When winter rolls around, you may turn to your Cadet heater to keep you warm. If something unexpected happens with the heater fan, the best thing you can do is find a solution as soon as possible. We did some research to help you understand why your Cadet heater fan might stop working. Here is what we found out.
Your Cadet heater fan may have stopped working due to the following:
- Other parts of the heater fan do not function at all.
- The heater fan blows cold air or fails to warm up.
- The heater fan blades or motor spin slowly or do not spin at all.
- The heater fan integrated limit switch repeatedly trips.
- The heater fan does not turn off.
Depending on the issue with your heater, there are different ways to troubleshoot it.
Various factors may have caused your cadet heater fan to malfunction. Read on to discover these factors and how to fix the common issues.
Common Cadet Heater Fan Issues & How To Fix Them
Despite their straightforward operation, cadet heater fans can have different issues. Take a closer look at each of them below.
Parts of the Heater Fan Do Not Function at All
Temperatures may have reached abnormal levels if the heater does not turn on. Other causes include:
- There are loose supply connections.
- The heater lacks the required voltage to work.
- The thermostat is not set correctly or is defective.
- There is a blockage in the heater.
- The high-temperature reset switch tripped.
- The secondary high-temperature reset switch tripped.
What To Do?
If you notice any loose supply connections, turn off the power at the main disconnect panel. Ensure all wire connectors in the heater are intact and any connection points are in junction boxes or on the wall thermostat.
All wires' outer insulation should be solid and free of nicks or cracks that could cause a short circuit. Wrap the wires with electrical tape to cover minor cuts. Corroded wires mean your Cadet heater fan is no longer functional and needs replacing. Follow these steps to correct the problem:
- Connect the plug correctly if the heater operates at the suitable voltage (120-volt supply to 120-volt heater).
- Your heater won't power up if the temperature is too low. Make sure you set the thermostat up correctly and that it works. If this doesn’t work, try adjusting your program settings.
If the issue continues, shut off the power at the circuit breaker. Switch between the thermostat terminals. Make sure the main breakers are on. If the heater works, it's probably a faulty thermostat needing replacement. Before running the heater, remove the jumper.
To fix overheating or combustion problems, clean your heater. Remove all dust or debris around the fan and elements with a thin nozzle attached to a shop vacuum. Heaters can overheat and fail prematurely if they have dusty heating coils.
Inspect the heater interior to make sure the coils are clean. The loops must be free of flaws. Leaving debris on the coils will cause smoke and even fire. Once the fan is clean, you can proceed with these steps:
- Push the heater reset button firmly. You can access the reset button through the lower-right center section of the heater grill after letting it cool for a while.
- When the high-temperature safety shut-off trips more than once daily or isn't resetting, and the circuit's intact, replace the heater.
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Heater Fan Blows Cold Air or Fails to Warm Up
Here are possible reasons why your heater fan is blowing out lukewarm or cold air:
- The fan is running, but the thermostat settings are lower than the actual temperature.
- After being turned off, the fan disperses warm air.
- Inadequate element temperature or defective heater elements.
- A faulty wire connection or a wire nut.
- There is a problem with the manual reset button.
What To Do?
- Look at your settings if you haven't changed them in a while and see if they are correct. Turn the fan switch to Auto and raise the thermostat setting.
- The cadet heater fan delay eliminates cold drafts during startup and dissipates residual heat during a shutdown. Allow the element to reach the operating temperature for a few moments. If the problem persists, inspect the heater elements with an ohmmeter and replace them if necessary.
- If your heater fan is not producing heat despite the fan running, it is most likely due to loose wiring in the system. Check and tighten any loose wire connections.
- Allow the heater to cool before pressing the reset button. If a severe over-temperature condition has occurred, resetting the manual limit control may not restore heater operation.
Fan Blades or Motor Spin Slowly or Not at All
If your heater fan elements heat while the fan blades won't turn, it may be because of one of the following reasons:
- A faulty time delay switch
- Faulty wire connection
- A faulty motor
- The circuit breaker is 120 volts, while the heater is 240 volts.
- The fan or motor is stuck.
What To Do?
- Change the delay switch. Limit switches may cause faulty heaters, inability to turn heater blades, or continuous operation without warm air discharge. A manual reset limit control will stop the heater from functioning if excessive operating temperatures have opened the circuit.
- Double-check the wire connection.
- Eventually, your heat fan motor will wear out too. The heater fan motor fails because of overheating and excessive moisture. It's easier for the windings and bearings to burn out when dust, dirt, and debris accumulate. Repair or replace the motor or heater if they keep running slowly.
- Make sure the heater is working and that the voltage supply matches. Replace the heater with a 120-volt model.
- Remove the constraints and press the heater reset button (after allowing the unit to cool). Repair or replace it if the heater doesn't run.
Heater Fan Integrated Limit Switch Repeatedly Trips
Poor airflow or inadequate heat are two of the most common heater problems. Dust and debris may have built up inside your Cadet heater fan if you have not used it in a while. If you don't fix this problem, it could damage the limit switch.
Other common causes include:
- Power interruptions
- Overheating
What To Do?
- The power of the heater must be consistent at all times.
- Assess the activity of the fan motor and blades. Clean, lubricate, or replace them as necessary.
Heater Fan Cycles on/off or Does Not Turn Off
If your wall heater cycles on and off every 15 seconds, you should update the settings on your thermostat. Other causes of this problem include:
- The wattage you are using may be too high for the size of your room.
- There is a wiring error in the heater thermostat.
What To Do?
- Consider installing more insulation or heating and make sure you close doors and windows.
- Refer to the thermostat documentation for proper wiring.
Are Cadet Heaters Safe?
Cadet heaters are entirely safe for your family and pets, but taking safety precautions when using your heater is still necessary. Leave a clearance of three feet in front of the heater and 12 inches on either side and above.
How Hot Does A Cadet Heater Get?
A Cadet heater can heat a room from 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. A ceiling fan or heater with a higher wattage is a good idea in a room with high ceilings or without other sources of warmth.
How Long Does A Cadet Heater Last?
Cadet wall heaters typically last between 8 and 12 years. That is an average lifespan, but it can vary based on how well you maintain your heater.
The best way to ensure that your wall heater lasts as long as possible is to clean it regularly and take good care of it.
Make sure the heater you buy has an extended warranty, and ask the dealer if they have any tips on how to get the most out of it.
Are Cadet Heaters Energy-Efficient?
A Cadet wall heater can help you save on energy because it takes less time to heat a room. Cadet wall heaters can save you up to 30 percent on your energy bill, depending on the type of heater and the temperature you need in your home.
The Bottom Line
Now that you have a better idea of why and what to do if your Cadet heater fan stops working, you can be better prepared. Hopefully, you will never end up in that situation.
If you continue to have problems with your Cadet heater fan, consider contacting a professional.
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