Any Problems with Power Recliners — [Pre- & Post-Purchase]

Power recliners are a popular choice for comfortable and convenient seating. They offer a range of positions at the touch of a button, allowing you to sit upright, recline, or even lie flat. 

However, like any piece of furniture with moving parts, power recliners have some drawbacks. Like, they are pricier than the manual recliner. They may also cause issues once you bring them home, such as they might not recline or suddenly stop working. 

Although a power recliner is considered more convenient, and about 80% of people opt for it over a manual recliner, you should consider any problems with power recliners. See below!

A Few Disadvantages Of Power Recliners (Considerations When Buying One)

Higher Price Than Manual Recliners

Power recliners are more pricier than manual ones. This is because they have motors and special electrical components that allow them to move with the push of a button. 

These parts are also costly to make, and power recliners can add $300 to $1,500 to the price tag compared to manual recliners. 

There are also extra features like wireless remotes, headrests, lumbar support, heat, massage, and rechargeable battery packs that can make them even pricier.

Need For A Power Source

Power recliners need electricity to work. Each recliner has a motor that connects to a cable, which then plugs into an outlet power source. This means you have to place your power recliner close to an electrical outlet. 

I also find it tricky to position their furniture because of this limitation. I don’t recommend an extension cord; it can be unsafe. However, you can solve this issue by getting an emergency rechargeable battery pack.

No Built-In Emergency Battery Pack

While power recliners are designed to have a backup battery in case of a power outage, this battery is not included when you buy the recliner. You need to buy two 9-volt alkaline batteries separately to ensure you have backup power.

Challenges With Rechargeable Battery Pack

Going cordless with a rechargeable battery pack? It has drawbacks! First, it adds another $300 to the cost, and setting up the battery pack can be tricky if you’re not tech-savvy. 

Safety is also important, as you need to keep the battery and its cables away from the moving parts of the recliner to prevent issues and overheating. 

Plus, you’ll need to recharge the battery pack regularly, and some people may find this inconvenient and forget to do it, leading to power shortages at inconvenient times.

Common Problems With Power Recliners (After Buying One)

A power recliner is a great source of comfort, but there are some issues that you may have to encounter while using a power recliner. 

It does not have to be after ten years for a power recliner to show problems. Even newly purchased recliners sometimes show problems during the setup. 

Although it varies from recliner to recliner and user to use, the following are some common issues a recliner can face once you purchase it.

Opening/ Closing Issues.

One of the most common issues that power recliners often face is opening or closing; the footrest won’t retract properly, or the back won’t recline correctly. This is a typical issue with power recliners, but it’s easily fixed by following the provided instructions.

Recliners that are difficult to open or close can be problematic for a variety of reasons, any one of which may be remedied. The main components of a motorized recliner are the springs and the joints that allow the chair to be reclined.

If the recliner’s springs or joints stiffen, you won’t be able to open and close it. If your chair is giving you the same trouble, you can try to fix it by exerting force, but be careful not to use too much effort or risk damaging the device.

[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: Lubricating your power recliner once a month is recommended. Because of this, there won’t be any creaking or squeaking of the recliner.[/su_note]

Power Recliner Stops Functioning.

If you are facing a problem when you sit to relax in your power recliner, but your recliner is not operating. You might be getting annoyed and frustrated due to this problem. Well, you shouldn’t be anymore, as there are ways you can troubleshoot your recliner quickly. 

Step one in troubleshooting involves verifying that your reclining chair is properly wired into an electrical outlet. Do the following to determine if it is properly connected. 

1. Check if the power recliner is correctly connected to the electricity. Ensure that it’s plugged in successfully and connected to a working power outlet.
2. If the power outlet does not show any electricity signals, check it and fix it.
3. Check the wires that connect your power recliner to the electricity. Ensure they are all connected and intact with the other wires.
4. Check the connection consistently, as the motion of the recliner can cause a disturbance in the wires, which can result in your recliner not functioning properly.
5. If the wires are connected correctly, use a multimeter to test the motor of your power recliner to determine if there is an issue with it.
6. If you’re uncomfortable doing these checks, seek help from a professional repair service or the manufacturer’s customer service.

Following these steps, you can identify and potentially resolve the issue with your power recliner. 

[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: Regular maintenance and care can help prevent issues with your power recliner’s functionality, so monitoring its condition is always a good idea.[/su_note]

Motor Makes Strange Noises.

If you’ve ever settled into your power recliner only to hear strange noises from the motor, it can be a cause for concern. The motor is the powerhouse behind your recliner’s ability to move smoothly and efficiently; any unusual sounds can indicate a potential problem.

The causes of strange noises coming from the motor may be the following: 

1. An obstruction in the mechanism; can occur if something gets caught in the gears or if the mechanism is misaligned. 
2. Worn or damaged motor, which may need to be replaced.

If you’re experiencing strange motor noises with your power recliner, the first step is to identify the source of the problem. 

Start by checking for any visible obstructions, such as debris or loose parts. In case of no obstructions, repair or replace the problematic component or the motor if it is causing the issue. 

You’re Stuck In a Confined Power Recliner.

You don’t want to feel any sort of jolt or restriction in motion as you sit in your chair. Relax if you’re having a similar issue and fretting that you may have damaged your recliner. You can get some use out of your recliner by following my instructions.

If your recliner is acting erratically during the movement, try staying in either the reclining or non-reclining position for five to ten seconds. By doing so, you can ensure that the actuator on your recliner remains in its optimal position during use.

Check if your recliner is properly plugged in if it doesn’t work. The actuator should be replaced if the footrest of your chair is acting erratically. Verify if the footrest’s metal supporting structure is intact and can be raised.

Clunking Sound When You Recline.

Your recliner should be a place of calm and comfort, free from distractions. Yet you will become even more irritated than usual if your recliner makes noises. Following these recommendations, you can prevent your chair from making annoying squeaking noises.

While noise may not hinder your chair’s functioning, it is undesirable and should be eliminated. An annoying noise could be coming from the footrest rail as you recline. While reclining, the footrest creates a loud banging sound. Replacing or fixing the recliner’s footrest rod will relieve that strain.

Random Power Surges.

Electricity is required to operate a power recliner. The electronic components of your power chair are vulnerable to a power surge. Preventing a power surge from damaging your recliner is possible with few precautions. 

Your power recliner features many integral electric parts that need to be serviced to fix the problem. Any wire touching another element of the recliner could cause a power surge. The recliner’s poor wiring is the cause of many premature failures.

A surge protector can easily shield the rest of your recliner’s electrical components from potential damage. It’s the best approach to protect yourself from sudden surges in electricity. You will need some instructions if you want to use a surge protector on your chair.

In the event that you are still having difficulties, it is recommended that you get assistance from an expert. You can contact a local firm that fixes power recliners.

When To Call A Professional To Fix Power Recliners?

While there are steps you can take to troubleshoot common issues with your power recliner, there are some situations where it’s best to call a professional for help. Here are some instances when it’s a good idea to seek the assistance of a professional:

1. If you’re uncomfortable with electrical components or don’t have experience working with them, it’s best to leave the troubleshooting and repairs to a professional.
2. If the issue is related to the motor or wiring and requires specialized tools or equipment, it’s best to call a professional repair service.
3. If your power recliner is still under warranty, following the manufacturer’s repair guidelines is important to avoid voiding the warranty.
4. If you’ve tried troubleshooting the issue but cannot resolve it, it’s best to seek professional help to avoid further damage to your power recliner.

Frequently Asked Questions