HVAC Contributor
In order to keep everyone in your home warm during the winter, baseboard heaters are a terrific addition. You could be unsure if it should contact the floor if you intend to install it.
The floor may or may not be touched by baseboard heaters. According to some manufacturers, you should install the baseboard heater at floor level. However, some people suggest that you leave at least a 3/4-inch or larger gap between it and the flooring.
Knowing whether a baseboard heater should touch the floor or not can help you understand why this is the case. We will also address any further pertinent inquiries you may have.
Why Baseboard Heaters Should Or Should Not Touch The Floor?
Examine each baseboard heater individually to see if it should make contact with the floor. However, if you are unsure how to proceed, consult the manufacturer or read the owner’s manual.
About Touching The Floor
Because of their design, some baseboard heaters, such as electrical heaters, can touch the floor. The placement of these heaters on the floor has no effect on airflow.
The Argument Against Touching The Floor
Allowing at least 3/4 inch clearance from the floor improves efficiency. The space allows cold air to enter through the heater’s bottom. The heater then uses electricity to warm the cold air before releasing it through the top opening.
Additionally, the heater will be more successful at warming the air if it is placed higher and nearer the source of the cold air, such as a window.
Some baseboard heaters have the potential to cause fires, which is a drawback. As you use the heater to warm your home, it becomes hot, posing a risk. Therefore, anything combustible close by could catch fire. The space prevents the heat from the device from contacting or heating flammable flooring.
Natural wood-based materials have higher fire resistance, according to research evaluating the fire safety of flooring materials, but carpets made of nylon or polyamide do not. View a summary of their test results in the list below.
- Board flooring has a moderate flammability.
- The flammability of OSB (oriented strand board) board is moderate.
- Beech parquet is difficult to burn.
- Linoleum has a low flammability.
- The flammability of laminate flooring is moderate.
- PVC has a low flammability.
- Polyamid carpet has a high flammability rating.
Aside from that, carpets are said to help spread flames during a fire. As a result of these concerns, federal regulations requiring carpets sold in the United States to pass ‘The Pill Test’ were enacted.
Advantages Of Using A Baseboard Heater
The dangers posed by a baseboard heater are not the only ones. It is also useful as a heat-generating device. Take a look at the benefits it offers.
- It runs in stealth.
- It features a computerized thermostat that, once the room reaches the correct temperature, switches it off automatically.
- It spreads wholesome heat.
- You might be able to save money.
- It uses little energy.
How Close Can You Put Things To A Baseboard Heater?
The ideal distance to leave between the front of the baseboard heater and any furniture, such as a bed or couch, is 12 inches (1 foot). If you intend to furnish it, measure at least 6 inches of room on each side.
For curtains, the bottom hem must also be one foot away from the top surface of the curtain rod, which is where the warm air is expelled.
Where Should You Put A Baseboard Heater In A Room?
Because it is one of the primary openings through which cold air enters your home, installing a baseboard heater under the windows is ideal.
A heating device beneath that spot may help warm the air before it enters the rest of the room. Consider it a temperature-regulating device or a guard that ensures you receive little or no of the cold breeze that enters your home.
Aside from that, here are some things to think about when deciding where to install your baseboard heater.
- Above the baseboard heater, there should be no electrical outlets.
- The heater should not be blocked by doors or furniture.
How Should A Baseboard Heat Room Be Set Up?
When arranging or decorating a room with baseboard heaters, keep in mind the 1-foot/6-inch rule we covered earlier in this article regarding space clearance. See the furniture arrangement in the photo below for a more thorough illustration.
Pay particular attention to how the baseboard heater is placed beneath the window, just centimeters from the wooden bar. The device must also be a few inches above the ground due to its construction.
In this case, the flooring may be either ceramic or porcelain tile, which is a fire-resistant material; therefore, even if the heating appliance here touches the floor, it might not be dangerous. But yet, the indicated clearance is observed with the things near it.
Is It Safe For Babies To Use Baseboard Heaters?
A baseboard heater can be dangerous because it can become hot to the touch and its fins can cut the babies’ delicate fingers. However, there are ways to keep babies safe while keeping your space warm.
- Purchase a cover to keep the fins hidden.
- Hide the heater’s presence so they don’t run into it.
- Teach or remind them not to approach the device because it may cause them harm.
- Invest in playpens to keep them from crawling around the house.
What Is The Cost Of Installing Baseboard Heating?
Baseboard heater installation can range from $379 to $1,1213.
The price will vary depending on the heater model, how many units will be placed, and the size of the room.
To give you an overview, here are some of the installation charges depending on the room size.
- $40 to $150 for 64 square feet
- $50 to $150 for 80 square feet
- $75 to $250 per 100 square feet
- $150 to $300 for 150 square feet
- $150 to $700 for 300 square feet
- $275 to $800 for 400 square feet
- $300 to $1,000 for 500 square feet
You will have to fork up an additional $50 to $170 to have a baseboard cover put.
Baseboard Heaters: Can They Start A Fire?
Baseboard heaters can start a fire if they are used carelessly. Although heaters are a great way to stay warm in the winter, they are also one of the leading causes of fire in cold weather.
There have been incidents reported, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that there are 21,800 heater-related fires each year. As a result, fire departments issue numerous tips and safety measures to the public in order to prevent this from happening.
How To Prevent Heater Fires
Here are some precautions to take to avoid baseboard heater fires.
- Keep it off the carpet or floor to prevent obstruction of the airflow.
- Do not put any furniture or anything within the device’s three-foot radius.
- Once you realize it is broken, have it fixed or replaced.
- To get rid of filth, dust, or hair, clean the baseboard heater on a regular basis.
Cleaning A Baseboard Heater
Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to clean your baseboard heater periodically, which is one of the crucial maintenance procedures.
- Step 1: Reduce the temperature on the thermostat.
- Step 2: Carefully lift and pull up on the baseboard heater covers in your direction. Place them in a dry, clean location.
- Step 3: Remove the dust and debris from the fins using a handheld vacuum with a brush nozzle. Complete this thoroughly.
- Step 4: Using long nose pliers, realign any deformed fins you find.
- Step 5: Retrieve the covers you saved and reinstall them on the device.
Wrapping Up
A baseboard heater may or may not contact the floor, depending on its design. Regarding this, it is essential to consult the installation guidelines provided by your manufacturer. In general, it is advised that you leave space between the two heaters because they pose a fire hazard.
To improve your safety, take precautions include clearing away anything that could obstruct airflow, replacing or repairing it as soon as you notice any malfunctions, and frequently vacuuming the device.
This heating device has a 12 inch front clearance and a 6 inch side clearance. When planning or decorating the area surrounding it, keep this in mind.
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