The Best Way To Update A Baseboard Heater

by HVAC Contributor January 31, 2023, 12:00 pm 1.6k Views

Baseboard heaters are like unseen workers in the background. They aren’t visible, but they do an excellent job of heating the house. But when should you replace your baseboard heaters? And how do you go about it? These inquiries will be answered in this post.

Baseboard heaters can be updated by cleaning and replacing the old filter with a new one. Updating can result in a more efficient airflow system throughout your home. Take the following steps:

Turn off the power.
Take off the cover.
Baseboard heaters should be cleaned.
Replace the filter.
Put the heater to the test.

In this article, we’ll go over baseboard heaters in greater detail and provide a step-by-step guide for updating them. We’ll go over how they work and how they help the HVAC system. There’s so much more for you to discover. So, keep reading!

Baseboard Heater Updating

Baseboard heaters raise the temperature by distributing hot air throughout the room. They are typically installed between the wall and the floor to save space, and updating them is an excellent way to improve your climate control.

See the steps below to update baseboard heaters:

See the steps below to update baseboard heaters:vvv

1. Turn Off The Electricity

You should turn off the main power supply and post a sign warning people not to turn it back on until you’ve finished updating the heater. Keep in mind that the baseboard heater has a number of metallic fins that conduct electricity.

While you have access to the house wires, it’s a good idea to double-check the wiring for safety to avoid heater short circuits. Examine the wires again and wrap any exposed areas with electrical tape. An electrician may be required to assess some complicated wiring.

2. Take Off The Cover

Unfasten the screws from their positions and remove the covers with a screwdriver. On both ends, there are wires and power terminals, and in the middle, there are long metallic fins. We’ll talk about what these fins are for later.

3. Baseboard Heaters Should Be Cleaned

You should not get any liquid or water on the metallic fins. Except for the cover, which can be cleaned with water and solution, dry clean instead. Cleaning is an essential part of updating the baseboard heaters, as it would seem illogical not to.

To clean the baseboards, gather the following tools:

Vacuum Cleaner
Use a vacuum cleaner to quickly remove dirt.

Brush With A Soft Bristle
To remove dust between the fins, use a small brush.

Dishwashing Soap
You can clean the cover with water and dish soap.

Dry Cloth
To rub the cover, you’ll need a dry cloth.

To clean baseboard heaters, proceed as follows:

Wash the cover in a separate basin with water and dishwashing liquid. Set it aside after drying with a cloth.
Using a vacuum cleaner, remove the dirt from between the fins.
Brush away any remaining dirt from the heater.
Use the vacuum again to completely remove the dirt.
Do not replace the cover just yet. First, you must install a new filter.

4. Replace Your Filter

Depending on the manufacturer, there are filters designed to fit into baseboard heaters. You can replace the filter to improve airflow and protect the heater from rusting.

Installing a new filter will improve the heater’s appearance. You can also customize the cover to your liking.

You can install the new filter by following these general steps:

Put the new filter on the mount bracket and wrap it around the fin.
Screw the filter against the wall to secure it.
Replace the cover. You could also install a new one that is very similar to the old one you were using.

5. Heater Evaluation

You can now test the heater after completing these updating procedures, which include cleaning and filter replacement. When you turn on the power, you should notice that the temperature rises. Keep an eye on how the air improves over the next 1-2 days.

Baseboard Heaters: How Do They Work?

It’s useful to understand how baseboard heaters work. They not only provide comfort, but they also aid other ventilation networks. In the next room, for example, you have a ceiling fan. Heat can spread more quickly, warming both rooms quickly.

When electricity passes through the metallic fins, it heats them up after a few minutes. Because baseboard heaters do not have fans, the heat will be distributed directly throughout the room.

When the thermostat reaches the desired temperature, the heater will turn off automatically.

However, it is best to inspect the heater on a regular basis. If it does not receive a signal from the thermostat, it may continue to release hot air. Set a schedule for when to turn on the heater, such as when you’re away, to avoid overheating.

Should You Replace The Thermostat When You Replace The Heater?

Unless the thermostat is broken, it is not necessary to replace it. Resetting it, on the other hand, can be beneficial.

You should reset the thermostat so that it works properly with the heater. Simply turn off and on the thermostat, then set it to the desired temperature after a few minutes.

Baseboard Heaters: How Long Do They Last?

A typical baseboard heater has a lifespan of about 25 years. You can extend its life by cleaning it every four months or more frequently.

Baseboard Heater Types

Identifying the features of these heaters is critical to updating them. If you prefer them to your current heater, you can consider switching to a different type of baseboard heater. These types are listed below:

Convection Heaters
A convection heater’s purpose is to collect cool air drafts from the floor and heat the air as it spreads throughout the room.

This is the most common type of baseboard heater. However, its fins may not retain heat for long after the heater is turned off.

Convection heaters are also powered by electricity, so the power should be kept on until the desired temperature is reached.

Hydronic Heating Systems
Hydronic heaters, unlike convection heaters, can keep you warm for several hours after you turn off the power. This is due to the reservoir of a hydronic heater, which contains a liquid, usually a mixture of glycol and water, that boils when turned on.

Because of the boiling process, a hydronic heater may take longer to heat up, but it may be more efficient in distributing heat throughout the room.

Where Should Baseboard Heaters Be Installed?

Remember that an efficient heater is one that is installed correctly. See the list below for some areas of your home where baseboard heaters can be installed.

Under The Glass Walls
Glass walls are excellent insulators and temperature contributors. The glass walls, on the other hand, should be sealed to keep rain out.

Wall Corners
Putting the heater in the corner saves space and helps the heat spread faster because it is in contact with two walls instead of just one. To avoid damage, keep your furniture at least three feet away from the heater.

Can Baseboard Heaters Be Moved?

The baseboard heater can be relocated, but it will take some time, effort, and planning. Perhaps you want to rearrange your furniture to save space.

Before you can move the baseboard heater, a technician must inspect the wires. You may, however, refer to the following steps:

Unscrew the cover after turning off the power source.
Trace the wires that connect to the main power source.
Detach these wires by twisting the knots.
Pull the heater away from the wall with a crowbar.
Install the heater in the location where it will be relocated.
Connect the wires to the power source once more.

Conclusion

We’ve talked about how to keep your baseboard heater up to date by cleaning and replacing filters. In addition, depending on the needs of your home, you may want to consider switching to a different type of heater.

You now understand how baseboard heaters work and where to install them. We also provided instructions on how to relocate the heaters if you need to organize your home and save more space.

Remember to seek the assistance of a technician when inspecting the wires for safety. Finally, when not in use, allow the heater to cool.