When the first warm breeze of spring finally pushes its way through your windows, the last thing on your mind is the heater that kept you cozy all winter. We often spend our cleaning days scrubbing floors or washing curtains. However, your electric heating system has been working like a silent partner in the background for months. Unlike gas furnaces, electric systems don’t have to deal with fire or fumes. But they are absolute magnets for household dust and pet hair. If you let that debris sit inside the unit all summer, it can smell like something is burning the next time you turn it on. Taking a little time now to clear the “winter fluff” out of your system is a great way to show your home some love.
Vacuuming Away the Winter Dust
Get rid of the thick layers of gray dust that settle on the heating elements. Since electric coils get very hot, even a small amount of lint can start to singe. This creates a nasty smell and can even be a fire risk. You should grab your vacuum with the long, skinny attachment and gently suck the dust out from between the fins of your baseboard heaters or inside the furnace cabinet.
Checking the Health of Your Air Filter
If your electric heating system requires a filter, you need to make sure it is clean to keep the motor from getting too hot while it works. During your spring cleaning, you should pull the filter out and hold it up to a bright light to see if any light can still get through the mesh. If the filter looks like a solid block of gray felt, it is definitely time to swap it for a fresh one so that your system can breathe. A clogged filter forces the blower motor to pull much harder than it was ever meant to. This can lead to a very expensive repair bill later in the year.
Inspecting the Wires and Connections
While you are near the unit with your flashlight, take a good look at the electrical wires to make sure nothing looks brown, melted, or brittle. Electric heaters pull a lot of power through those wires. Over time, the constant heating and cooling can cause connections to loosen. If you see a wire that looks like the plastic is bubbling or if you hear a strange buzzing sound, it is a clear sign that you need a pro to tighten things up. A loose wire can cause a “hot spot” that wastes electricity and could eventually cause the whole system to shut down when you need it most.
Completing these chores now during your spring cleaning is the best way to transition your home from the heavy demands of winter to the lighter energy needs of the sunny months ahead. You can finally close the door on winter and breathe easy knowing your home is running at its absolute best. If you have concerns or require heating repair services, contact Marshall Services in Skippack, PA.