[greenman74]

There is an electric exhaust fan with heater (fan,light,heater) in the bathroom. I noticed that when I switch on the heater that it sparks for a second when its first turned on, then there is a small glow at the end of a wire. I turned on the heater without turning on the light, it was dark, and I noticed it. Its an old unit. Is this normal or does it need to be replaced? Thanks.

[ballengerb1]

Not normal and yes the heating element should be replaced if not the entire unit. The spare and glow is a significant hot or weak spot possibly caused by an accumulation of dust. The reason I said maybe replace the unit is because it is old. Parts may be difficult to find and a new unit runs about $50-75.