The fan on an Empire space heater is designed to come on after about 5-10 minutes when the burner is on, and then turn off 5-10 minutes after the flame goes out. This is to ensure that the room is properly heated and the air is circulated. However, there can be instances where the fan may not quit running or may not come on at all, which can be caused by various technical issues.
Understanding the Fan Operation
The fan on an Empire space heater is powered by a motor that can become defective over time, causing the unit to shut down on high limit. The fan is typically controlled by a thermopile or gas valve, which can also become faulty and require measurement of the output to determine the issue.
Another common problem is that the fan can become clogged with moisture, which can freeze up the regulator and cause the unit to shut down. This can happen if the connection to the outside is not secure or is leaking, leading to cross-contamination and flame-out.
Troubleshooting the Fan Issues
If you are experiencing issues with the fan on your Empire space heater, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:
1. Check the Owner’s Manual
Start by thoroughly reading through the owner’s manual for your specific Empire space heater model. The manual will provide detailed instructions on the proper operation and maintenance of the fan, as well as any troubleshooting steps you can take.
2. Oil and Clean the Fan
Over time, the fan motor can become clogged with dust and debris, which can prevent it from running smoothly. Try oiling the fan bearings and cleaning the fan blades to see if this resolves the issue.
3. Measure the Thermopile or Gas Valve Output
If the fan is controlled by a thermopile or gas valve, you may need to measure the output of these components to determine if they are the root cause of the problem. Use a multimeter to check the voltage or resistance, and compare the readings to the manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Check for Airflow Obstructions
Ensure that the connection to the outside is secure and not leaking, as this can cause cross-contamination and lead to the unit shutting down. Also, check for any obstructions in the airflow path that could be preventing the fan from operating properly.
5. Connect the Fan Directly to Power
If the fan is not coming on at all, try connecting it directly to power to ensure that it is spinning correctly. This can help you determine if the issue is with the fan motor or the control system.
6. Replace Faulty Components
If the troubleshooting steps above do not resolve the issue, you may need to replace faulty components, such as the fan motor, thermopile, or gas valve. Be sure to use only genuine Empire replacement parts to ensure compatibility and proper operation.
Technical Specifications
- The fan on an Empire space heater is designed to come on after about 5-10 minutes when the burner is on, and then turn off 5-10 minutes after the flame goes out.
- The fan is powered by a motor that can become defective and cause the unit to shut down on high limit.
- The fan is controlled by a thermopile or gas valve, which can become bad and require measurement of the output to determine the issue.
- The fan can become clogged with moisture, which can freeze up the regulator and cause the unit to shut down.
DIY Troubleshooting Steps
- Read through the owner’s manual.
- Oil the fan.
- Clean the fan.
- Wait long enough for the fan to come on.
- Connect the fan directly to power to ensure that it spins at all.
- Ensure that the connection to the outside is secure and not leaking.
- Measure the output of the thermopile or gas valve to determine if they are the issue.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve any issues with the fan on your Empire space heater, ensuring that it operates as intended and provides efficient and reliable heating for your home.
References:
– Why Isn’t My Empire Heater Blower Working?
– Empire Room Heater Installation Instructions and Owner’s Manual
– Fan on Empire Room Heater Doesn’t Quit Running
– Empire RH Eco Switch Problem
– Fallen Empire Direct Vent Wall Heater