The following are some of the possible reasons why your toe kick heater stopped blowing:
Dirty Filter
An air filter's job is to prevent dirt and debris, such as dust and lint, from entering the heater. This helps to maintain the heater's internal working components.
After some time, the air filter can get clogged with contaminants, preventing air from passing through. If the heated air inside your heater cannot escape, the system will eventually overheat and turn off automatically to avoid additional damage.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
The thermostat should be the first place to check if the toe kick heater in your home isn't functioning correctly. When the weather changes from summer to autumn and you switch your toe kick heater on for the first time, you might forget to adjust the temperature on your thermostat appropriately.
If you can feel the heater working, but it is not blowing hot air, it's possible that you set the thermostat incorrectly.
Defective Heater Core
Problems with the heater core are often related to issues with the toe kick heater. The coolant may not be moving through the heater core effectively, but the air from the blower motor may not reach it, or there may be a clog in the little tubing of the heater core.
Heater cores are components of cooling systems that resemble miniature radiators in appearance. When there is an issue with the heater core, your heater may stop blowing.
Electrical Problem
The issue can also be a result of electrical issues. If this is the case, the safety precaution on your toe kick heater will disconnect the electricity so it can't operate.
If your heater is malfunctioning, there is a possibility that the auxiliary heat strips are failing, which may also result in your house being uncomfortably chilly. Sometimes, there may be a problem with the electrical system that calls for the assistance of an electrician.
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What To Do If Your Toe Kick Heater Is Not Blowing
Before contacting an expert, give the following solutions a go to see if they can get your heater back up and running:
Adjust The Thermostat Settings
Checking the thermostat is the first thing you should do if the air from your toe kick heater is not coming out. In most instances, the thermostat is the primary source of the issue.
You just need to change the setting on the fan on the thermostat to "Auto," and you should feel warm air blowing into the room.
Change The Filter
Since air filters usually trap the dust in your home, it is important to change them regularly. If the device is working but there is no heat, you should change the filter.
It is recommended that you examine toe kick heater filters once every month and replace flat filters at least once every month. The average lifespan of a pleated filter is three months.
Check The Breaker
Whether they operate with gas, oil, or electricity, all heaters need an electrical connection to function. That's why a tripped breaker might leave you in the cold since it can disable the whole system. Fortunately, there's a simple solution to this problem.
Frequent circuit breaker tripping might indicate an electrical problem that needs to be checked out.
Call For Professional Assistance
If you have checked all of the above, but the problems still exist, it is time to get help from a specialist. You can call a local heating and ventilation repair service. They have the required information and tools to diagnose your toe kick heater and detect any issues that may be present with the device.
What Is A Toe Kick Heater?
Toe kick heaters are small electrical units that make your home warmer, especially during the winter. It is primarily used for rooms that have complicated layouts.
Most toe kick heaters are self-contained units that use hydraulic or electrical elements to heat a space. The hydraulic and electric types are two primary varieties of toe kick heaters.
How Does A Toe Kick Heater Work?
Knowing how a toe kick heater functions can help you better understand the factors that might cause it to break down.
Installing a hydraulic toe kick heater requires the purchase of a water heater since the heater draws heat from the water heater. The hot water from the boiler will go through a heated coil before it is sent to the incoming air.
After that, the fan inside the device will blow air out, eliminating the extra heat in the room. Think of it as steam heat since the process involves both water and heat.
Electric toe kick heaters use electricity to heat the air directly. This makes them a more efficient option. Unlike the hydronic unit, electric toe kick heaters are more cost-effective since it does not need a pre-installed water heater to function.
During operation, electricity is circulated through the heating element housed inside the heater. This makes use of the electrical resistance to generate heat. As the element warms up, the heat energy is transported to the core, which is then carried through the heater's casing.
How Many Amps Does A Toe Kick Heater Use?
Most electric toe warmers designed for home use require an amount of power equivalent to around 1,500 watts per hour. This produces around 5,000 British thermal units (BTUs) heat every hour.
The toe kick heater has an amperage capacity of 12.5 amps. The heater produces enough heat for a small room, provided that the space has a low ceiling, is adequately insulated, and is airtight.
How Much Does Toe Kick Heater Cost?
A toe kick heater may cost between $420 and $1,300 including installation, although the device alone can cost between $175 and $430. Toe kick heaters are efficient space savers commonly installed to provide supplementary floor-level heat when required.
Where Would A Toe Kick Heater Be Installed?
Toe kick heaters are designed and intended to be installed in the kick spaces in the house, such as below cabinets, vanities, and stairways. They provide warm, moderate heat.
On a chilly morning, you may use these compact heaters to keep your feet warm while standing at the counter to pour a cup of coffee or while you work at the countertop.
Are Toe Kick Heaters Loud?
No, toe kick heaters are not loud. These space-saving heaters often produce minimal noise due to the limited number of moving elements that make up the system. That said, clanking or clattering noises can signify vibrations or poor installation.
If your toe kick heater starts generating noise, that indicates something is wrong with the system. You must do basic troubleshooting first to solve the issue.
To Wrap Up
If you notice that your toe kick heater is not blowing, you must change the filter, adjust the thermostat setting and check the breaker. However, if you have already tried these solutions and your heater is still not blowing, you should contact an HVAC expert for assistance.
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