Comfort Zone Heater Won’t Turn On [Fully Fixed]

If you’re cold and your Comfort Zone heater won’t turn on, that can be extremely annoying. The main reasons behind it are:

• Bad power connections.
• Thermostat issues.
• A flipped tip-over switch.
• Tripped thermal cutoff.
• Dust accumulation.

But don’t worry. I’ll walk you through how to fix all of these issues in this guide. Trust me, I’ve been there myself, and I’ve solved this problem. Now, you can do the same. Let’s dive in!

How Can I Fix My Comfort Zone Heater By Resetting It?

Alright, before getting into the more complex troubleshooting steps, you should try a simple fix first. And that is to reset the Comfort Zone heater. When it’s inactive for a long time, there can be issues with it. The heater not turning on could be one of those problems.

Resetting it should turn it back on in those cases. You may be looking for the Comfort Zone heater reset button, but unfortunately, there isn’t one. So, the first thing you can do is power cycle the heater. You turn it off, leave it like that for 5-10 minutes, and turn it back on.

If that works, great. If not, you have to do a hard reset. How? You have to press all the buttons on your heater for around 10 seconds at the same time. It’s like taking a screenshot from your heater, but you just have it hold it for a long time. Now, your Comfort Zone heater is reset.

I really hope that solves the issue for you and that the Comfort Zone heater not turning on problem is fixed. But unfortunately, if that doesn’t work, you have to get your hands dirty and dig a little deeper into the diagnostic process. You’ll learn all about it in the next sections.

Comfort Zone Heater Won’t Turn On [Fully Fixed]

Here are the main reasons why your Comfort Zone heater will not turn on:

1. Power Related Issues

Power-related issues are one of the most common culprits if your Comfort Zone heater refuses to turn on. These issues can be derived from plenty of reasons. A bad power outlet, a faulty power cord, a bad circuit breaker, etc. Let’s dive into each of these possible problems in detail.

i) Faulty Power Outlet

The first thing you need to do is check if the power outlet you are using is working properly. Outlets can fray or become damaged over time, which leads to a failure to deliver power to your heater.

To check this, plug a different device (like a lamp or a phone charger) into the same outlet. If neither device works, the issue is likely the outlet. You can also try using the heater from another outlet. If the heater works, then there’s clearly an issue with the power outlet.

ii) Loose or Improper Connection

Occasionally, the problem is as simple as the heater being improperly plugged into the outlet. The wiring needs to be intact and also needs to make a tight connection. Otherwise, there could be problems. If the plug isn’t inserted properly, the heater won’t receive power.

iii) Damaged or Frayed Power Cord

Check the power cord of your Comfort Zone heater for anything that looks damaged. Bare wires, frays, or cuts of any kind can stop the flow of electricity. It can prevent the heater from coming on. The cord is subject to wear and tear over time. It may also be damaged by rodents or pets chewing on it.

iv) Tripped Circuit Breaker

Heaters absorb a lot of energy, and if you exceed the limit of the circuit, the breaker can trip to prevent overheating or electrical fires.

Look in your home’s electrical panel to determine whether the breaker associated with the heater’s outlet has tripped. If it has, it will either be in the “off” position or halfway between “on” and “off.”

v) Voltage Issues

Wiring problems or an overloaded circuit may also mean that the heater is not receiving the correct voltage. It can prevent the heater from turning on. Underlying voltage problems are common in old homes.

Solution:

Following these steps can help resolve any power issues that may arise when using your Comfort Zone heater. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix each issue:

i) Fixing a Faulty Power Outlet:

Replace the defective outlet with a new one if it’s faulty. If you’re not familiar with electrical work, this is a job best left to a licensed electrician.

ii) Ensuring a Secure Connection:

If the plug was loose, reinserting it firmly into the outlet is all you need to do. Ensure that the prongs are seated and connected securely. If it’s loose or the plug isn’t secure in place, the outlet itself may need to be repaired or replaced.

iii) Replacing a Damaged Power Cord:

Don’t use the heater if you find any damage, especially to the power cord. It can be very dangerous since a fraying or damaged cord can cause electrical shocks or fires.

Install a replacement cord that is suitable for your heater. If you’re not sure how to do it, follow the instructions from the manufacturer, or ask for help from a professional.

iv) Resetting a Tripped Circuit Breaker:

If you find the circuit breaker tripped, turn it off fully and back on. This should re-energize the outlet. If it trips again, there could be a more serious issue. Perhaps an overloaded circuit or a short in the heater. If you are in doubt, turn off the heater and call an electrician.

v) Addressing Voltage Issues:

To check for voltage issues, use a multimeter to read the voltage present at the outlet. You can get those voltages as stated in the heater user manual (most household heaters are at 120V).

If the voltage is low or inconsistent, there might be an issue with your home’s wiring. Call for an electrician to identify and correct the problem.

2. Incorrect Thermostat Settings

One of the main reasons your Comfort Zone heater is not turning on is incorrect settings on the thermostat. The thermostat controls the heater’s temperature, turning it on and off when the temperature is right. But if it is not set correctly, the heater won’t turn on.

What often happens is that the thermostat is simply not turned up high enough to turn on the heater. When the thermostat knob is rotated too low (counter-clockwise), the heater may not detect that it needs to be activated. That could be why your Comfort Zone space heater won’t turn on.

Solution:

The thermostat settings often get messed up when the heater is not used for a while, as the dial can move around. Thankfully, solving it is very easy.

To fix the issue, turn the thermostat knob in the clockwise direction to the HIGH position. Then turn it down slowly and see if the heater comes on. If the thermostat was set too low, changing it would fix the issue instantly, and your heater will start working as it should.

3. Faulty Thermostat

When the thermostat settings are not right, it’s easy to fix. But the sad reality is that the thermostat itself can often go bad with time. Especially if the heater remains unused for a while.

Over time, the internal components of the thermostat can become worn and cause failure. If the thermostat is faulty, then it may not detect the correct temperature. So, it won’t enable the heater even when the settings are correct.

Another indication of a malfunctioning thermostat is that nothing happens even when you adjust the knob. No click, no activation, no heat. If you notice that the heater kicks on sometimes to heat the house but does not run consistently, that’s also a sign of a bad thermostat.

Solution:

When you have a bad thermostat, the only option is to replace it. Make sure you get the right replacement part, as Comfort Zone heaters have many models. If you’re confused, call their customer support to know which thermostat will be the right one for your model.

Then, it all comes down to replacing the thermostat. Once you get the correct part, you can follow these steps to complete the thermostat replacement job:

Step 01—Power Down The Heater

You always want to turn off the power while you’re working on the heater to eliminate any electrical hazards. Unplug the heater or switch off the breaker that supplies power to it.

Use a screwdriver to access the heater’s control system. Then, find the thermostat, which is usually connected via two or more cables. Gently remove the wiring connections—one at a time.

It’s a good idea to take a picture of the wiring setup to know where each wire goes so you can reconnect properly.

Step 02—Adjust the New Thermostat

Install the correct replacement thermostat according to the specifications of the heater. Commonly, the KING ES120 is for 120-volt heaters and the ES230 is for 230-volt heaters.

Connect the wires to the new thermostat. Refer to the picture to make sure you put everything back correctly. Once the thermostat is secured tightly, reassemble the heater’s control panel.

Step 03—Restore Power and Test

After turning the power back on, you’ll want to set the thermostat and ensure the heater is turning on properly. If the heater is working properly, the issue is resolved.

So, that’s how easy it is to replace the thermostat on your own. Hopefully, now your heater will turn on and stay on.

4. Tripped Thermal Cutoff

Another frequent reason why your Comfort Zone heater keeps shutting off or doesn’t turn on is the thermal cutoff. This is a built-in safety feature meant to stop the heater from overheating.

The thermal cutoff automatically cuts off the power supply to the unit when the heater’s internal temperature rises beyond a certain level. This overheating could also happen if the heater’s air vents are blocked or the heater is situated too close to furniture, curtains, or other items that impede air movement.

Once the thermal cut-off is activated, the heater does not turn back on until it sufficiently cools down. So this is why you may sometimes hear a clicking when the heater shuts off. No need to panic—it’s the thermal cut-off doing its job.

Solution:

The good news is that this problem is often easy to fix. In case the thermal cut-off has been tripped, do the following:

Step 01—Unplug the Heater & Let It Rest

As a first step, unplug your heater from the power outlet to prevent any further risks and also let it cool down. Allow the heater 10–15 minutes at least to cool down completely. This helps reset the internal components, including the thermal cut-off switch.

Step 02—Remove the Obstructions

Clean the air vents of the heater. Make sure that they aren’t obstructed by dust, debris, or anything else nearby. Remove blockage to increase airflow. Try to keep all the Comfort Zone heater parts clean as much as you can.

Also, make sure that the space around the heater is empty. Check that the heater is in a free space without many walls or combustible materials. That will make sure that the heater doesn’t overheat.

Step 03—Plug the Heater Back In & Test

Once the heater has cooled down and you’ve solved any airflow issues, plug it back in and turn it on. If this was the only issue, it should work now. Hopefully, you’ll no longer have to wonder how to turn on your Comfort Zone heater if you follow these steps correctly.

If the heater keeps shutting off even after following these steps, the thermal cut-off switch is most likely faulty.

In that case, your only option is to replace it. I’ve outlined how you can replace the thermal cutoff in detail in my guide on how you can fix your Comfort Zone heater not blowing hot air.

However, if you’re not comfortable replacing it on your own, that’s completely understandable. Just get in touch with Comfort Zone customer support or hire a qualified technician for the job.

5. Flipped Tip-Over Switch

Most space heaters have a small internal mechanism known as a tip-over switch that senses the angle at which the heater sits.

If the heater tips over or bends too significantly, the switch will be activated and the power supply cut off. The same goes for Comfort Zone heaters. When the tip-over switch gets triggered, it leads to the Comfort Zone heater not working. It’s another safety feature meant to avoid accidents.

The tip-over switches automatically cut off power to the unit if the heater is not placed on a flat, stable surface or gets knocked over. It ensures that the heater does not function in an unstable position, as that’s a fire hazard.

Solution:

The good news is that a flipped tip-over switch is fairly easy to correct and doesn’t need any tech skills. Here’s what you need to do:

• Put the heater in a stable location: Make sure the heater is sitting on a flat, level surface. Don’t put it on carpets, rugs, or uneven floors, as it can make the heater pitch and activate the tip-over switch.
• Check for stability: Lightly shake the heater to determine whether it wobbles or seems unsteady. If it does, position it or place it on a more stable surface.
• Reset the Heater: If the tip-over switch was activated, the only thing you need to do is to turn the heater off, unplug it, and turn it back on.
• Avoid any obstructions: Ensure there are no items near the heater that might make it topple over, like cords, furniture, or animals.

If the heater still fails to turn on after ensuring it sits on a flat surface, the tip-over switch itself could be faulty. If that’s the problem, you open the heater’s casing to check the switch. If it’s bad, you need to get it replaced.

6. Build-Up of Dust

One reason why your Comfort Zone heater doesn’t turn on that is often overlooked is the build-up of dust. Debris can be trapped in the heater over time. Especially around air vents, grills, and other internal components.

This accumulation of dust limits adequate airflow, which is crucial for the heater’s proper operation. Poor airflow can cause the heater to get too hot, activating its safety mechanisms and preventing it from turning on.

To make matters worse, dust building up can also hinder the heater’s performance. How, you may ask? By clogging the heating elements or blocking the fan. This blockage not only decreases the heater’s efficiency but can also cause it to shut off unexpectedly.

Solution:

You have to restore the proper airflow of your heater to fix this issue. It can be done by doing a deep clean of your heater. Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean it safely and effectively:

Step 01—Turn Off the Heater & Let It Cool

Always turn off the heater and unplug it from the power source before you start cleaning it. This is to avoid electrical accidents and keep you safe. If the heater has been on, even on low, make sure it’s cool to the touch before you begin to clean it. This helps prevent burns and makes it safe to handle.

Step 02—Clean the Heater

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the heater’s exterior. Do not use water or liquid cleaners, as they can harm the electrical components.

Remove dust from the air vents and grills. You can use a vacuum with a brush attachment for this job. The intake and exhaust vents are the places where the most dust will build up. So, pay special attention to them and clean them well.

For some heater models, you can open the casing to get to the internal components. Dust the heating elements, fan, and other parts using a can of compressed air or a small brush.

Be mindful of any sensitive parts to avoid damaging them. Make sure that nothing is blocking the airflow. Usually, the most common obstacles are furniture, curtains, or other objects that block the heater.

Step 03—Reassemble & Test

After cleaning, reassemble the heater and plug it back in. Turn it on to check if it works well. Hopefully, that’ll solve the issue for you. It’s also a great idea to take good care of the heater so that you don’t face this issue.

How To Prevent Issues In The Comfort Zone Heater?

To prevent dust accumulation in the future, you should consider cleaning your heater at least before and after the start of each winter season. Here are a few extra tips:

• When you don’t use the heater, make sure to cover it with a dust-proof cover.
• Avoid placing the heater in dusty areas or ones with a lot of foot traffic.
• Check the vents and grills from time to time and clean them when they get dirty.

Cleaning your heater helps to reduce the workload on the system and prevent sudden failures. Aside from performance problems caused by the dust buildup, regular cleaning helps to prevent overheating of the device. So, do what you can to make sure your heater stays in good shape.

FAQs:

Conclusion

If your Comfort Zone heater won’t turn on, don’t worry. Common issues include power faults, dust build-up, or safety features. Luckily, most problems are easy to fix.

You can start by resetting or cleaning the heater. Make sure the power cord is plugged into the wall outlet. It needs room to breathe and to be away from direct light.

Many issues can be prevented with regular maintenance. Clean vents and inspect the heater often. With proper care, your heater will work reliably. You can also check out my guide on fixing Comfort Zone heater fans if you’re facing any trouble with it.