Power On Problem with Two Sunbeam SLP3310-UM heaters
I purchased two of these units - both failed after a few weeks. Problem was identical - the units would work fine, but when shut off, would not power on again. The indicator light might blink, but then nothing.
I have found the problem is the cheap, polished 2 prong power plugs on these heaters. After a few uses they do not conduct enough current for the electronic control to be able to apply full power to the element.
The fix? Simple. Use an emory board to "roughen up" the plug power prongs so that a decent contact is made when the plug is inserted in the outlet. Then, buy a decent three conductor, grounded power cord and replace the AC cord entirely. At least, cut off the cheap power plug and replace it with a good plug with conductors that can carry the current needed.
If you can't do this competently, take the units to someone qualified to perform the repairs. Obviously, poor electrical connections can cause fires - and would, if these...
Good while it lasted
We bought this heater for our living room to try to avoid using our central gas heating very much this winter. Our living room is fairly large, and this heater is doing a pretty good job so far. We closed doors so that it's heating just our living room and kitchen, and it has stayed very comfortable for the most part. There have been a few nights though where it was a little colder (in the 20s and 30s - we live in Georgia!) and it did seem a little chilly in the room, but not COLD. We haven't noticed any significant change in our electric bill either, and we run this heater almost 24/7. Overall, it's a decent heater for keeping our living area comfortable, but if you live in an area that gets very cold, this may or may not work well for you (depending on the area you want to heat and the insulation of your home).
***UPDATED*** 12/15/09
It was nice while it lasted. We woke up this morning and the heater was off. We tried everything, and nothing would get it...
Warm and reliable
I purchased two of these last year ('08). I had to take one back to the store because it failed, but the replacement worked perfectly. I click the auto temp to 65 degrees and my rooms are warm (I also have 12' ceilings). I used these in place of the baseboard oil heat (when oil was $4 a gallon) and my heating bill was about $350 a month through the cold northeast Pa. winter. Oil would've been about $1000 a month.
I am buying 2 more to replace other models I tried that just don't work as well as these.
Click to Editorial Reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment