Why an electric heater stops heating
Most electric baseboard and wall heater failures come from a tripped breaker, a failed line-voltage thermostat, or a burned-out heating element or high-limit switch.
Electric heaters are simple, but they run at 120V or 240V. Testing beyond the breaker and thermostat setting is a job for a licensed electrician or HVAC technician.
Symptoms and causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Completely cold, nothing works | Tripped double-pole breaker or failed thermostat |
| Warm but never hot | One element failed on a multi-element unit, or a 240V heater on a 120V circuit |
| Breaker trips repeatedly | Short in the element or wiring, or an overloaded circuit |
| Won't shut off | Thermostat contacts welded closed |
| Burning smell | Dust on the elements (brief) or overheating wiring (serious) |
Fire safety around electric heaters
Keep curtains, bedding, furniture and toys at least 12 inches from baseboard heaters. Never cover a heater. If a breaker trips more than once, leave it off and have the circuit checked.
Line-voltage thermostats
Wall thermostats for baseboard heaters switch the full heater current. They wear out from arcing, and cheap bimetal models swing several degrees.
Programmable line-voltage thermostats can cut electric heating costs by setting rooms back when they're empty. They must be rated for the heater's voltage and amperage. More in our thermostat repair guide.
Safe checks for homeowners
- Check for a tripped breaker labeled for heat
- Turn the wall thermostat fully up and listen for a click
- Look for blocked airflow on top of the heater
- Vacuum dust from the fins with the power off at the breaker
- Note whether multiple heaters on one circuit are affected
What the technician tests
- Voltage at the heater and the thermostat.
- Element resistance and continuity.
- High-limit switch continuity.
- Wiring connections for heat damage.
- Circuit load versus breaker rating.
Electric heat FAQs
Are electric baseboard heaters expensive to run?
They're nearly 100% efficient at the point of use, but electricity usually costs more per unit of heat than gas. Heat pumps typically deliver two to three times more heat per kWh.
Should I replace baseboard heat with a heat pump?
Many homeowners in electric-heat regions do, especially with ductless mini-splits. A provider can compare costs for your home.
Next steps
Ready to get it fixed? Call (888) 555-0142 to reach a licensed provider in your area. Related guides:
Busy winter markets: heating repair in Wisconsin · heating repair in Colorado · heating repair in New Jersey · heating repair in Missouri · heating repair in Indiana · heating repair in Washington · all states.