This is one of those home maintenance items that is easily overlooked. Electric wall heaters. We have one in our upstairs master bedroom, and one in upstairs hall bathroom. Last year one quit working, we didn't really think too much about it, or why it quit working. We just turned off the breakers in panel box, and figurd we'd replace it one day. They look like this below. The other day I decided to test the other one. It didn't sound right, so I shut if off, and turned breaker off for that one also. These top pics show what they look like with cover, and by just removing the outer cover. Not too bad, right? Wait....
Take a look at the dust built up in the holes around fan motor and on bottom of housing. Not too bad there either? Make sure power is off to units before doing this.
Now look at the dust built up on the inside of fan and on the fan blades themselves. The weight of dust can make motor strain, and the dust stuck to the motor can cause it to run hot. It's also a recipe for a house fire. Dust on the electrical connections can also cause problems.
The connections below are on bottom of heater and have collected a lot of dust as well.
So I figured out why one heater quit working, and why the other was straining. If I had thought about this as a maintenance item 5 years ago, both heaters might still be functioning properly. But I'm glad I took them apart now and we never had to deal with a fire because of the build up of dust. I'm going to call Trump Electric over in Purcellville and just have them install two new heaters. I don't like taking chances with fire or electricity. Plus, I want them installed by a licensed electrician. This reminds me to go check our duct and furnace filters next. Don't neglect home maintenance.
Jeff Pearl | Lic in VA
Remax Distinctive
703-727-4876
Homes | Land | Farms | Historic
Equal Housing
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