What Causes Failure Of Heating Elements?

Heating elements are designed to produce heat to generate warmth. They are typically made of metallic alloys that have high resistance to heating and corrosion. Over time, however, they can experience a build-up of residue and deposits which can prevent them from heating properly.

Additionally, heating elements can also get damaged due to incorrect installation or overuse. When either of these happens, it’s important to know the causes of heating element failure. Contact Pacific Heating & Sheet Metal today for heating repair in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Here are some causes of heating element failure:

• Age: Over time, the heating elements will degrade and become less effective. It is because they are constantly exposed to high temperatures. The heat will cause the heating elements to expand and contract, which will eventually lead to cracking and breaking.
• Build-up of Scale: The most common cause of failure is due to a build-up of scale on the heating element. This happens when water vapor in the air condenses on the element and then hardens, forming a layer of scale. This scale insulates the heating element and prevents it from transferring heat properly.
• Corrosion: This can happen when the element is exposed to chemically-active substances like chlorine or sulfur. Corrosion will damage the heating element and prevent it from working properly.
• Oxidation: Over time, the heating element can oxidize. This happens when the metal of the heating element reacts with oxygen in the air. Oxidation will damage the heating element and make it less effective.
• Poor Maintenance: Lack of proper maintenance is another common cause of heating element failure. If the heating element is not cleaned and lubricated regularly, it can become clogged with dirt and debris, causing them to overheat and eventually break down.
• Wear and Tear: With normal use, heating elements will eventually wear out. It is due to the repeated heating and cooling cycles that the element goes through. Eventually, the heating element will degrade and fail.

If you are experiencing any of these problems with your heating system or you think your heating element may have failed, it is important to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Contact us today and we will inspect your heating element and determine the cause of the failure.