Baseboard heaters may emit a metallic, burning odor when first turned on in the season. The burning odor emanates from the burning off of the factory coating applied on its parts. This may take more than one heating season to dissipate.
What are the pros and cons of baseboard heating?
The Pros of Electric Baseboard Heating
- In warm climates, the energy cost may be nominal. When only a few weeks out of the year will require continuous use of the heating system, it may be affordable.
- They’re easily relocated. If installers didn’t place the baseboard heater correctly (usually under a window), it’s not hard to reposition them.
- No moving parts. ...
- DIY friendly. ...
What is the best electric baseboard heater?
- BEST OVERALL: Fahrenheat FBE15002 Portable Electric Heater
- BEST VALUE: Comfort Zone Low Profile Baseboard Digital CZ650
- BEST DESIGN: Lasko 5624 Low Profile Room Space Heater
- BEST FOR SMALL ROOMS: Cadet Manufacturing F Series Baseboard Heater 4F1000W
- BEST FOR LARGE ROOMS: Cadet 96 in. 2000/2500-Watt Electric Baseboard Heater
Why is my hot water baseboard heater not working?
How do I know if my baseboard heater is working?
- Look for a tripped breaker in the thermostat
- Look for faulty wiring in the circuit breaker panel
- In the end, start the heater and see if it’s functioning at all
What to do if your heater smells like burning?
What’s causing a burning smell from your heater?
- Dust on the furnace. A burning smell when you first turn your heater on is most likely caused by dust buildup on your furnace.
- Debris trapped in the heating system. ...
- Dirty furnace filters or air vents. ...
- Damaged electrical wiring. ...
How do I stop my baseboard heater from smelling?
Steps To Be FollowedTurn It On and Off. Switch off your electric heater as soon as you notice the smell. ... Remove The Cover Of your Baseboard Electric Heater. ... Clean The Dust Or Accumulated Matter On The Heating Element. ... Clean The Cover And Replace It On the Main Device. ... Test And Run.
Why does my heater give off a weird smell?
If you detect a dusty or mild burning smell when you turn on your heat, don't worry—this is normal. Your heating system has been sitting unused for the last few months, so dust, dirt, and debris have inevitably settled on the heat exchanger, burners, and other components of your heating system.
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.
Why does my baseboard heat smell like rotten eggs?
Utility companies put odor-indicating substances in natural gas, which is normally odorless. So, if you notice a potent rotten egg smell in your home, it could indicate a gas leak. You need to immediately shut off the gas furnace and call Allbritten for an inspection of your system.
What does carbon monoxide smell like?
Carbon monoxide gas is colourless and does not smell, so you cannot tell if it is around you. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headache. dizziness.
Why does my heater smell like burnt plastic?
Plastic – If your heater smells like burning plastic, the odor will quickly become intolerable. This smell likely means that a foreign object, such as a toy or a humidifier nozzle, has become lodged in the furnace and has been slowly baking away.
Can you 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. Don't Block the Airflow.
When should baseboard heaters be replaced?
Expected life – According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a cadet-type wall heater or baseboard heater has a 10-15 year expected life. While that is a long time, the NAHB rates radiant ceiling panels with a 40-year life. But beyond what the NAHB says, you should look carefully at the warranty.
Can a baseboard heater start a 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.
Should you clean baseboard heaters?
They transfer heat by convection. Cold air flows from the bottom of the radiator and up through the fins, heating the room. Fins can get clogged with dust and dirt. so it's a good practice to clean your baseboard heaters yearly.
What is the best way to clean baseboard heaters?
0:091:08How to Clean Baseboard Heaters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou to clean the fins use a vacuum with a brush nozzle removing any dirt and dust gathered inMoreYou to clean the fins use a vacuum with a brush nozzle removing any dirt and dust gathered in between the fins. Straighten any fins that are bent.
Why does my house smell like sewer in the winter?
Cold temperatures can cause downdrafts from plumbing vent stacks. In this case, you will notice the odor varies during the day, especially if the weather is windy. If the odor tends to subside as temperatures go up, downdrafts are the most likely cause of that terrible sewer smell in your house.
Why does my heat smell like chemicals?
Furnace Smells Metallic, Electrical, or Chemical Usually if your furnace is overheating, it will automatically shut off. But if there's something wrong with the blower motor or heat exchanger, this safety feature won't kick in. These overheated parts create a metallic, electrical, or chemical smell.
What does a bad furnace smell like?
Furnace smells like rotten eggs or like a sewer The smell can indicate a failed heat exchanger, especially if you have a high-efficiency furnace. This is a serious problem because a bad heat exchanger can pump unsafe levels of dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) gas into your home.
Why does my heater smell like sulfur?
If you detect a sulfuric, rotten egg-like smell coming from your furnace, it is imperative that you act immediately, as you could be dealing with a gas leak. While natural gas is extremely combustible and one of the most efficient fuel sources for a furnace to run on, it is also highly toxic when ingested.
What does burning electrical smell like?
An electrical fire initially has a fairly acrid smell of plastic burning. The short could be in the outlet or in the wiring inside a wall and can be hard to locate. Experts say if you smell something electrical burning you are lucky – most warning signs of electrical fires are invisible and odourless.
Why does my baseboard heater smell like electrical?
If you think you smell something like electrical burning — like a wire cooking — it's possible that your wiring is experiencing issues, but this is a rare occurrence with baseboard heaters. It could certainly just be something left behind that smells but don't gamble on it. Turn off the heat immediately, remove the baseboard covers and see if you can locate a conspicuous cause.
What does it mean when your baseboard heater smells musty?
Unfortunately, critters can also be an issue. If your smells are musty or rotten, it may be that a rodent or something else met its end in your baseboard heater. You'll need to investigate to learn more. If you're lucky, any such corpses will be easy to remove. Be sure you wear some protective gear, like gloves and a mask.
Why does my baseboard heater burn?
Whether the wind blew some packaging into your baseboard heaters or you have kids or pets who like to hide things, it's not unusual for objects to slowly burn as the heater cranks up. You'll have to pry off the baseboard covers to see if you can determine the odorous culprit.
What does it mean when you fire up a baseboard heater?
Firing up the heater after a season of open windows and sunny days means you're cooking months of dust. It's not a great smell, but it's typical and not harmful. Heating pros will tell you not to panic if you're smelling burnt dust for the first and second time using baseboard heaters. However, if the third session rolls around and you're still smelling something, it's time to solve the problem or summon a pro.
What does a dormant heater smell like?
It's inevitable that a dormant heater getting its first-of-season fire-up will smell like burnt dust, but you can minimize this with proactive cleaning before that first cold snap. The baseboard cover either snaps off or needs to be unscrewed, but once it's off, you'll see what it holds. First, vacuum as much dust and debris as you can since it will include insect remains and other flammable things.
How to get rid of burnt dust smell?
Use a duster or soft-bristle brush to loosen more dust to vacuum. Compressed canned air can also help blast things loose but wear a face mask so you don't inhale anything. Finally, use a wet, soft cloth to wipe it down and then replace the cover. You'll probably still get some burnt dust smell, but it should be short-lived.
Can baseboard heaters smell?
It's less likely that you'll encounter critters or other foul smells with baseboard heaters. This tends to be more common with heating vents since things can be trapped and enclosed inside them.
Why does my baseboard heater smell?
Aside from lubricant burning, a burning smell coming from an electric baseboard heater is most likely due to a build-up of household nasties like dust and grease that is being heated. The smell is generally more prominent as soon as you switch on the heater, and the heat comes on. Many of us are familiar with this very scenario.
Why Is There A Burning Smell Coming Out Of My Baseboard Heater?
As with all things electrical, though, a safety-first approach is paramount. As soon as you notice any odor coming from your heater, the issue should be addressed.
How To Get Rid Of Odor From Baseboard Heaters?
As if the smell of burning dust and grease wasn’t bad enough, one of the more unbearable odors is often that of burned hair .
How Efficient Are Electric Baseboard Heaters?
It’s important to consider that baseboard heaters are most effective when used to only heat a smaller space, such as an average-sized room.
What Is The Best Temperature To Have Your Heater On?
While you may be tempted to crank up the heat on those cooler nights, the extra energy expenditure will hurt your hip pocket. For every degree above 68F, you’ll pay an additional 5%. If you turn the heat down to 60F, you can save up to 10% on your electricity bill.
How long does it take for a heater to smell?
The burning smell is likely to gradually fade away after the heater burns off the dust and another residue. This occurs after the heater has completed a cycle or two. If your heater still smells after three or four periods, it is essential that you contact an HVAC technician for assistance.
Why do you put a heater on a window?
Additionally, with the warm air of the heater rising, it reduces the condensation, which would generally form on the glass of the window. By placing the heater below a window, you are slowing down the heat transfer and heating the room.
How to get rid of baseboard heater smell?
How to prevent smells from a baseboard heater: Clean your heater after each use to prevent dust buildup. If the smell persists, you might need to replace it. Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is functioning in your home. Carbon monoxide poisoning is unlikely if an electric heater is working properly. However, if a heater is burning chemicals or debris, it could produce carbon monoxide.
Why does a baseboard heater not blow air?
Because a baseboard heater doesn’t blow air, it’s quieter and heats more evenly. Most baseboard heaters are hardwired in, but some units plug into a standard outlet.
How Does an Electric Baseboard Heater Work?
An electric baseboard heater uses electricity to heat a space immediately as opposed to a forced-air system with a furnace. Baseboard heating can provide better air quality and is easier to install and maintain than forced-air systems.
How to fix a faulty thermostat?
How to fix a faulty thermostat: Tapping the thermostat may clear the blocked contact for a temporary fix. You will need to replace the thermostat to make sure the baseboard heater functions properly. Inspect your thermostat often to detect any damage before you have problems with your baseboard heater.
How to check if a circuit breaker is hot?
How to inspect your circuit breaker: If your circuit breaker feels hot, check the label to find out the circuit breaker’s total amperage load. Most circuit breakers are either 20-amp or 30-amp for a baseboard heater, depending on the heater’s wattage.
How to inspect a baseboard heater?
How to inspect your electrical system: Inspect the baseboard heater’s electrical components, along with their wire connections . If you can, follow the wire from the electrical panel to the thermostat and the circuit breaker. If any staples crushed your wires, they could have compromised the wire’s insulation and caused it to overheat.
What to do if baseboard heater doesn't produce heat?
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.
How to get rid of dog urine on baseboard heater?
It could also be dog, cat or rodent urine. Use a spray bottle of water and detergent to wash-off the heater. Catch the run-off with a towel. It could take a long time to burn-off by itself because baseboard heaters don't get very hot.
Do dust bunnies smell?
Dust bunnies usually, in my experience, come through as a slightly burnt smell, rather than sickly sweet. Perhaps, sometime in the last 9 months, there was some spillage of some sort onto the heaters?
Is a baseboard heater cheap?
Electric baseboard heaters are cheap; I would rip it out and start with a new one.
Why does my space heater smell?
If a space heater emits a burning smell, could indicate a malfunction that could result in it catching fire. If the system is not sparking or indicating other immediate signs of danger, unplug the heater and plan to purchase a replacement unit.
Why does my HVAC system smell like it's burning?
Sometimes miscellaneous plastic or rubber objects will fall into vents or deeper in the air ducts Whether it’s a misplaced child’s toy, part of the HVAC system, or another item , this can cause a burning smell.
Why does my radiator smell like eggs?
Like baseboards and central, a burning smell from radiators could indicate the presence of dust or debris. With radiators, though, this could also indicate the presence of mold on the system or a corrosive substance called hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide can damage the metal and will emit an odor that smells like eggs. If you notice this smell, you should contact an HVAC technician immediately to prevent damage to your system.
What is a baseboard heater?
Baseboard heaters are a popular alternative to a furnace in many smaller living spaces like apartments, condominiums, and small houses. Though they differ from a central heating system in the way they provide heat to the living space, a burning smell from a baseboard configuration may share some similar causes.
What does it mean when your furnace smells like it's burning?
If you notice a burning smell and cannot pinpoint the source on your own, it could mean the furnace needs repairing . In this case, call an HVAC specialist as soon as you are able to and schedule an appointment for them to come and analyze your furnace.
Do southern states have furnaces?
In the United States, many resident s of southern states do not use their home furnaces often. Whether in the basement or the attic, the furnace and air ducts can accumulate dust. The same can go for people living in areas where the temperature varies between seasons and may not require central heating for months at a time.
Can an old furnace filter cause a furnace to overcompensate?
Sometimes, an old air filter can cause the furnace to overcompensate in order to push more air through. Check your vent filters and see if they are clogged with dust and/or debris. If you do not have a new one at home, you should be able to find a replacement filter for most systems at your local hardware store.
