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Baseboard Heater Side Clearance Anything placed to the side of the heater, or above and to the side, should be at least 6 inches away. Because it is difficult to situate baseboard heaters safely with drapes, it is usually best to install the heater elsewhere when possible.
Can you cover a baseboard heater?
Covering the lower portion of a baseboard heater is strictly prohibited, unless you would like your heaters to stop working. Air flow is the critical process that allows this type of heating to work. Blocking the lower (air in) or upper portion (air out) of the baseboard heater will effectively turn it off.
Can you put wood over baseboard heaters?
Wooden baseboard heater covers are also safe and effective, although they do not transfer the heat into the room like steel. As far as the aesthetics, wooden heater covers are quite attractive and maybe the best choice if the look is what you are going for.
What can I use instead of baseboard heaters?
5 Options to Replace Your Baseboard Heating System Ductless Heat Pumps. One of the most popular alternatives to baseboard heating is a ductless heat pump. Solar Heat. One of the most advanced ways of heating your home is doing so with solar heat. High-Efficiency Furnace. Wood Heating. Heat Pumps.
Can baseboard heaters catch curtains on fire?
Any type of heater can start a fire under the right conditions, but fires started by curtains most often occur with electric baseboard heaters due largely to the way the heaters work. These heaters rely on the room’s natural airflow to push the heat they generate into the room.
Can you hang curtains over hot water baseboard heaters?
Keep drapes and curtains at least 8-10″ above electric baseboards, and/or at least 3″ in front of them with 1″ floor clearance (to allow air to circulate). Don’t locate curtains or drapes directly over or in front of electric heaters.
Can I put my couch in front of a baseboard heater?
Space in Front of Baseboard Heaters You can place a couch or chair in front of a heater, but it must be at least a foot away. Placing furniture closer than that creates a potential fire hazard, and it can greatly diminish the heater’s performance by restricting airflow to and from the heater.
Do baseboard heaters need covers?
Baseboard heater covers aren’t optional—but they can be painted to match the walls in your home to give your rooms a more polished, smooth look. But if you’re concerned about the energy efficiency of your home heating, you may be wondering whether limiting your heater’s airflow with a cover is really the best idea.
What is dummy baseboard?
Dummy Baseboard is made of rust-resistant galvanized steel. Slant/Fin baseboard can be installed flush to the wall or recessed for a more concealed look.
Are wood baseboard covers efficient?
However, it’s important to note that while wooden covers are safe, they aren’t considered the most efficient. They may be thermal insulative enough to absorb heat, but they more often retain that energy rather than freely distribute it throughout a room.
Why are baseboard heaters so expensive?
The upfront cost of installing electric baseboard heating is less expensive compared to other types of heating, but it can be more expensive in the long-term because it isn’t as efficient. One reason is because baseboard placement often results in heat leaving the home.
What’s wrong with baseboard heating?
This could lead to major problems achieving maximum heat efficiency in your home. If dust collects inside the baseboards, that will cause the system to work harder to maintain the temperature you’re looking for, which might not change your level of comfort but will definitely cause an increase in your energy bill.
Are oil filled baseboard heaters more efficient?
Yes. Hydronic wall heaters are more energy-efficient than convection heaters. A hydronic heater provides a more even heat, which means the thermostat won’t cycle on and off as often. By adding moisture into the air with hydronic baseboards, there’s less dust in circulation throughout the room.
Can you have floor length curtains with baseboard heaters?
Electric baseboard heaters You should never allow draperies/curtains to touch the heater. Short drapes or curtains need a minimum of 8 inches from bottom of fabric to top of heater.
Is it safe to leave baseboard heaters on all the time?
Yes, while baseboard heaters are considered very safe, and the risk of fire is pretty low if misused, there is a risk of fire. Here are some safety and maintenance tips for preventing fire and to maximize the heating capabilities in a room.
Are baseboard heaters hot to the touch?
This is more common in units that use a built-in thermostat, so connecting the heater to a wall thermostat can help stabilize your temperatures. Although modern baseboard heaters are designed to have low surface temperatures, they can still get hot to the touch.
Can hot water baseboard heaters cause a fire?
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.
How close can curtains be to baseboard heaters?
Keep drapes and curtains at least 8-10″ above electric baseboards, and/or at least 3″ in front of them with 1″ floor clearance (to allow air to circulate). Don’t locate curtains or drapes directly over or in front of electric heaters.
Can curtains catch fire from a radiator?
Curtains can catch fire from electric radiators if the radiator is close to a curtain made of flammable material. Water radiators usually don’t get hot enough to cause curtains to catch fire, but the radiator could still burn any fragile materials nearby.
