QA

Quick Answer: How Far Should Furniture Be From Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard Heater Side Clearance Drapes, furniture, and other combustible materials should be at least 6 inches away from each side of a baseboard heater.

Can you put a bookshelf in front of a baseboard heater?

You shouldn’t encounter heating problems if you place a bookshelf next to a baseboard heater, as long as no part of the unit stands in front of the heating fins. One way to deal with a baseboard heater in the middle of a wall is to construct or purchase two units of the same size to fit on either side of the heater.

Can things touch baseboard heaters?

It’s important that you keep children away from these heaters, as directly touching some of the baseboard heater elements could cause serious burns. Any foreign objects placed in the units that come in contact with the heating element are fire hazards.

How do you fit a bookcase against a base wall heater?

If the baseboard heater is longer than the distance between the jambs or legs, you have no other choice than to cut the jambs off and hang the bookcase on the wall by screwing through the rail in back at the top, and the rail in back on the bottom. Installation of this type limits weight.

Can you put a heater on a shelf?

While it can be tempting to place a small heater on a shelf so it is not in the way of pets and children, it is safest to leave the heater on a level floor on a nonflammable surface. Keeping the space heater on the floor can keep it from falling over, preventing fire hazards.

How far away should furniture be from radiator?

If you want to stay safe while placing your furniture, the best thing to do is stay at least 1 foot away from the radiator. Any items made with leather, wood, or upholstery you should be extra careful with, as they can catch on fire or simply stop heat distribution.

How far off the floor should baseboard heaters be installed?

Your heaters should sit at least two centimetres (three-quarters of an inch) above the floor or carpet to allow the cooler air on the floor to flow under and through the electrical element. If your carpet is especially thick, trim it down around the base of your heaters.

Can baseboard heaters catch fire?

Does your home have Baseboard Heaters? Baseboard heaters are very efficient, but they can be a serious fire hazard if used carelessly. Common sense can prevent a baseboard heater fire. Any time a flammable object comes in contact with a heater, a fire could result.

Can hot water baseboard heaters cause fires?

Generally speaking, and just as all of the electric baseboard heater manufacturers claim; electric baseboard heaters are generally safe. Bottom line; these line voltage electricity suckers get really hot and if flammable materials get close enough, a fire can result.

Can you put a bookshelf in front of a radiator?

Bookshelves. If you are considering whether to put a bookshelf in front of the radiator, then do spare a thought for the health of your books. Not only is high heat and paper a potential fire hazard, repeated exposure can also dry out the spine of your books causing pages falling out.

How far away from hot water baseboard heaters should furniture be?

Tip. How far should furniture be from baseboard heaters? Twelve inches or more is a generally recommended distance between furniture and electric heaters. To the sides, the furniture can be as close as 6 inches away.

How long can you leave a space heater on?

If you have an upscale heater, you can easily leave it on for 10 hours or more without an issue. Most fire safety specialists suggest heating up a room for two to three hours before you sleep, then turning it off.

Where is the best place to put a heater in a room?

Heaters are best placed under windows. If you do not have the space for panel heaters, you can also choose wall strip panel heaters, which are lower and longer variants. By placing heaters under the windows, you heat up cold air descending from the window glass, and avoid cold draughts along the floor.

Can you put furniture next to a radiator?

You shouldn’t place furniture directly in front of a radiator. The furniture would prevent heat from being distributed freely throughout the room, and could be damaged over time from the close exposure to heat.

Is it OK to have radiator behind sofa?

No. It isn’t wise to position a radiator behind a sofa, or any other form of sizeable furniture. A sofa would prevent heat from being distributed properly throughout the room, and might become damaged over time as a result of close exposure to the heat.

Does a sofa in front of radiator?

Keep your radiators clear. For example, do not put a large sofa in front of the radiator as it will absorb a lot of the heat. This will help stop heat escaping through the windows. Remove all draughts around the house to help stop the heat from escaping.

Where should baseboard heaters be placed?

Baseboard heaters should be mounted on the wall and not set in direct contact with the floor. Remember to maintain at least an inch of clearance under the baseboard heater. This keeps the heater a safe distance from carpeting or flammable flooring.

Where should baseboard heaters be installed?

Fan heaters work best on an inside wall; baseboard are best under a window. (But you can install fan heaters on outside walls and baseboards on inside walls.) If you’re installing a heater by a door, make sure the heater isn’t blocked by the door when it is open.

How can I make baseboard heat more efficient?

7 baseboard heating efficiency tips Reduce window drafts. Adjust the thermostat to your day. Practice the virtue of patience. Get air flowing. Keep them clean. Consider programmable thermostats. Heat by zone.