Keep drapes and curtains at least 8-10″ above electric baseboards, and/or at least 3″ in front of them with 1″ floor clearance (to allow air to circulate).
for instance, Are baseboard heaters a fire hazard?
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.
significantly, What are the pros and cons of baseboard heating?
Baseboard Heating Pros
- Pro 1: Quiet Operation. A benefit of baseboard heating is it operates quietly, unlike forced-air systems that periodically blast air. …
- Pro 2: Easy Installation. …
- Pro 3: Low Installation Cost. …
- Pro 4: Good Heating Source. …
- Pro 5: Easily Cleaned. …
- Pro 6: Longevity. …
- Con 1: Costly Operation. …
- Con 2: Takes Up Space.
also How high above a baseboard heater should curtains be?
The bottom of your drapes should end at least 10 centimetres (four inches) above your heaters or, if your drapes run floor-to-ceiling, at least three centimetres above the floor. Make sure you have at least five centimetres (two inches) between the back of the drapes and the front of your heaters.
How do I protect my curtains from baseboard heaters? Keep drapes and curtains at least 8-10″ above electric baseboards, and/or at least 3″ in front of them with 1″ floor clearance (to allow air to circulate). Don’t locate curtains or drapes directly over or in front of electric heaters.
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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.
Do baseboard heaters get hot enough to start a fire?
Electric vs Hot Water Baseboard Heaters
If you have electric baseboard heaters – pay attention. … Bottom line; these line voltage electricity suckers get really hot and if flammable materials get close enough, a fire can result. Hot water baseboard heaters on the other hand run at much lower temperatures.
Is it safe to leave baseboard heaters on all the time?
An extremely hot appliance in your room is always going to be a fire risk. Baseboard installers assure their customers that everything will be fine as long as you observe the “6-inch rule” and always leave clearance between the heater and anything else.
What is wrong with baseboard heating?
If your heater doesn’t produce heat after a couple of minutes, check the electrical system. Tripped breakers are a common problem with baseboard heaters. Inspect the valves inside the heater. Valves may corrode and stick together without proper lubrication, preventing heat from getting into the room.
Does baseboard heat use a lot of electricity?
In general, electric baseboard heaters use more electricity than an electric heat pump. This means higher electric bills, especially in the coldest winter months when they’re working overtime to keep your home warm. The placement of baseboard heaters — near windows and exterior walls — can also work against you.
Are new electric baseboards more efficient?
All electric heaters are 100% efficient at converting electricity to heat, regardless of how old they are, so replacing old baseboards with newer ones won’t save you any energy.
Do baseboard heaters use a lot of electricity?
In general, electric baseboard heaters use more electricity than an electric heat pump. This means higher electric bills, especially in the coldest winter months when they’re working overtime to keep your home warm. The placement of baseboard heaters — near windows and exterior walls — can also work against you.
How can I make my baseboard heat more efficient?
7 baseboard heating efficiency tips
- Reduce window drafts. …
- Adjust the thermostat to your day. …
- Practice the virtue of patience. …
- Get air flowing. …
- Keep them clean. …
- Consider programmable thermostats. …
- Heat by zone.
Can hot water baseboard heaters start fires?
There are two types of baseboard heaters; electric and hot water (aka hydronic). If you have electric baseboard heaters – pay attention. … Bottom line; these line voltage electricity suckers get really hot and if flammable materials get close enough, a fire can result.
Can curtains catch fire from heater?
Curtains can catch fire from electric radiators if the radiator is close to a curtain made of flammable material. Water radiators usually don’t get hot enough to cause curtains to catch fire, but the radiator could still burn any fragile materials nearby.
Is it better for curtains to be too long or too short?
Short curtains and drapes are not ideal, and most often you don’t want curtains that hang more than an inch above the ground. Too short curtains can not only look outdated, but they can also sometimes make the ceiling look lower. However, there are a couple of scenarios where short curtains are a more practical option.
Are baseboard heaters expensive to run?
Cost. Is baseboard heating expensive? In general, electric baseboard heaters use more electricity than an electric heat pump. This means higher electric bills, especially in the coldest winter months when they’re working overtime to keep your home warm.
Can baseboard heaters cause carbon monoxide?
No. Only heaters that burn a combustible fuel to create heat can cause carbon monoxide build-up in your home. … Either way, nothing is being burned up to create heat with an electric space heater, so carbon monoxide poisoning is not an issue.
Is electric baseboard heat cheaper than gas?
Electric baseboard heat may be tempting, but it’s important to consider whether the benefits outweigh the costs. About 50 percent of all the homes in the U.S. are heated with natural gas. … This is because the upfront cost of the electric baseboard units is so cheap compared to other heating systems.
How much is baseboard heating a month?
In most climates, an average 1,200 square-foot, well-insulated home using an electric baseboard requires about 12,000 watts of power. For a home like this, monthly electricity costs for running the baseboard alone will be approximately $400.
How can I lower my electric bill with baseboard heat?
7 Ways to Bring Down Your Baseboard Heating Electric Bill
- Keep your heater sparkly clean. Dust buildup on your baseboard heater will block the heat and keep it from escaping properly. …
- Turn it down! …
- Calibrate. …
- Insulate. …
- Contact the power company. …
- Run appliances at night. …
- Give your ceiling fan a whirl.
How often should baseboard heaters be replaced?
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.
How can I get more heat from my baseboards?
7 baseboard heating efficiency tips
- Reduce window drafts. …
- Adjust the thermostat to your day. …
- Practice the virtue of patience. …
- Get air flowing. …
- Keep them clean. …
- Consider programmable thermostats. …
- Heat by zone.
Is baseboard heat more expensive than gas?
As of March 2013, it costs $34.57 to generate one million BTUs of heat using electric baseboard heating, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This same million BTUs costs $14.39 using an electric heat pump, or $7.33 via a standard gas furnace.
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