Want to banish the winter chills from your home? Getting your wall heater up and running is easier than you think.
The problem is, if you’ve never turned on your wall heater (gas and electric) before, it can seem intimidating. All those knobs, buttons, and dials – where do you even start?
You might worry about breaking something or not getting the pilot light going. And no one wants to freeze all winter long because they couldn’t figure out their heater!
Well, I’ve got good news for you. In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn a simple, step-by-step process for firing up your wall heater safely and easily.
Step 1: Find the Heater’s Pilot Light
Most heaters have a pilot light right behind their vents, so it isn’t cumbersome to locate it. However, if you are turning on your heater for the first time, some units may require you to open the cover of the burner or remove it completely.
All the pilot lights are present behind the heater’s metal plate. Therefore, you will have to use a torch or any other source of light to find the pilot.
Step 2: Igniting a Wall Heater
Electric Wall Heater
Once you have found the pilot, your next task is to locate the heater’s dial. Adjust the dial on “Pilot” and then press down to turn on the “Ignite” button for a new heater. This process will require some time as you will have to press the button repeatedly until you see a spark.
When your pilot light has started, keep pressing the button for some time. Do it for a minute or two and then finally release it.
Now turn on the dial and ignite the heater’s main burner. This step will lead to a sound indicating the lightning up of the burner. Now cover the heater’s opening.
Natural Gas Heater
Locate the knob on the heater and turn it to the “Pilot” button. Hold the button for a few seconds before releasing it.
Then press the same button again to light the pilot with a spark. If you have an old furnace, you will have to burn it manually using a matchstick. Once the heater’s light starts, keep pressing the button for a few seconds and then release it. Now, start the burner by turning the knob towards “ON.”
Read also: Best Non-Electric Space Heaters for Indoors
Step 3: Set the Desired Temperature on the Thermostat
Use the electric thermostat to set the desired temperature. Depending on the model, some heaters contain digital displays while others have proper dials for this task.
The thermostat keeps the room’s temperature a degree below or above than required. So, allow the temperature range to be between 70F° and 78F°.
Read also: What to do for a Thermostat Not Reaching Set Temperature
Preparing Your Heater and Home Before Turning It On
A drop in the temperature outside indicates that it’s time to turn on the heater and make your place feel cozy and warm. But before you do that, you need to prepare the area and the wall heater to make sure everything works properly.
Clean the Vents Thoroughly
Before you turn on the heater, clean the vents for any dust. This tip will help prevent an additional buildup of grime in the air. Also, remove any obstructions that might be hindering your vent’s airflow and keep the vents open.
Replace Any Old Furnace Filters
You need to replace the heater’s filters if you have used them for a long time. You might already have new ones, but in case you don’t, you can simply take a measurement of the size and get them from the market. Old filters can harm the heating capabilities, so if you don’t want to suffer in the cold, take this tip very seriously.
Remove Nearby Objects for Fire Safety
Remove them before you start the unit, especially if you have boxes, containers, or other items on or near your heater. This action is imperative to reduce the risk of fire.
Test the Heater and Thermostat
Test the heater for a few minutes before using it. Turn up your heater’s thermostat and check if the unit produces a click sound and starts circulating warm air. Let the heater run for a few minutes to see its performance, and if it doesn’t work correctly, consult a maintenance company as soon as you can.
Seal any Leaks or Drafts in the House
If you have cracks and leaks in your house through which the heat can escape, seal them with a suitable material. The existence of these holes or gaps will not let the heater perform well. Fix any broken windows as soon as you can. Plus, cover the spaces under your doors to keep the room warm in winter.
Read also: Aluminum Foil on Windows to Keep Indoor Heat During Winter
Enjoy the Warmth!
Now that you know how to turn on the heater, you are fully prepared for the cold season.
Only make sure to try the heater beforehand so that if there is a problem, you can consult a professional on time. For instance, if you smell something terrible and burning after starting the unit, turn it off instantly and open the windows to allow some ventilation.
Before you go, be sure to check out our post on how to heat a room with candles.
