To ensure your baseboard heaters are as efficient as possible, turn down your thermostat whenever you can. Baseboard heaters are known for being zone heaters, meaning each heater warms the room it is in rather than the entire house. Practice zone heating by lowering the temperatures of heaters in unused rooms.
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.
Not really. The cost of heat is determined by the time the furnace or heater runs. Whenever it is off, there is no cost. After being off, it takes longer to regain temperature, but not sufficiently to be longer than if it were on all the time.
Reduce window drafts
The heat from a baseboard heater under a window will rise and help to offset that cool air, the more cold air that comes in, the harder a heater has to work.
Even if you enjoy your baseboard heaters, you should still consider talking to an HVAC specialist about upgrading to a more modern heating and cooling system. An HVAC system will not only provide you with a reliable heating and cooling system but also give your home a modern upgrade you can appreciate.
Dangerous and uncomfortable
Electric baseboards get hot, which means you have to keep furniture and curtains at least six inches away from them to prevent fire. If you have young children in the house, they can also be a burn risk. The heat generated by baseboard heaters is a very dry heat.
In general, summertime thermostat settings should be set between 73-78 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperature settings should range between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the thermostat doesn't work or leaves the baseboard heater on, it's likely developed loose wiring contacts. That's a warning sign that it's time for electrical repairs, but for now you can try to “tap the stat” or give it a good jiggle with your fingers.
If your baseboard heater has a built-in thermostat, you can adjust the temperature by rotating the knob. Turn the knob counterclockwise to decrease the temperature and clockwise to increase it.
Electric baseboard heaters are generally more energy-efficient for long-term use because they convert nearly all the electricity they use into heat and can be controlled to heat specific areas. Space heaters can consume more electricity, especially when used for prolonged periods.
In addition to keeping windows and patio doors closed, ensure that any window treatments or furniture are not covering or blocking the baseboard heating. This can channel cold air down the wall and freeze the water lines.
Choose an energy-efficient setting: 68 degrees when you're home and 60 degrees when sleeping or away. (Exception: For ceiling cable heat, change only 2 to 3 degrees at a time for the most efficiency.)
If your baseboard heater doesn't produce heat, inspect the area around them. Make sure you don't have any furniture or drapes blocking the vents. Check the thermostat to ensure the heat is on and set to the correct temperature.
Baseboard heaters require careful consideration to ensure they function efficiently and safely: Maintain Clearance: Keep furniture at least 6 inches away from baseboard heaters. This prevents the blockage of heat and reduces fire risk.
Ductless heat pump systems offer precise temperature control. Small and sleek, they don't detract from your home décor. They provide more comfortable heating, with less of the dryness and irritation caused by electric baseboard produced heat, so that you can breathe easier.
Electric baseboard heaters have an on-and-off switch, but you can leave them running at a regular temperature setting.
If you want to permanently reduce the amount of heat transfer from this section of baseboard radiator, depending on the specific design of your baseboards, you might be able to carefully remove the fins from part of some of length of it. This is another way of reducing the heat transfer properties.
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to baseboard heating that can provide comfortable and even heating throughout your home. Forced air heating, radiant heating, heat pumps, and electric space heaters are just a few of the many alternatives available to homeowners.
The life expectancy of hot water baseboard heaters is about 20 years, however, with care they can last much longer. That's why you see them in older homes so often. But age doesn't mean they are defunct. The technology hasn't changed that much and there's a reason for that: it works.
The average cost to install electric baseboard heaters is $973, but can vary depending on labor, if hardwiring is needed, and if you're replacing another system. The cost to install electric baseboard heaters is $973. Depending on the specifics of your project, you can expect to pay between $416 to $1,531.