are baseboard heaters dangerous

What are the pros of using a baseboard heater?

Cut back on winter heating costs by using your system efficiently

1. Baseboard heaters are often located under windows because it's more efficient that way. ...
2. Heat rises – and so do your energy costs, for every degree above 20°C. ...
3. Cranking the thermostat doesn't warm up the room any faster. ...
4. Now that they're more widely available, you can get a smart thermostat that works with baseboard heaters. ...

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Are baseboard heaters an efficient form of heating?

Hydronic baseboard heating systems are more efficient than other forms of electric resistance heating, such as traditional baseboard convection heaters. As the element heats up, the water becomes steam. As cool air is drawn into the heating unit, the steam heats it uniformly and projects it into the room.

Do baseboard heaters offer enough heating capacity?

To properly heat a room, an electric baseboard heating system must supply enough power. Most rooms require 10 watts per square foot, so a 1,000-watt heater can heat a 100-square-foot room but won't provide enough heat for a room with an area of 150 square feet. You may need a more powerful heater.

What is the best heater for a basement?

There are three common types:

• Fan-forced space heaters – the way they work is pushing heat into a room using a fan
• Radiant space heaters – which use gas or propane to warm people or objects in a room
• Convection space heaters – which heat up the air inside a room instead of warming people or objects. It’s best for an insulated room.

Can a child touch a baseboard heater?

Do baseboard heaters need a thermostat?

Do baseboard heaters come with protection switches?

Is baseboard heating safe?

Can I put my bed against a baseboard heater?

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. But the farther away, the better.

How far should things be from a baseboard heater?

But in order for the heater to function properly, you should know that nothing should be placed in front of the heater to block that air flow. Any furniture that may end up being in front of your baseboard heater should be at least 6 inches away.

Do baseboard heaters give off carbon monoxide?

You won't have to worry about carbon monoxide with electric baseboard heaters. They don't burn fuel. Because they are mounted, you don't have to worry about them falling over like portable heaters or space heaters. You can also get units that have built-in thermal cut-out switches to prevent overheating.

Should baseboard heaters be hot to touch?

Although modern baseboard heaters are designed to have low surface temperatures, they can still get hot to the touch. You'll need to keep all flammable items, such as furniture, curtains and kids' toys, at least 6 inches away from the heaters.

Why are baseboard heaters placed under Windows?

Placing a baseboard heater right under the window can reduce drafts. The warm air from the heater will rise and heat the cold air flowing down from the window. No more cold draft across the floor. Another good thing happens with the heat source below the window.

Is it OK for curtains to touch 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 use heater in closed room?

Prolonged usage of heaters in closed rooms can be dangerous as it can create carbon monoxide poisoning which can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and weakness.

Can baseboard heaters cause fire?

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.

Do baseboard heaters shut off automatically?

Do electric baseboard heaters turn off automatically? Yes. As the air in a room cools, it sinks and goes into the baseboard heater to be warmed again. This cycle continues until the room is at the set temperature, and the baseboard heater will then shut off automatically.

What is the disadvantage of baseboard electric heat?

Best used for supplemental heating needs, the biggest cons of electrical baseboard heating are centered on their annual heating costs. Across the US, natural gas is almost always a less expensive way to heat your home.

Why do houses have baseboard heating?

Typically baseboard heaters are installed under windows and on perimeter walls of the home. This allows them to counteract the cold air radiating off the window glass, as well as the areas where the home's greatest heat loss tends to happen.

Can you put furniture in front of hot water baseboard heaters?

Warning with Electric Base Board Heaters Most electric baseboard heaters operate on 240-volt power and can get hot. Blocking them with furniture can cause them to overheat and create a possible fire hazard.

How close can a receptacle be to a baseboard heater?

210.52 Electric Baseboard Heaters Since the maximum distance between receptacles in any dwelling wall space is 12 feet, the receptacle must either be installed above the heater or included as a part of the heater.

How far does furniture have to be away from radiator?

1 Foot AwayKeep Your Furniture A Minimum Of 1 Foot Away From The Radiator. The key to preventing your furniture from melting or catching fire is to maintain a safe distance.

Can you put furniture in front of hot water baseboard heaters?

Warning with Electric Base Board Heaters Most electric baseboard heaters operate on 240-volt power and can get hot. Blocking them with furniture can cause them to overheat and create a possible fire hazard.

How far should furniture be from gas wall heater?

Residents that utilize wall space heaters or other heating device should remember to pull all furniture and other combustible items at least three feet away from any heating devices Space heaters are temporary heating devices and should only be used for a limited time each day and should never be connected to an outlet ...

What causes a baseboard heater to burn?

Dust, loose hair and other objects may cause fire. Always check for items that may be stuck inside baseboard heating units, including small pieces of paper or fabric. Always call a professional electrician when you encounter problems.

How far away should baseboard heaters be from floor?

In addition, ensure the heaters are at least 2 centimeters from the floor, according to the website Heat USA. When arranging furniture in a room with baseboard heating, allow plenty of space between the heaters and furniture to avoid the risk of fire and ensure your baseboard heaters heat your home effectively.

What is baseboard cover?

Baseboard Covers. Baseboard covers are designed to fit over your existing baseboard heaters. While the exterior of the cover still becomes hot when the heat is turned on, the cover prevents items and small fingers from touching the hottest parts of the heater. Any burns that do occur will be less severe.

Is baseboard heating dangerous?

Like any heat source baseboard heaters present a fire risk, especially when flammable objects are close by. Prevent this fire risk by ensuring your children do not leave toys laying on baseboard heating.

Can a child touch a baseboard heater?

Children. Baseboard heaters are very hot to the touch, and young children who touch baseboard heaters when they are turned on may suffer burns. Children who are just learning to crawl and stand are most at risk, as they may use the baseboard heater to pull themselves up.

Can toys on baseboard heaters cause fires?

Toys left on baseboard heaters can cause fires.

Can you put electrical cords on baseboard heaters?

Never lay an electrical cord on a baseboard heater, and take care that curtains, rugs and other fabric objects do not get close to baseboard heat. In addition, hang cords from window blinds so they do not fall into baseboard heaters. To prevent the risk of fire, clean your baseboard heaters regularly.

Is it safe to use electric baseboard heaters?

Electric baseboard heaters are generally a very safe heating source option. With that said, there are still precautions and preventative measures to take to ensure the safety of you and your family, and the safety of your home when one is in operation.

Can a child be near an electric baseboard heater?

Because electric baseboard heaters are hot to the touch, never allow children near them!

Can you put a blanket on a baseboard heater?

While nothing should be blocking the air flow, nothing should be in front of the heater that could pose a fire hazard as well. For example, all curtains, furniture, electrical cords, and other flammable materials like blankets, paper, etc. should not be placed on or around the baseboard heater. Because electric baseboard heaters use the convection method for heating the room, the unit gets very hot.

Why is it dangerous to put a baseboard heater in the air?

Placing objects too close to the baseboard heater isn't just a problem for air flow, but it's a potential fire hazard if those objects or furniture pieces are potentially flammable under enough heat .

How tall is a baseboard heater?

Typically, the heaters are about 8-10 inches tall and about 2-8 feet in length, depending on the size of the room. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.

How to prevent fire hazard in home?

1. Don’t Block the Flow of Air. A baseboard heats as cold air is drawn into the heater and electrically heated coils warm the air.

Why does my baseboard heater smell?

Baseboard heaters will often have a “burned dust” odor when they are first turned on after infrequent use. Vacuuming helps eliminate this odor problem. If you know that your baseboard heater will only be used sparingly, consider investing in a cover for it as another means of keeping dust and debris out.

How far should furniture be from a heater?

In fact, you should place furniture at least 6 inches away from the heater to avoid obstructing its air intake. 2. Fire Prevention.

Can baseboard heaters cause burns?

If you have children, baseboard heaters can pose a danger to them. It is important that you keep children away from these heaters, as directly touching some of the baseboard heater elements could cause serious burns.

Can you heat a room faster with a baseboard heater?

The truth is, setting your heater at a higher temperature will not heat the room faster than if it is set at a cooler temperature. It's just an illusion and an inefficient practice. 5. Exercise Caution Around Children. If you have children, baseboard heaters can pose a danger to them.

What can I do to make my electrical baseboard heaters safer around Children?

Our number one suggestion to make electric baseboard heaters safe is to replace them completely with a different method of heating. It's a radical and likely very costly suggestion, but there's no doubt that the folks who invented this heating method didn't consider child safety. Of course if this is not feasible, the next best thing you can do is to install one of our baseboard covers. The one-piece design will keep the large open gap at the top of the heater fully enclosed and inaccessible to small fingers and toys while still ensuring proper airflow.

What is baseboard heating?

Convection air current heating (such as baseboard heating) requires something to get hot and hold heat energy that the air currents can access. Although the heating element is obviously going to be hot, covers (typically made of steel or aluminum) will also hold heat energy and play a significant role in the baseboard heating process. Each of our baseboard covers is made of relatively thick gauge galvanized steel or aluminum-both of which are excellent thermal conductors and as such they will get just as hot as the original covers, and should not be considered a cool to the touch solution, nor does one exist on the market.

Is it safe to cover a baseboard heater?

Indeed this is a potential safety hazard. The area where the floor and wall meet is where the slow moving cool air currents hang out. These air currents will eventually come into contact with the heating element and be propelled upward as heated air. 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.

Do baseboard heaters have a wide open cover?

When it comes to safety, not all baseboard heaters are created equally: Hot water hydronic baseboard heaters operate at relatively lower temperatures and don't exhibit the wide-open cover design that electrical heaters do.

What is an oil filled baseboard heater?

An oil filled baseboard heater is made up of a heating element which is inserted in oil. The oil transforms the heat from the heating element, and the heat is sent out into the room. An oil filled baseboard heater is considered a more energy and cost efficient space heater, but there are a few dangers associated with this type of heating device. Most dangers are linked to misuse or damaged heating devices, but you should still be aware of them.

Why is an oil filled baseboard heater considered an energy efficient device?

The oil filled baseboard heater is an energy efficient device because oil transforms heat more effectively than air. However, if the oil fueled device is placed in a corner or on its side, the heater will not be more efficient than other convection heating units that are placed more centrally.

Can an oil filled baseboard heater melt electric cables?

You should also make sure that there are no large objects blocking the heater. These objects can overheat and catch fire. The oil filled heater may also melt electric cables, so ensure that all cables are at a considerable distance from the heater.

Can oil be burned on a heater?

Even if the oil is not burned while the heater gives off energy, in time, there will be buildups of oil residue on the inside of the heater. The oil filled heaters are typically made of metals, which are heat resistant. However, if the oil residue accumulates, it may start corroding the metal, and the residue can potentially heat up and catch fire. If the heating device has a venting system, it should be cleaned on a regular basis to reduce the risk of fire.

Can an oil filled baseboard heater cause a fire?

An oil filled baseboard heater may cause an oil leak, which not only stains carpets, but may also present a fire risk. Oil is extremely flammable. Check for any oil leaks around your heater regularly, and make sure to remove any stains from your carpets.

What is the best type of heat transfer fluid for a space heater?

For convection (non-radiant) space heaters, the best types incorporate a heat transfer liquid, such as oil, that is heated by the electric element. The heat transfer fluid provides some heat storage, allowing the heater to cycle less and to provide a more constant heat source.

Can a fire hazard pass approval?

If it is a fire hazard, it would never pass approval. But the approval process cannot guard totally against idiots for idiots are such geniuses. They find a way to get around safety measures.

Can you keep pets away from baseboard heater?

Keep children and pets away from the baseboard heater - Many baseboard heaters will have built in shrouds to keep curious pets and children from injury but there are also baseboard heater covers that can be purchased separately.

Can you put a baseboard heater under an outlet?

Choose the location carefully - Never install a baseboard heater under electrical outlets as they may melt and spark a fire. There should be ample clearance on all sides of the

Is baseboard heating safe?

Baseboard heating is generally considered safe. Like any heating appliance though there are steps that should be taken to ensure that you do not put yourself or others at undue risk.

Is hot water bad for baseboards?

Baseboard heat provided by hot water is not really any type of danger. Water leaks, or long term damage from very small leaks not detected.

Is it safe to use a steam heater?

However, similar safety precautions still apply. Steam heaters like this are a little bit more dangerous in that they can get quite hot to the touch and have a large surface area that you can accidentally come in contact with, increasing the likelihood of a burn.

How long does a baseboard heater last?

Durable. Life expectancy of the unit is relatively longer. As long as they are properly maintained, baseboard heaters can last up to 20 or more years.

What is baseboard heating?

A heating zone is a separately controlled area of your home that is adjusted independently from the rest of the house. With an electrical baseboard heater, you’ll supply heat to a location where it’s needed directly.

How does an electric baseboard heater work?

Electric baseboard heaters work by taking in cool air from close to the floor. The air is then projected up and pushed through heated fins on top of heating unit into the room. Electricity flows through the unit, creating heat and warming the room by passive convection as the heat naturally rises without the use of a fan.

What is the difference between hydronic baseboard heater and electric baseboard heater?

While hydronic baseboard heaters, are central heating units that use a liquid medium to heat a room through the principle of radiation and air flow.

What is the best heating system for a home without ductwork?

If you are searching for the best heating equipment one that offers a heating option in your home without the costly ductwork, then you might consider electric baseboard heater and hydronic baseboard heaters. Below are the pros and cons of electric baseboard heaters and hydronic baseboard heaters.

What happens if a thermostat is faulty?

A faulty thermostat will display an incorrect temperature reading and fail to contain and regulate the heater. The thermostat can produce inconsistent heat. The thermostat can form layers of dirt which insulate the heater causing it to block heat flow thereby making it to record inconsistent readings.

Why does water heat up metal?

The heat warms the liquid in the metal tube and because water runs the entire length of the heating system, it spreads the heat the evenly rather than being concentrated in one hot spot.

What are the disadvantages of electric baseboard heaters?

The disadvantages of electric baseboard heaters are that the energy costs are high, and so are the safety hazards. Electric baseboards can also interfere with your home’s design and create a dry environment for your family.

Why are baseboard heaters so expensive?

Electric baseboard heaters are expensive in the long run, which poses a disadvantage. They typically use more electricity, which means higher electric bills, especially in the winter months. The placement of electric baseboard heaters can also add to the expense.

How Do Electric Baseboard Heaters Work?

Before you install baseboard heaters into your home, you should research how they function. Electric baseboard heaters are also known as electric resistance heaters. Baseboard heat refers to the location of the heater along the bottom of the wall.

How much does it cost to install an electric baseboard heater?

The average cost to buy and install an electric baseboard heater is about $760. However, electric baseboard heaters can cost between $400 to $1,200, installation included. The model you choose will affect the heater costs, as some have programmable thermostats and other features.

What is baseboard heat?

Electric baseboard heaters are also known as electric resistance heaters. Baseboard heat refers to the location of the heater along the bottom of the wall.

Why do baseboard heaters come out on top?

Baseboard heaters often come out on top because you can easily customize the temperature in each room. Furthermore, they often provide better heat when temperatures are below freezing. The delivery of baseboard heat is ductless, producing a more quiet release.

What is zone heating?

These heaters use zone heating to control the temperature in each room of your home individually. There are no furnaces, boilers, heating ducts, vents, or blowers, but instead heating elements that generate heat. The heat is then slowly released into the room where the baseboard heater is, rising to heat the home.

Can a child touch a baseboard heater?

If you have young children in your home, you must monitor baseboard heaters and encourage children to play and stay away from the heating units. Baseboard heaters can be very hot to the touch and there is a risk of suffering from burns if touching an operating unit.

Do baseboard heaters need a thermostat?

Using a single thermostat to control your baseboard heaters will prevent your units from overheating.

Do baseboard heaters come with protection switches?

If you are considering installing a new baseboard heater in your home, you will be happy to know that most current models come with a protection switch. These switches are thermal cutouts that will turn off the unit if it starts to reach a dangerous heat. These auto safety features will allow the heater to reactivate when the temperature returns to normal. These added features provide another level of assurance when considering the safety of baseboard heaters.

Is baseboard heating safe?

Although not as commonly used, baseboard heating is ultimately a safe option when considering a heating source for your home. Paying careful attention to things like fire hazards, effective installation, and thermostat control ensures the safest operation of these units.