Infrared Heater Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide
Infrared heaters are designed to be extremely reliable, low-maintenance heating systems. Unlike boilers, heat pumps or fan heaters, they contain no moving parts, no pumps and no filters. That said, correct care and basic troubleshooting will ensure optimal performance and a long service life.
This guide is based on manufacturer instructions across our full infrared range, including wall panels, ceiling panels, mirror heaters, bar heaters and freestanding units.
Read more: Quick Guide to installing Infrared Heating
Routine Maintenance (Minimal but Important)
1. Keep the heater surface clean
Dust build-up can reduce radiant efficiency over time. Clean the heater surface every few months using a soft, dry or slightly damp lint-free cloth.
- Do not use sprays, solvents or abrasive cleaners
- Never immerse the heater in water
- Ensure no moisture enters electrical components
2. Check power cables and connections
Inspect visible cables periodically for signs of wear, damage or strain. If a cable appears damaged, stop using the heater and arrange a replacement.
3. Keep clearances unobstructed
Infrared heaters must never be covered. Do not place furniture, curtains, towels or objects directly in front of or on top of the heater. Blocked airflow or radiant surfaces can trigger safety cut-outs.
4. WiFi and thermostat checks (if applicable)
For heaters with built-in WiFi or smart thermostats:
- Ensure the network is 2.4GHz (5GHz is not supported)
- Replace remote batteries if the display becomes weak
- Check firmware updates periodically via the app
Common Infrared Heater Issues & Solutions
Heater will not turn on
- Check the socket or fused spur is switched on
- Test the socket using another appliance
- Ensure the thermostat set temperature is higher than room temperature
- Check WiFi heaters are online and connected
Heater turns on but produces little or no heat
- This is normal during the first few minutes – infrared heats surfaces, not air
- Ensure voltage supply is stable
- Confirm the heater is correctly sized for the room using our wattage calculator
- Cold building fabric may take longer to warm on first use
Heater stops heating suddenly
This is usually caused by the internal thermal safety cut-out activating.
- Switch off and unplug the heater
- Allow at least 10 minutes to cool
- Check for blocked airflow or covered surfaces
- Reconnect power once fully cooled
Heater switches off when moved or knocked
Freestanding models include a tip-over safety switch. Place the heater upright on a stable surface to restore operation.
Clicking, ticking or light noises
These sounds are caused by natural thermal expansion of materials as the heater warms and cools. This is completely normal and not a fault.
Surface feels warm but not hot
Infrared heaters are designed to emit radiant energy, not extreme surface temperatures. A warm surface with strong radiant output is normal operation.
WiFi heater not connecting to the app
- Ensure you are using a 2.4GHz WiFi network
- Reset WiFi by holding the reset button for 5–10 seconds
- Repeat pairing steps if router or password has changed
- Keep the phone within a few metres during pairing
Remote control or wall switch not responding
If your infrared heater is not responding to a remote control or wall-mounted light switch, this is usually related to power, pairing or battery setup rather than a fault with the heater itself.
- Check the battery orientation: Ensure the battery is inserted the correct way around. This is a very common issue.
- Remove any battery protection tabs: Some remotes are supplied with a small clear or coloured sticker on the battery contact to prevent discharge during shipping. This must be removed before use.
Pairing timing is critical. The pairing process must usually be completed within one minute of powering the heater. If this window is missed, the heater will exit pairing mode.
- Switch the heater off at the fused spur or isolation point
- Switch it back on and listen for an audible beep
- Complete the pairing steps immediately while the heater is in pairing mode
Confirm the correct control type: If you still have the original packaging, check whether the switch or control box is labelled as WiFi-enabled or Non wifi as they both work in different ways
- WiFi switches are designed only for WiFi-enabled infrared panels
- Non-WiFi infrared panels use a different remote
Using the wrong switch type will prevent pairing and operation, even if power is supplied correctly.
Storage & Long Periods of Non-Use
- Disconnect power if the heater will not be used for long periods
- Store in a dry environment
- Do not stack objects on top of the heater
When to Contact a Professional
Contact a qualified electrician or our technical team if:
- The heater repeatedly trips electrical protection
- There is visible cable damage
- The heater does not recover after cooling
- You suspect an internal electrical fault
Need Further Help?
If you need assistance with setup, fault diagnosis or system design, our team is happy to help.
Visit our FAQs or contact our technical team for expert advice.
