Wall unit heaters are used to give targeted heating for specific rooms. They're useful for areas that have multiple tenants or a family with drastically different opinions of what hot and cold means. Although it takes some effort to get into the inner workings of a wall heating unit, a few troubleshooting tips can help you keep them running as long as needed.

Check Heating Elements For Breaks

A lot of heating unit problems come from overuse or weakening components. Many heating units will perform their duties for years without receiving maintenance, and as dust is allowed to collect and burn inside the unit, miniatures fires can destroy the heating elements.

Heating elements vary depending on the wall unit type. There could be a spring coil system in place, or a large block. Both can be burned into disrepair, but the problem can be fixed.

1. Remove power for the heating unit at the circuit breaker. This may require turning off the entire room.
2. Remove the wall unit from the wall, taking care not to damage its installation area.
3. Disconnect wires unless wires are completely spliced or combined. You may cut these wires if you know how to splice them again.
4. Take apart the heating unit, exposing the inner heating element and check for charred black areas.
5. Clean the heating element, then check for any broken metal pieces. For broken heating coils, you'll need to install replacement coils.
6. Close the heating unit, then put back into the wall.

Make sure to clean out the heating unit vent at least once a month to avoid burnouts.

Replace Adjustment Dial Wire

For many wall heating units, the temperature adjustment dial is an easy point of breakdown. The dial does not connect directly to a wire, but incorrect turning can eventually wrap the wire around the dial.

A dial wrapping usually occurs when a person forces the dial in the wrong direction or beyond its normal limits. This may happen in a household with children who may play with the heating unit, but it is easily fixed.

The dial can be easily removed, either by unscrewing the turning cap or by pulling it off its axis. Before touching any wires, turn off the power at the circuit breaker for safety.

If you notice that the wire is broken or burned, getting replacement copper wire with thick shielding can ensure a longer lasting connection. Any conductive wire can work, such as speaker wire, but it may be more cost-effective to get wire branded for home appliance use.

If you run into difficulties with these troubleshooting techniques or would like a professional to handle the hard work, contact a heating repair technician from a company like Childers Enterprises Inc.