Electric baseboard heaters provide a convenient and economical way to heat your home. They can help counteract the loss of warmth from windows and are excellent for zonal heating since you can turn them on and off depending on which room you’re occupying.
The compact, low-profile design of baseboard heaters permit them to remain conveniently out of the way. The broad, thin devices are usually wall mounted, although there are some portable free-standing options. With proper usage and routine cleaning, your electric baseboard heater should last for many years with few problems.
We’ve compiled a list of common problems people have with their baseboard heaters, and provide solutions to prevent any anxiety from settling in.
Most solutions are easy enough, but if your electric baseboard heater is truly acting up and you don’t feel comfortable getting into the heart of the matter, call a professional electrician right away.
For Electric Baseboard Heater Installation & Repairs in Vancouver & Surrounding Areas, Call WireChief Electric at 604-800-1665
Many baseboard heater issues stem from a faulty heating element or thermostat. Dust, debris, and other items crowding the heater can be a fire hazard and reduce the heater’s efficiency. Regular baseboard heater maintenance helps prevent common issues.
I worry my electric baseboard heater isn’t very safe:
Don’t block the airflow: Baseboard heaters are a pretty safe heating source, as long as you don’t leave items too close to it. Baseboard heaters are made to sit ½ an inch above the floor or carpet to allow proper airflow throughout the system. Most units have a safety thermal cut-off feature to help prevent overheating. Don’t place furniture too close, and avoid having window drapes or blind cords covering the unit. Make sure smaller items, like children’s toys, aren’t left too close nearby.
Buy a baseboard heater cover: A new baseboard heater will most likely come with a cover, but if you have an old heater you can easily renovate it to update its look and safety. Covers enclose the heated parts and help in childproofing your baseboard heaters.
Use an automated thermostat: An automated thermostat allows you to maintain a constant atmosphere in the room. Once you set up your thermostat, the baseboard heater cycles on and off to maintain the temperature of the room steady and there’s a much lower chance your units will overheat. When purchasing baseboard heaters look at the features to see if they have safety measures like an automatic high-temperature shutoff, in case of accidental air blockage or tip-overs.
My baseboard heaters aren’t heating enough:
Ensure you’re using the proper amount of power: Most rooms need 10 watts per square foot of space. So a 1500 watt heater can heat an area of 150 square feet. If your baseboard heater isn’t filling the whole room with heat, contemplate adding extra units. Also, confirm that your supply voltage isn’t less than the rating of the heater. Check the voltage of your heater and supply wires to double-check they match.
Check up on insulation and keep the temperature up in unused rooms: It’s essential to have proper insulation in a home heated by baseboard heaters. Inadequate insulation makes baseboard heaters work harder and longer than they need to– canceling out any benefit and cost advantages they offer. Make certain doors and windows are all-weather stripped, and re-caulk where necessary.
Make sure to clean your baseboard heater: Dust reduces a baseboard heater’s efficiency. Turn off the power and clean the front of your baseboard heater. The vents must be vacuumed once a year before the winter season. Open the baseboard heater louvers when you’re making use of them to help spread heat easier and keep them closed when you’re not, to prevent dust from building up.
Electric Baseboard Heating Troubleshooting
FAQ
How do I know if my baseboard heater is bad?
How long do baseboard heaters last?
Do baseboard heaters wear out?
Do baseboard heaters need maintenance?
Why is my electric baseboard heater not working?
An electric baseboard heater, however, is a standalone unit that has its own thermostat to control the flow of electricity to its heating element. If your electric baseboard heater is malfunctioning, the thermostat is often the culprit, and when that isn’t true, it’s usually some other electrical or cleaning problem.
Do electric baseboard heaters dry out the air?
Fact: Unlike some types of heaters, electric baseboard heaters do not dry out the air. They heat the air directly without altering its humidity level. However, during winter, indoor air can naturally become drier, so using a humidifier can help maintain comfort.
Do baseboard heaters overheat?
Use an automated thermostat: An automated thermostat allows you to maintain a constant atmosphere in the room. Once you set up your thermostat, the baseboard heater cycles on and off to maintain the temperature of the room steady and there’s a much lower chance your units will overheat.
Are baseboard heater thermostats dangerous?
Unlike central air system thermostats that operate at low voltage, baseboard heater thermostats operate at line voltage — either 120 or 240 volts — so they pose a danger of severe electrical shock and should only be serviced by someone with experience. 2. The baseboard heater won’t turn off.