How to Repair a Wall-Mounted Electric Heater?

Homeowners like wall-mounted heaters for the supplemental or occasional heat that is needed in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other small areas. An electric wall heater is a forced-air heating device. The wall heater fits into the wall and uses a fan to circulate air that has been warmed by an electric heating element. The fan and row of heating elements inside the unit are controlled by a thermostat. When you notice that it is not working or functioning improperly, there are a couple of steps you can conduct. Check the thermostat to make sure it is turned high enough if the wall heater is not coming on. Check the breakers if the wall heater does not come on after turning the thermostat. Turn the breaker off and remove the cover of the wall heater by removing the screws with a screwdriver and pulling the cover off. Visually check the wires and connections. Look at the heating element to see if there are any breaks in the element. Remove the wire on the thermostat that leads to the heat element. Test across the two terminals of the heat element with an ohm meter and there should be a reading, if not the element is bad and must be replaced. Unscrew the terminal ends at the base of the heat element, remove it and lay it in a straight line on the floor. Stretch the new element, which should be the same wattage, to the same length as the original. Wrap the new element around the core in the grooves and reconnect the terminals. Replace the grille, turn the breaker on and test the heater. Replace the wire on the thermostat if the element reads good, and turn the breaker back on. Test for voltage with the meter set on volts, where the line wires coming from the breakers enter the heater enclosure. Because repairing a wall-mounted electric heater involves your home's electrical system, call a licensed electrician if you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of electrical work.