Space heaters come in handy when it’s cold outside and you need extra warmth in a room. The heaters work great if the furnace goes out, too. If you want the most efficient heating possible, however, cleaning the space heater is important. Don’t fret, as cleaning a space heater is one of the easiest maintenance tasks ever.
Reasons to Clean a Space Heater
Dust, dirt, and debris collect inside a space heater when it’s in use and when it is not. These particles are known allergens that can wreak havoc on everyone in the home, especially those already affected by allergies or asthma.
Furthermore, dirty and dusty space heaters can lead to fires. If the space heater gets excessively dirty, it will also emit unpleasant odors into the air. Another concern dirty and dusty space heaters create is less efficient operation. You want the maximum heating allowed from the space heater but that isn’t possible if the unit is dirty.
How Often Should You Clean a Space Heater?
Every situation is different, but generally, space heaters need to be cleaned once every two weeks – one month. If your home is prone to dust (call us for help,) more frequent cleanings probably work best.
How to Clean a Space Heater
Turn off the space heater and disconnect it from its power source before attempting to clean. Once the unit has cooled off, proceed to the next steps to clean the space heater.
- Use a duster to remove loose dirt and particles from inside the space heater.
- Use a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust from the exterior side of the space heater.
- Compressed air duster works great to clean the inside of a space heater. Unscrew the heater cover before using compressed air inside the unit.
- Vacuum the inside of the space heater with the hose attachment and brush to remove stubborn, stuck-on dirt and debris.
Wear a dust mask while cleaning the space heater if you are an allergy or asthma sufferer or simply want to avoid sneezing and coughing.
Rice Heating and Air are a full–service HVAC Contractor headquartered in Alma, AR. The company specializes in air conditioning repair, AC installations, indoor air quality systems, heating repair, and furnace installations. Rice Heating and Air are focused on helping homeowners and businesses staying comfortable year–round. We are your comfort experts. Call us today for any of your heating and cooling needs.
