How do electric baseboard heaters work

Electric baseboard heaters are a central heating source in many homes. Most homes have more than one of these, and there are different types of baseboard heaters to consider.

How they work is simple, but how efficient they depend on the type you have installed.

What is an electric baseboard heater?

Electric baseboard heaters are designed to warm up an area by radiating heat.

The heater consists of a power cord, heating element, and the metal sheath that houses the heating element called a ‘radiator’.

A thermostat controls the temperature by turning it on or off depending on the ambient air temperature read from a sensor. Electric baseboard heaters are almost exclusively used for residential applications.

Now let’s see how do electric baseboard heaters work actually?

The electric heater has a cord that plugs into an electrical wall socket and can be found in either single or three-phase configurations.

The cord terminates with a connector to the actual heating element which is placed in series between the power source and the thermostat.

The heater may have a built-in thermostat or one that is set by the user for desired heating operation.

Electric baseboard heaters are used for both space heating and in some cases hot water heating applications.

They are energy efficient, easy to install/maintain, and cost-effective to operate. Make sure you have a professional electrician install your heater.

Installing a baseboard heater

Baseboard heaters can be mounted on the wall or floor. For maximum efficiency, they should be installed at least four inches away from walls to allow for proper air circulation across the length of the heater.

The ideal location is in a corner where two adjacent walls meet. Since baseboard heaters are designed to operate without grilles, do not install them in front of an air return or close to doorways.

If the heater is to be mounted on a wall with no corner, provide at least 18 inches of unoccupied space so that cold air is not drawn in when the heater starts up.

Step 1

Mount the heater on a flat surface using brackets or hangers. Make sure the breaker for the circuit is turned off before you do this.

Step 2 

Attach the flexible power cord to the baseboard heater, making sure it is set up so that you will have access to the controls and components after installation. Plugin the cord to the power source and turn the breaker on.

Step 3 

Stretch the heater until it is fully extended and allow it to rest for an hour before turning the power back on. The initial heating cycle may take several minutes or more than an hour, depending on how cold the room is. Once the heater has reached set temperature, shut off the power source.

Step 4

Plug-in cord for baseboard heaters

There are two types of plugs used on baseboard heaters: three-prong and four-prong plugs. Three-prong plugs require a dedicated electrical circuit that supplies only 120 volts through a standard wall receptacle (outlet).

If there is no available outlet close by you will need to run an electrical cable from an existing outlet elsewhere in your home.

Four-prong plugs are used in 240-volt applications and supply an additional neutral wire to the heater. Four-prong plugs require a dedicated circuit, or you can install a double pole breaker in your main electrical panel for this purpose.

Step 5 

Install thermostat on the front of the baseboard heater

The next step is to attach the thermostat control cable to the back of the baseboard heater’s electrical connector block or terminal block.

Step 6 

Attach thermostat sensor probe to the front of the baseboard heater. Place sensor probe on the front of the unit about 2 inches above floor level. Also, place it so that it is not in direct sunlight to ensure maximum energy savings.

Step 7 

Plug-in connection cable to the heater’s electrical terminal block or connector block. Be sure the connection is completely secure by firmly pushing the plug into the receptacle until it clicks.

The clicking sound means you have plugged it in securely.

Cover backplate with provided screws and screw them tightly into place to prevent water leaks behind the unit if the unit is to be used for hot water heating applications as well as space heating.

Reconnect the power source to the breaker box, turn on the breaker switch and enjoy wonderfully!

Installation and operating costs

Baseboard heaters can produce hot water and steam as well as provide space heating options.

Running costs depend on the capacity of your heater and how often it is used, but electric baseboard heaters are generally cheaper to run than other forms of heating systems such as oil or gas.

Another benefit is that they require minimal maintenance and start-up quickly after a power outage.

What should you do when something goes wrong?

If your heater is not supplying heat or if it starts to make unusual noises, it could be that the thermostat control has failed. This means you will need to replace the stem (the black plastic adjustable dial on the front of the heater) to set the temperature again.

Alternatively, if your electric baseboard heater has stopped working entirely, check for tripped circuit breakers in your electrical panel and reset them. If this does not work, contact an electrician immediately because you could have a short circuit somewhere in your home.

What can you do to maintain your electric baseboard heater?

To reduce costs and prolong the life of your heating system, remember to clean the metal fins on either side of the heater at least once a month.

You can remove dust with a vacuum hose or use compressed air to blow it away.

If you are using an oil-based product such as WD-40 to help prevent rusting, be sure not to spray directly onto the fins themselves.

What is life expectancy?

The average life span of a baseboard heater is about 10 years.

They are fairly easy to maintain so you should be able to get the best performance from your heating system for its entire lifetime and reduce costs as well.

What will your home insurance company want to know?

Home insurance companies require the installation of baseboard heaters to be up to code. A qualified electrician will install these heating systems so they are safe for use in your home.

You also must ensure that you have fire extinguishers in your home and test them frequently, or you could be held responsible if there is damage due to a fire that could have been prevented.

Please remember to mention all of the safety features of your heater and how they function to prevent accidents.

Electric baseboard heaters are a popular choice for homes, as they provide low-cost heating and do not require too much maintenance or attention from homeowners.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Heating Costs With Baseboard Heaters

COST-EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT

Electric baseboard heaters are different than other forms of heating systems because they do not require ductwork or moving parts.

They are much cheaper to run than forced-air heating systems like furnaces, but they also offer more benefits. Since they use electric resistance to create heat, instead of combusting fuel to produce it, they are more efficient and cost-effective.

They also provide direct heat for specific areas in your home. By only heating the space you are using at that time, electric baseboards prevent wasting energy by heating an entire house when you are only in one room.

SAFETY FIRST

It is essential to have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home as well as outside sleeping areas. If a unit malfunctions or there is a power outage, these detectors will tell you immediately so you don’t have to wait until it is too late to react.

FLOORS CAN BE COSTLY TO REPLACE

When choosing a place for a baseboard heater, avoid placing it anywhere near an entrance or exit. You do not want someone to accidentally trip on it and fall down the stairs, which could lead to serious injury. Also, try to place your heater away from upcoming construction if possible. The last thing you want is for the new flooring materials to catch fire because of a faulty heating system that caught debris on fire.

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM TRANSIENTS

Because baseboard heaters only provide direct heat in specific areas, you can choose a safe location that faces your home’s exterior door as this will stop outside air from entering when people go in and out of your house. You can also install weather stripping around exterior doors as another way to prevent cold drafts from coming into your home.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HEATERS FOR VARIOUS AREAS OF YOUR HOME

In areas that are high use, you will need a more powerful baseboard heater that can distribute heat across a larger area. In smaller or less used spaces, using a low wattage unit is sufficient to maintain the temperature in these locations.

KNOWN TO BE SAFE

Baseboard heaters do not have any moving parts and may be located close to exterior walls without increasing the risk of fire or other damage. They also provide an even heat distribution throughout a space with no cold spots as long as they are installed properly.

Pros of Baseboard Heaters

• Cost-effective and efficient.
• Safe to use in homes because of the lack of moving parts.
• Prevents wasting energy by heating only the room needed at that time.
• Provides even heat distribution throughout a space with no cold spots or drafts.
• Does not require duct work or other interior construction to install.

Cons of Baseboard Heaters

• Not preferred in rooms where furniture needs to be moved often because they are stationary units, though newer models have adjustable panels that can be swung aside for this purpose.
• Requires installation by qualified electricians that follow safety codes for home insurance purposes (though it is much cheaper than installing central heating).

Baseboard Heat Compared to Forced Air Systems

The heat that is produced by a baseboard heater does not circulate the whole house, making it more efficient because you only heat the spaces you are using. There is also no need to use ductwork and central air conditioning systems to keep different areas of your home at different temperatures like with forced-air heating systems.

Baseboard heating units do not require much upkeep and maintenance. Because they consist of mostly metal, any dirt or sawdust on them will burn off when they release their heat. This reduces the risk of them catching fire when in use.

Baseboard Heat vs. Ductless HVAC Units

If you would rather have a central heating system but do not want to deal with the mess and hassle of having ducts installed in your house, a baseboard heater may be a good alternative. Though they are stationary units that only provide heat to one area, there is no need for an HVAC professional to install them if you do it yourself.

However, ductless HVAC air conditioning and heating systems may be a better option for people who live in large homes with different rooms that need to be heated at different temperatures. The amount of power needed to heat each room is less than with baseboard heaters because they can circulate all around the house and not just in one area.

Evaluating Air Quality and Cost

The quality of your indoor air will be better when a baseboard heater is used because the heating system does not have moving parts that can cause dust particles to circulate in the room.

You may find it more difficult to track the cost of using baseboard heaters over time, as their power output stays mostly consistent throughout use.

Energy savings may be gained by using them instead of central heating systems, but the cost of installation must be taken into account.

Overheating can occur if someone leaves a heater on for an extended time or uses one that is too large for the space it is in. This will not only waste energy but also cause unnecessary strain on your electric bill.

Problems That May Arise In a Baseboard Heater

• Leaks can occur if the unit is not installed properly and may cause electrical problems. Because baseboard heaters are stationary units, it can be difficult to clean up spills that may happen on them.

• Cold air may circulate near the base of a baseboard heater as long as no one is using it or if they forget to turn it on.

• They emit no carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide, which can be dangerous if they are not properly installed.

• If you accidentally touch them when they are hot, the base will melt to prevent electrical shocks. (Though this is only an issue with older models).

Other commonly asked questions

What Are Hydronic Baseboard Heaters?

Hydronic baseboard heaters are a form of heating system that uses water or other liquids to produce heat.

How much electricity do Baseboard Heaters use?

Different models will use different amounts of energy, but they are generally considered to be an economical way of keeping warm compared to central heating systems.

How do you clean electric baseboard heaters?

Use a vacuum cleaner brush attachment to get rid of any dirt or dust on them and spray the unit with a cleaning solution if it becomes too dirty. However, there is no need to clean electric baseboard heaters often because they stay clean as long as the room stays swept.

Can you paint electric baseboard heaters?

It is not advisable. Paint can chip off baseboard heaters so it is best to leave them as they are.