A few minutes and a few supplies you have around the house could help you stay safer and save money with your heater this winter.
The scoop
TikToker Sharon Garcia (@sharoncleanseverything) posted a video highlighting how easy it is to clean your wall heater so it's more efficient and less dangerous this winter. In the caption, she included simple instructions for how to clean your wall heater yourself, in just a few minutes.
@sharoncleanseverything A dirty and dusty old wall heater can be dangerous for several reasons: 1. Fire hazard: Dust and debris accumulation can ignite, causing a fire. 2. Reduced efficiency: Dirt and dust can block airflow, making the heater work harder, increasing energy bills, and potentially leading to overheating. 3. Carbon monoxide poisoning: A dirty heater can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in enclosed spaces. 4. Electrical shock: Dust and moisture can compromise electrical components, leading to shock or electrocution. 5. Burn risk: A dirty heater's exposed elements can cause burns if touched. 6. Poor air quality: Dust and debris can circulate in the air, exacerbating respiratory issues like asthma. 7. Increased risk of unit failure: Neglecting maintenance can lead to premature failure, requiring costly repairs or replacement. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help mitigate these risks. Make sure to: - Turn off power before cleaning - Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove dust and debris - Check and replace filters - Inspect for damage or wear - Follow manufacturer instructions Stay safe and warm! #cleantok #cleaning #cleaninghacks #cleaningtips #cleaningmotivation #cleanfreak #heater #savemoney #cleaningasmr #winteriscoming #prep #cleanup #sharoncleanseverything #dirty #satisfying #satisfyingvideo #trending #viral #cleaning #housecleaning ♬ original sound - Sharon Garcia (CLEAN TOK)
All you need to get started is a soft brush or a vacuum and a filter for your wall furnace (if it uses one). Make sure you turn off the power before you start, just to be extra careful.
After that, wipe down or vacuum the entire external part of the heater. If you have sticky dust on it, you may need to spend some extra time scrubbing. Make sure you clean all of the intake valves and generally ensure it's not covered in dust.
After that, follow the manufacturer's instructions to change your filter. If you don't know how, you may be able to search your heater brand online to find them.
"Stay safe and warm!" Sharon advises.
How it's helping
According to This Old House, cleaning your heater has a number of benefits. When it's clean, it's less likely to break down or experience problems, which can be expensive to fix. Clean heaters also don't need to be replaced as often. What's more, they cost less to run, because they work more efficiently than dirty ones, ultimately lowering your utility bills.
The U.S. Department of Energy encourages you to make your home more efficient, too. Most of the grid in the country still relies on expensive dirty fuels, but improving efficiency results in a cleaner environment for everyone, as the power plants don't have to work as hard. This means less toxic pollution is released into the atmosphere. Cleaning other appliances, like your refrigerator or your air fryer, can enhance their performance, as well.
What everyone's saying
People enjoyed this hack and agreed it was worth doing, with one person highlighting how a clean living space can help reduce anxiety.
🗣️ How often do you check your AC ducts?
🔘 Once a year 👼
🔘 Once every 3-5 years 📆
🔘 Once every 10 years 🕰️
🔘 I didn't know I was supposed to 🤷
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
"The caked-on dust .. stresses me out every time" one person wrote.
"Yes! I always clean mine," another wrote.
"I told my husband we need to clean it and this is the reminder," someone else added.
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