Electric Heater Making Clicking Noise- Follow the Steps to Fix

Electric heater Making noise
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Electric heater might be working very well, but all of a sudden you start hearing strange noises. This should not stress you because the radiator body is full of aluminum that can sometimes trigger clicking noises. This is usually a result of aluminum expansion whenever the radiator gets hot.

Clicking noises should not worry you because they specifically don’t imply that the appliance is faulty. You need to understand that all appliances manufactured from metal are prone to noise production while operating. Well, our article contains a handy guide on how one can comfortably fix minor issues with his electric heater like clicking noise.

Why does my electric heater make clicking noises?

electric heater making clicking noise

In case the clicking noise becomes consistent, mostly when the furnace is operating extra hard, this implies that the heat exchanger is faulty. The component is responsible for spreading heat via the metal safely in the air; and if it has cracked, you will start hearing clicking sounds. Here, the expansion and contraction of the metal will make it produce a clicking sound. Additionally, the component itself could also be problematic.

These haters remain great for topping your home with extra warmth and if they start to make a clicking noise, this is no longer but an interruption. When in good working condition, electric heaters can transform your cold room into something else. However, you should invest in high-quality options like hydronic heaters; this implies a standard electric heater will always be noisy.

These models can pop, tap, ping, pang, squeal, hum, tick, squeak, ring, click, zing, whine, and bang when ON.  These sounds emerge when the components in the heaters change the size and then vibrate when warming. Sometimes these heaters can click loudly when the thermostat goes off.

Below are some of the tricks that can help you tackle the clicking noise with your electric heater. Remember, you can employ the tricks on Farenheat and Dimplex heaters and they can completely end the problem or minimize the electric heater’s clicking noise.

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Fixing clicking noise in an electric heater

Electric Heater noise

Step 1: Greasing the electric heater

Since these models can utilize all the grease or lubricant, you are required to utilize a high-temp silicone-based grease to the joints and brackets of the unit. Apply the grease in various parts where the metallic pieces meet and may bind and rub.

Because these joints may heat up while the device is in operation, apply non-drying, thick grease. The lube should accommodate high temperatures without breaking down or catching fire. For this reason, we recommend using WD-40 Specialist Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant or products from various brands that produce high-quality grease.

Step 2: Reinforcing all the joints and brackets

How to Tightening the brackets

This action is essential in reducing the clicking sound in electric heaters. Tightening the brackets of the heater is another remarkable way of minimizing these lubes. During the cooling and warming process, you can realize that noise mostly emanates from the place where the element holding the brackets. You are advised to drill a single hole where the cabinet and the bracket meet.

You may curb this problem by driving sheets of metal screws in those holes. If you own an eight-foot 2500 watt heater, drill eight holes. The next thing will be to use stubby, thick-threaded, short screws onto these eight holes. Doing so will tackle the pops and clicks faster than you could ever think. Besides, the squeals and squeaks will disappear completely.

Step 3: Tightening other screws

You are supposed to inspect the screws holding the heater to the wall. You want to make sure the screws are driven right in the studs.

Remember, massive wall anchors offer great support too if you fail to access the studs.  Usually, you should opt for a more robust, less vibration conveying backing for the electric heater.  Such action is essential in minimizing the clicking noise from the appliance as a result of plaster or drywall behind your heater.

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Step 4: Securing the heating element

Electric heaters can sometimes hum while running, mostly if you own higher power home devices. If the appliance drains more power, it’s possible that they buzz and hum.

These issues can be challenging to fix compared to pings, squeaks, and pops. However, once you are determined, the process becomes simple and you can try to minimize them. You can achieve this by securing the heating component in the brackets.

Doing so will incredibly minimize the buzzing that emanates when any loose part trembles inside the stalemate brackets.

The bracket must tightly clamp the component.  Try flexing the bracket to allow the snugger to fit in.  But don’t bend the bracket numerous times; you may snap it apart.

Step 4: Choosing a good thermostat

Thermostats are the victims responsible for clicking noise in electric baseboard heaters. This means that buying an incredible thermostat is the best investment in life. For the lowest noise electric heaters, this choice remains critical. Since triac-based thermostats are commonly used, it’s possible to see them as the source of clicking noise in electric heaters.

These appliances utilize the same triac sort for switching like light dimmers.  Any individual who has ever interacted with a light dimmer understands what I am implying.  Both the dimmer and light can loudly buzz whenever the dimmer is at its brightest setting.

Well, you should also understand that a poorly manufactured thermostat may add noise.  This happens as a result of it failing to fully turn on the triac during every AC power sine wave cycle. 

This problem will distort the power waveform heading in the heater, and make jagged edges.  These non-round edges thus result in brasher buzzing in your electric heater and generate abundant electric heater noise. The switching confusion may lead to TV and radio interference. With such complications, opting for a replacement can be the best solution to such an electric heater.

You can diagnose a faulty thermostat by bypassing it momentarily. For example, you can use jumper cords across its swapped depots. In case the buzzing disappears, probably the thermostat is the goat here.

You Might be Interested to Read: Electric Baseboard Heater Clicking Noise-Possible Solutions.

Frequently asked questions:

  • How do I stop my wall heater from making noise?

If you are capable, try to install a wall furnace in a heavy-duty furnace room, preventing it from spreading throughout your home. You can use insulation or soundproofing foam to the heater room walls and ceilings, and utilize a door that has a dedicated core to eliminate noise from your room.

  • Why does my furnace click on but doesn’t fire up?

The Faulty Ignition Sensor/Pilot Light is typically the greatest mutual problem why your furnace is not igniting. This is normally the fault if you can get your furnace to click on but doesn’t fire up. If the igniter or sensor is dirty, it’ll require thorough cleanliness.

  • Can a faulty thermostat trigger short cycling?

Yes, faulty thermostats are associated with Short Cycling. More so, your thermostat may lead to cycle off and on rapidly to the HVAC system.

Conclusion  

As much as electric heaters are excellent sources of warmth in our homes, they can become irritating whenever diagnosed with a component failure. This article has equipped you with all the information that you may need to inspect and treat clicking noise from your electric heater. Some of these noises are normal, but they turn into a problem when they don’t cease. 

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