Electric baseboard heater is a common heating system widely used due to its many advantages, such as selling at an affordable price, and the installation process is simple. The heaters are usually placed underneath windows. You can control the heaters by connecting them to the thermostat in each room within the house.
Electric baseboard heaters sometimes can generate sounds such as grinding noise when in use or sometimes when not in use. Clicking noise from the electric baseboard heater is irritating and disturbs the peace in the house, especially for children and the elderly. Therefore, it is essential to fix the problem immediately and avoid ignorance. The information below shows different causes of clicking noise in the electric baseboard heater and troubleshooting such causes.
Causes of clicking sound in the electric baseboard and possible solutions
Electric baseboard heater tends to produce a loud noise when any part of the heater fails to function. There are several causes of clicking noise in the electric baseboard and the possible solutions discussed in the information below.
1. Tickling of the heater radiator
Metals are usually prone to produce a loud noise, whether the same or different type. The radiator may make a clicking noise when filled with oil. The clicking noise causes many discomforts and irritations for individuals within the house, such as young people and the elderly. If you detect a radiator producing clicking noise, consider troubleshooting the problem immediately instead of ignoring it.
The following steps show how to eliminate clicking noise produced by the electric baseboard heater.
- Before starting the repairing process, first, collect all materials required, such as a screwdriver and a wrench.
- Find the position of the heater radiator after disconnecting the heater from the power source.
- Examine the electric baseboard heater carefully and identify any issue that results in clicking noise when the heater is in use.
- If the radiator pipes are poorly connected, cushion the radiator pipes to eliminate the clicking noise problem. Also, use expanding foam insulation to resolve the creaking and clicking in the house. Finally, moving the furniture to provide room for expansion, thus quietening down the clicking noise.
- Recheck the radiator to see if the problem has been resolved. If the problem persists, proceed to the next step of inspecting other heater components.
2. A failing ignition sensor
A failing ignition sensor interferes with the heater furnace’s correct functioning, making the furnace produce a clicking noise when turning on but fail to light up. A failing sensor mainly results from the accumulation of dirt and dust on the sensors, hindering the sensors from functioning as usual. To fix the problem, follow the information below;
a) First, inspect the ignition sensor for any faults, such as accumulating dirt in the sensor.
b) If dirt has accumulated on the sensor, clean the sensor using appropriate cleaning detergent to avoid damaging the sensor. Also, use a vacuum cleaner such as a shark vacuum to suck all dirt and dust present in the sensor.
c) Reinstall all components removed and turn on the heater to see if the problem is resolved. If the problem persists, purchase a new ignition sensor for replacement.
Also, you may contact skilled personnel to help you repair or replace the ignition sensor.
3. Ungreased electric baseboard heater
An ungreased electric baseboard heater results in metal-to-metal contact-generating clicking noise during the heating process. Grease lubricates the metals in place and prevents the occurrence of clicking noise. Before oiling the heater, first, review the manufacturer’s manual book and see how to handle the heater clicking noise.
Fixing the problem is quite simple and requires little understanding of how to use grease. The following process shows how to fix an ungreased electric baseboard heater.
i. Disconnect the electric baseboard heater from the power supply source. Ensure you turn off the switch before disconnecting the heater.
ii. Find the location of the metals that require greasing, especially metals that join together.
iii. Using recommended grease such as silicon, apply the silicon to all metal joints. Ensure the silicone grease has a high temperature before applying.
iv. Spread the silicon grease evenly in all metals that have the possibility of coming in contact with each other. The grease recommended must be able to withstand high temperatures without contacting fire.
v. Reinstall all parts and remove them back to their position. It is advisable to handle all heater components carefully to avoid damaging them and adding extra replacement or repair costs.
vi. Test the electric heater to check if the problem is resolved.
vii. If the problem persists, repeat the greasing process or consider taking the machine to the nearby repair shop for clicking noise fixation.
4. Loose screws
The screws holding the heater in position may become loose with time, especially when the electric baseboard heater keeps vibrating. Once the screws become loose, continuous clicking noise is produced and increases with time. Fixing the problem is easy as long as you have all the equipment required.
- Collect all materials required, such as a screwdriver and a wrench. A wrench is used together with the screwdriver to screw and unscrew bolts holding the heater.
- Check the screws and place each screw in its position before carrying out the screwing process.
- Using a screwdriver and a wrench, tighten the loose screws to eliminate clicking noise. Ensure you handle the screws carefully during screwing to prevent the occurrence of breakage.
5. Poor heat dispersing fins
Heat dispersing fin adjustments may be incorrect. For instance, the fins can be set to run loudly instead of quietly hence producing loud noise. Also, dusty and dirt heat dispersing fins prevent airflow in and out of the heater, resulting in a foul smell. To troubleshoot such issues, follow the information below.
1) Shut off the heater and disconnect it from the power supply. Leave the heater for a couple of minutes to cool down completely. Ensure the heater is cold before proceeding to the next step.
2) Remove the heater front cover carefully and locate the position of the heat dispersing fins.
3) Examine the heater fins if they are in good condition.
4) Push the heat dispersing fin element in the opposite direction gently and carefully. While moving the fin, use your hearing to detect any noise produced.
5) If the noise is eliminated, the problem is the heat dispersing fin but if not, proceed to inspect other parts of the electric baseboard heater.
Finally, consider seeking help from a repair shop if the problem persists or consider replacing the whole electric baseboard. It is advisable to replace the heater, especially since its lifespan is more than four years. Moreover, follow the manufacturer’s instructions during the replacement process.
6. A faulty electric baseboard heater
After inspecting and troubleshooting all parts of the heater and none of the above works, consider replacing the whole thermostat. But, if you are not ready to throw the heater, contact a skilled technician to diagnose the noise’s cause.
When buying an electric baseboard heater, consider the following factors. First, purchase a heater of high quality to last longer. Secondly, look for a heater with an affordable price to reduce purchasing expenses. Finally, consider buying the heater from a licensed seller and follow the guidelines on how to service the heater frequently.
You Might Be Interested to Read: Electric Heater Making Clicking Noise- Follow the Steps to Fix.
Conclusion
Noise production in the heaters depends on the model of the heater. For instance, non-hydronic heaters produce a lot of noise compared to electric heaters. Therefore, the troubleshooting process differs from one heater to another. If you have an electric baseboard heater, follow the information above on how to troubleshoot each problem.
Finally, when experiencing noise produced from the electric baseboard heater, first, detect the root cause of the problem and apply the best solution to eliminate the noise. Also, it is advisable to contact skilled personnel if you lack understanding of the heater’s parts instead of trying troubleshooting the problems on your own.
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