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Unplug the heater, let it cool, then remove the housing.
Primary components of a radiant heater include switches and controls, a motorized fan, and the radiant elements.
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Electric baseboard and wall heaters are room air-heating units. A baseboard heater has one or more horizontal heating elements and is controlled by a thermostat. Baseboard heaters are mounted at the base of a room wall. Air is drawn in through the bottom and heated by the electric elements. The warm air then rises into the room. The electric elements are often shaped like metal fins, and some are filled with fluid to maximize their heat retention. Often several units are installed around the perimeter of a room.
An electric wall heater is a forced-air heating device. The wall heater fits into the wall frame and uses a fan to circulate air that has been warmed by an electric heating element. The fan and heating elements inside the unit are controlled by a thermostat. Wall heaters are often installed in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other areas to provide supplemental or occasional heat.
A portable electric or "space" heater is designed to warm a small area. There are two types. In convective heaters, air heated by one or more heating elements is blown into the room by a fan. In radiant heaters, the elements heat a liquid that radiates heat into the room rather than blowing it in.
Additional components in a typical electric heater include control switches, elements, and a motorized fan. Heaters also typically have a thermostat. For safety, portable heaters usually include a tip-over switch, which shuts off the heater if it's knocked over, and a thermal cutoff, which shuts off an overheating unit. Some cutoffs reset after the heater has cooled down, but others must be replaced if they trip.
Disassemble a radiant heater:
- Unplug the heater and let it cool completely before disassembling it.
- To access wiring, remove the screws holding the control housing in place at the edges and lift it away.
- To remove the thermostat, pull off the knob and remove the electrical leads, marking their location with tape. You may need to remove the retaining nut to free the thermostat.
- To remove the power switch, label and disconnect the leads. Some switches are secured by clips on the top and the bottom; others are fastened by screws.
Disassemble a convective heater:
- Unplug the heater and let it cool completely before disassembling it.
- Remove the rear grille and the control knobs. Remove the front grille by unscrewing the fasteners on the back of the housing.
- Remove the front grille by lifting the control housing and pulling the front grille toward you. The motor, fan, and heating element are now accessible for testing and repair.
- Remove the thermostat from the control housing and disconnect the wires. Remove the heat control's mounting screws and clips to access and disconnect wires.
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