Baseboard heaters
Electric baseboard heaters are equipped with an electric heating element built within
a metal casing.
Typically, baseboard heaters are mounted under a window along an exterior wall to
encourage natural convection. The thermostat can be located either directly on the
heater or on a wall.
Baseboard heaters work by passive convection. Heat is generated when electric current
flows through the heating element. This process warms the air around the heater
and creates a natural air flow without the use of a fan.The thermostat controls
the heater. The unit turns on when the air temperature falls below the thermostat's
set temperature. Once the set temperature is reached, the heater shuts off.
You control the heater by setting the thermostat at your desired temperature. The
heater will not warm the room faster by setting the thermostat at a higher temperature.
Keep furniture, drapes, blankets etc., away from the heater to increase the heater's
efficiency and prevent a possible fire hazard.You can save money by turning the
thermostat down at night, when you leave your home and in rooms you are not using.After
the winter heating season, turn the heaters off at the circuit breakers to prevent
the heating unit from coming on unnecessarily during cool spring and fall nights.
It is important to keep your baseboard heater clean. Dust build-up obstructs heat
from escaping the heater; the heater will become hot but your room will remain cold.
Vacuum the heater housing and fins regularly to achieve the greatest efficiency.Calibrating
your thermostat tells you what the actual temperature is and whether the thermostat
is operating correctly. Mount a thermometer in a central place where the heater
is located and check the thermometer's reading with that of the thermostat.Learn
what your comfort zone is. When you find the lowest temperature you can be comfortable
with, mark that temperature on your thermostat so you will know where to set it
next time you turn the heater on.
Baseboard HeatersThe cost of running a baseboard heater at a 1500 watt setting for
approximately 5 hours a day during a 30-day month is $9.
Baseboard heaters come in different wattages. The heater should be sized to meet
the heating requirements of the room where it is installed. Generally, baseboard
heaters are rated at approximately 250 watts per foot of length.
If the heater is not working turn the thermostat on to see if the unit responds.
If the heater does not respond, check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped.
If the heater still fails to work, call a certified technician to inspect the unit.
