Read our latest magazine

8 October 2024

Exposed Magazine

This page covers heating and cooling needs for various seasons. Gearing up for the new weather for your fans and heaters is critical to making your home comfortable and energy-friendly. Irrespective of whether you are planning the changeover from summer to winter or from winter to summer, anybody prepared to spend a little time will find out how to get the best out of his appliances and, besides, get his appliances working at their optimum best during the period when they are most needed.

Wash and Care of Your Devices

The first thing to do is clean your fans and heaters as you prepare them for the change in weather. Microorganisms, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate, gradually decreasing the efficiency of these appliances and polluting the air.

  • Fans: Dust the fans and clean the blades and the grilles as well, should they have one. If you have fans with blades on the ceiling, ensure you clean them from both sides. You may also wish to know whether it is time to lubricate the fan’s motor or not.
  • Heaters: Clean your room heater by dusting its surface, and use a small brush to clean the interior of the heater vents, if accessible. Often, dust builds upon the heaters, which in turn reduces their efficiency in heating places or rooms.

Maintenance not only optimises the performance of your appliances but also increases their lifespan.

Check for Any Signs of Wear

When planning on using your appliances to prepare for the coming season, you should take time and check for signs that the appliances are worn out.

  • Fans: In the case of electrical appliances, ensure that screws are tightly fixed, blades are not bent, and cords are not frayed. If, however, it is wobbling and noisy, the hub may need to be balanced/adjusted.
  • Heaters: When it comes to your room heater, you need to check for cracks, dents, frayed cords, and more. If the heating element looks like it is a problem, then the heater might need to be changed, or the unit may be taken to a repair shop.

Identifying problems early can prevent accidents and ensure that your devices are safe to use.

Switch Fan Direction for Seasonal Use

If you have ceiling fans, one of the easiest ways to prepare for changing weather is to adjust the direction of the fan’s rotation.

  • Summer: During the warmer months, your fan should rotate counterclockwise to create a cool breeze and circulate air downward.
  • Winter: In the colder months, switch the fan to rotate clockwise. This helps push warm air from the ceiling down into the room, reducing the strain on your heating system.

Adjusting the direction of your ceiling fan is a simple but effective way to make your home more energy-efficient.

Test for Proper Functionality

Before the weather shifts completely, test your fans and heaters to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Turn them on and monitor their performance for a few minutes.

  • Fans: Ensure that they are running smoothly and without any unusual noises. Make sure all speed settings are working correctly.
  • Heaters: Plug in your room heater and check if it heats up as expected. Monitor the thermostat and any safety features, such as automatic shutoff or tip-over protection, to ensure they’re functioning correctly.

Testing your appliances ahead of time ensures they’ll be ready to use when the temperature changes.

Store Seasonal Appliances Properly

If you’re transitioning from winter to summer or vice versa, it’s essential to store your seasonal appliances properly to avoid damage.

  • Fans: When not in use, store portable fans in a cool, dry place. Cover them with a plastic bag to keep them dust-free.
  • Heaters: If your room heater is no longer needed for the season, clean it thoroughly before storing it. Place it in a secure location where it won’t be knocked over or damaged.

This information will assist in making your equipment durable and, thus, will not require frequent repairs or even replacement.

Conclusion

Taking time to prepare your fans and heaters for the wet season is a wise decision that will save you time, energy, and money. It is essential that you keep appliances clean and well-oiled to guarantee you the comfort that you need in winter, spring, summer, or autumn. In addition, frequent visits and maintenance also reduce the age of your fans and room heater, so they perform optimally during crucial times.