
Popping is a baseboard heaters noise that may occur when the baseboard is heating up or cooling down as metal components shrink or expand and ‘pop’ back into place. A buzzing sound is associated with electricity and may be the result of a power supply incorrectly matched with the baseboard, especially on new installations.
Why is my baseboard heater making a popping noise?
Popping is a baseboard heaters noise that may occur when the baseboard is heating up or cooling down as metal components shrink or expand and ‘pop’ back into place. Buzzing A buzzing sound is associated with electricity and may be the result of a power supply incorrectly matched with the baseboard, especially on new installations.
How does a baseboard heater work?
The element may be inside a single metal pipe or a long flat ‘zig-zag’ type coil. The coil threads through thin wafers of tin, aluminum, or steel. The wafers heat quickly and provide a greater surface area to radiate heat into a room. When space is heated, the thermostat shuts the heating element off, and the baseboard cools down quickly.
Can baseboard heater sound be silenced?
Silencing some baseboard heater sound is achievable in most situations and doesn’t require the skills of an HVAC specialist. However, some noises may be beyond your skill set and do require some expertise. Sounds common between electric and hydronic baseboards have the same repair.
Why does my baseboard make a clicking sound?
Many electric and hydronic baseboards produce a pinging sound. It is commonly caused by the expansion and contraction of the thin metal vanes within the baseboard as the heat or cool. The baseboard heater noise is greater if some fins have been bent and rub each other as they expand or contract. Baseboard clicking can have two causes.

Why does my baseboard heater make popping noises?
These sounds are mostly due to the metal reacting to sudden changes in temperature when they are turned on after a prolonged shutdown, or when they begin to heat up when the temperature drops. Noises are caused by the expansion when starting, and the contraction when cooling, of the metal components of the baseboards.
How do I stop my baseboard from knocking?
1:573:41How to Quiet Knocking Baseboard Heat | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow this is a split spacer which has got a little more depth to it so now we can put it on the pipe.MoreNow this is a split spacer which has got a little more depth to it so now we can put it on the pipe. Like that and now i can push it way back into the wall.
How do I stop my baseboard heater from making noise?
1:564:20How to Quiet a Noisy Baseboard Heater | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd cut to join these pieces of pipe back together i'm going to use a pair of couplings. These areMoreAnd cut to join these pieces of pipe back together i'm going to use a pair of couplings. These are three-quarter copper couplings. I'm going to apply some flux and solder them. Together.
Can a baseboard heater start a fire?
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.
How do I stop my heating pipes from knocking?
Placing small pieces of foam near pipes that travel through wooden supports will prevent banging or other bumping sounds. If this does not fix the issue, seek professional help by hiring residential heating services. You don't have to live with heating pipes that bump and bang all night.
How do I stop my heater from making noise?
You might be able to solve the sound yourself by cleaning the ducts, filter and return and by opening up the vents and dampers. In some cases, the cause of the whistling noise is something a technician needs to fix or something that can only be fixed by replacing the furnace.
Can you put a couch against 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.
When should you replace baseboard heaters?
Standard baseboard heaters normally serve their owners for about 15 to 25 years before wearing out and failing. The exact life expectancy rises and falls depending on several factors, such as quality, average outdoor temperatures, and thermostat settings. They tend to last longer in homes with multiple heat systems.
Is it OK for curtains to touch baseboard electric heaters?
Curtains and any other flammable items should be a minimum of 12 inches away from your baseboard heaters to prevent a fire and to allow for proper airflow that's necessary for the unit to operate.
Is it normal to hear water running through pipes when heat is on?
Noise coming from baseboard heaters is quite common. Although annoying, it mostly isn’t caused by something serious. Still, it is better to have it fixed.
How do you find a leak in a baseboard heater?
Look all over your house and see if there’s water dripping out or if there is any sign of moisture from anywhere in your heater. Sometimes a valve or elbow may be leaking. It is trickier to fix such leaks and is best left to professionals.
Why do I have to keep adding water to my boiler?
If you are having to add water to your boiler often then there is something wrong with your heater. Usually, your baseboard heating system should need very little new water. Call a professional.
What happens if you add cold water to a hot boiler?
Your boiler will experience a thermal shock that is not good for your unit at all. The hot water in the boiler will react instantly with the cold water that you put in. You should avoid doing this.
Why does my electric baseboard heater make noise?
Noise can be caused by insecure installation of the heating element inside the electric baseboard heater, or poor installation of the heater itself on a warped or uneven wall or baseboard. To fix this problem, all that may be needed to do is readjust a few screws.
Why does my baseboard heater make a humming noise?
If a 120-volt baseboard heater is connected to a 240-volt power supply, this may be the cause of a humming noise, burning smells or worse still, a fire . I’ve actually seen this once – and many US homes have 240v outlets designed for power tools which an amateur electrician might attempt to connect to.
How high should a baseboard heater be?
Baseboard heaters, or their inlet vents, should sit level and at least three-quarters of an inch above the floor, carpet, or rug to allow the cooler air on the floor to flow under and through the electrical heating element or the fins on a water-heated unit.
Why is my thermostat so noisy?
Incorrect or insufficient airflow can also cause them to be noisy because the thermostats won’t be functioning correctly if located in the unit.
Why does my baseboard make a noise?
Noises are caused by the expansion when starting, and the contraction when cooling, of the metal components of the baseboards.
Does a thermostat control the temperature of a baseboard heater?
What many people don’t realize either in the most basic versions of electric heaters, is that the thermostat doesn’t actually control the temperature of the baseboard heater. The role of the thermostat is to dictate when they turn on and off based on the temperature of the air circulating through them.
Can electric baseboard heaters be changed?
If none of the above works, electric baseboard heaters can always be changed or contact a heating technician who can try to determine the cause of the noise (although the cost may end up being comparable). If it’s one or two units, try looking up better quality electric baseboard heaters online, with centrally-controlled electronic thermostats.
Why does my baseboard heater make a pinging noise?
When your baseboard heater makes a pinging noise, the metal fins inside the covers are rubbing against each other. The fins may be bent or crushed, which makes noise when the heat inside the unit causes the fins to expand. Remove the covers from the heaters and straighten the fins carefully. Cut small pieces of wax paper and slide the wax paper between the fins where the fins touch the baseboard.
What is baseboard heater?
Image Credit: Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images. Baseboard heaters are a common feature in many homes, apartments and office buildings. The heaters are installed along the base of the floor and come in various lengths and voltages for varying needs. Generally speaking, baseboard heaters should operate fairly quietly, ...
Why does my boiler make a banging sound?
This is created by air in the system and a zone valve that closes too quickly. The zone valve closes when the circulator is running, which causes pressure to bounce against air in the system and force the valve to open slightly again. This creates the banging sound. Look at the pressure gauge on the boiler, which should be between 12 and 20 PSI. Contact a plumber for assistance if the air pressure is not between 12 and 20 PSI. Note that too much air in the system can also make it sound like there is water rushing through the pipes.
What does it mean when your water boiler is too hot?
If it sounds like the pipes are being hit with a hammer, the temperature in the hot water boiler may be too hot. Look at the temperature gauge and shut the boiler off if the temperature is above 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Contact a heating service technician for assistance as soon as you can.
1. Popping Sounds Happen When the Electric Heater Expands
This is the most common reason why your electric heater makes noise. It’s more noticeable in larger types like electric baseboard heaters.
2. Fans in Electric Heaters Make Noise
Many types of electric heaters use fans to blow warm air into the room. It’s generally more efficient than radiating heat, and it’s especially useful if the electric heater is small and portable.
3. Old Electric Coil Heater Is Vibrating
Electric heaters use coils to convert electric energy into thermal energy. It’s a simple yet genius design that has kept our homes warm for decades.
4. The Screws Holding the Electric Heater Are Loose
Screws get loose over time. If there are visible screws on the electric heater’s housing, tighten them.
Why Electric Water Heaters Make Noise
Let’s now shift our focus toward electric water heaters. They have a slew of unique problems, including trapped air bubbles, which cause gurgling noises. But a bit of air is completely normal and inevitable.
Electric Wall Heater Making Noise
There are several reasons why an electric wall heater makes noise. When you first turn the electric wall heater on, it’ll cause some noise.
Electric Baseboard Heater Making Loud Banging Noise
Electric baseboard heaters don’t have fans, so they shouldn’t be noisy, right?
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