Can Oil Filled Heaters Freeze? Find Out Here!

There are many kinds of heaters, such as electric heaters, convection fan heaters, baseboard heaters, etc. However, oil-filled radiator heaters bring true warmth with value for money. This type of heater is a flexible heater solution. Still, oil radiator heaters have their own concerns and people have all kinds of valid and common questions. One such question is 'can oil filled heaters freeze'. This post is dedicated to answering this question. We will look deeply into this problem. Plus, it will touch other essential aspects of a liquid filled space heater.

You will find electric oil-filled heaters as well. The concern still remains with them as well.

First, let us cut to the chase and answer the question.

Can Oil Heaters Freeze?

The short answer is yes. But there are some exceptions.

Factors

Yes, oil heaters can freeze. It depends on several factors. Let's take a look at these factors.

1. Temperature

2. Humidity

3. Size

4. Type of oil

5. Amount of oil

6. How much time has passed since you last checked your heater

7. Other things that may affect freezing

Let's start by looking at temperature.

Temperature

If the temperature drops below 0 degrees Celcius, then the oil in the heater will begin to freeze. If the temperature goes above 100 degrees C, then the oil will not freeze.

Humidity

This factor also plays an important role. In fact, humidity is more important than temperature. If the air is dry, then the oil will freeze faster. Also, if the air is humid, then the oil will be less likely to freeze.

Size

This is another factor that affects how fast the oil freezes. Smaller heaters are more prone to freezing because they have less surface area. Larger heaters have more surface area and thus, are less likely to freeze. Of course, size does not always mean everything. For example, smaller heaters usually have lower wattage ratings. So, they use less power and therefore, are less likely to overheat.

Type of Oil

There are two types of oils: mineral oil and synthetic oil. Mineral oil is better suited for heating purposes. Synthetic oil is used for lubrication. Both types of oil are good for heating. However, mineral oil is better suited for long-term usage while synthetic oil is best suited for short-term usage.

Amount of Oil

How much oil do you need? Well, that depends on what kind of heater you have. A small heater may only require 1/8th cup of oil. On the other hand, a large heater may require up to 2 gallons of oil.

How Much Time Has Passed Since You Last Checked Your Heaters

It is recommended to check your heaters once every month or so. That way, you know when to replace the oil.

Other Things That May Affect Freezing

These include:

• Airflow

• Location

• Excessively cold temperatures

• Too hot temperatures

• Overheating

• Insufficient ventilation

• Dirty filters

• Not enough oil

• Leaks

• Improper installation

• Poor maintenance

How To Prevent Oil-Filled Radiator Heater From Freezing

Now that we've looked at the different factors that play a role in whether or not an oil-filled heater will freeze, let's look at ways to prevent oil-filled radiators from freezing.

Ensure Good Air Flow

Air flow is very important. If there isn't enough air flowing through the heater, then the oil inside the heater will become stagnant. Stagnant oil is less effective at keeping the radiator warm. This means that it will take longer to get the radiator heated up again.

Try A Different Location

The location where the heater is installed also matters. If the heater is located in a place with low air circulation, then it is more likely to freeze.

Manage Excessively Cold Temperatures

When the temperature gets too cold, the oil inside the heater becomes sluggish. As a result, it takes longer to heat up the radiator.

Manage Too Hot Temperatures

If the temperature gets too hot, then the oil inside can actually boil. The amperage of space heaters can shoot. The boiling point of an oil is about 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything hotter than this and the oil begins to boil. Once the oil boils, it no longer serves its purpose as a heat transfer medium. It simply turns into steam.

Fix Insufficient Ventilation

Insufficient ventilation is another reason why oil-filled radiators could freeze. When the heater is working properly, it should be ventilated. Otherwise, the air inside the heater will stagnate.

Clean The Dirty Filters

Filters are necessary for all heaters. But, dirty filters can cause problems. Dirt clogs up the filter and reduces airflow. This makes it harder for the heater to work efficiently.

Fix Overheating

Oil-filled radiators can overheat if their heaters are not set correctly. That affects the normal heating cycle. They can even overheat if the thermostat is set too high. This can affect the hot heating element and damage the appliance.

Get Rid Of Improper Installation

Properly installing an oil-filled radiator requires some skill. There are many things to consider such as:

• Proper placement

• Correct orientation

• Proper sizing

• Proper mounting

• Proper wiring

• Proper connections

• Proper insulation

• Proper grounding

Ensure Proper Maintenance

Maintaining an oil-filled radiator is just like maintaining any other type of heater. Make sure that you clean out the tank regularly. Also, make sure that you change the oil periodically.

Fix Any Leakages

Leaks are one of the most common reasons why oil-filled radiations freeze. If there is a leak, then the oil inside will drain out. Then, the heater will have to work harder to keep itself warm. This causes the oil inside to slow down. Eventually, the oil will stop circulating altogether.

Correct The Thermostat Settings

Thermostats are used to control how much heat is released into the room. However, they can sometimes be set incorrectly. If the thermostat is too high, then the oil inside may begin to boil. This can lead to overheating.

If the thermostat setting is too low, then the oil inside won't circulate. This can lead to freezing. Make it is set to the standard thermostat. You can install an automatic heating control system to manage these settings and the whole central heating system.

Manage Faulty Wiring

Wires are what connect the thermostat to the heating element. Faulty wires can cause the thermostat to malfunction and lead to many associated dangers of oil heaters. In turn, this can cause the heater to overheat or underneath. Please follow all oil-filled heater safety guidelines.

Can You Find Heaters With Anti-Freeze Setting?

Anti-freeze settings are designed to prevent the heater from freezing. These settings are found on older models. They also don’t use oil. Instead, they use propane gas.

How To Fix A Frozen Oil Heater?

There are several ways to fix a frozen oil heater. Here are some tips on how to do so:

1. Check For Water Damage

Check your home for water damage. If you find any, then call a professional immediately.

2. Turn Off Power Supply

Turn off the power supply to the heater before trying to fix it.

3. Remove Cover

Remove the cover to access the oil reservoir.

4. Drain Reservoir

Drain the oil in the reservoir by turning off the valve at the bottom of the reservoir.

5. Clean Filter

Clean the filter with soap and water.

6. Replace Oils

Replace the oil in the reservoir.

7. Reinstall Cover

Reinstall the cover after cleaning the filter.

8. Test Heat Output

Test the output of the heater by placing a thermometer near the heater.

9. Reset the Thermostat

Reset the accurate thermostat. It will ultimately help to resolve the problem.

10. Adjust Temperature

Adjust the temperature of the thermostat until the heater works properly. You can also set it to factory settings.

Safety Risks Associated With Oil Heaters

Oil heaters are very useful devices. However, they come with certain risks as well. Some of them include:

1. Fire Risk

The risk of fire is always present when using oil heaters. Always check the manual of the device before operating it.

2. Explosion Risk

An explosion can occur if the oil heats up too quickly. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the oil does not get heated up too fast.

3. Burns Risk

Burns can occur if the oil gets hot enough. Ensure that you never leave the oil heater unattended while it is running.

4. Electrical Shock Risk

An electrical shock can happen if the user touches the hot parts of the heater. Be careful when handling the heater.

5. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risk

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if the heater leaks. The leak should be fixed immediately.

6. Smoke Danger

Smoke can occur if there is leakage. Ensure that you clean the area where the leak occurs.

Final Thoughts

Oil heaters are great tools. However, they have their own risks and concerns such as frozen oil. However, now you know well how to manage this situation. 

Good to know:

Can you leave oil-filled heaters unattended?

Are Oil-filled heaters economical?