Understanding How Electric Baseboard Heaters Efficiently Warm Your Home
Electric baseboard heaters offer efficient and comfortable heating to every corner of your home. They use electric heating coils to generate warmth, which is distributed throughout rooms due to convection. Cool air is then drawn through the bottom of the unit, where it gets heated by the coils and fins to produce warm air.
Benefits of Electric Baseboard Heating
Electric baseboard heaters offer many advantages compared to other heating systems. Here are some examples of the many benefits of installing one.
- Cost Effective: Compared to other heating systems, baseboard heaters are a low-cost option and are ideal for those who are seeking a cost-effective heating source.
- Easy Installation: Your local electrician can seamlessly install an electric baseboard heater in a few hours.
- Efficient Heating: Electric baseboard heaters provide additional warmth to areas of the home where your central heating system does not extend too.
- Design Versatility: Modern electric baseboard heaters come in various styles and finishes, allowing them to match the aesthetic of your home's interior designs.
- Energy Efficiency: These heaters convert all the electricity used directly into heat, minimizing energy loss and making them extremely efficient.
7 Signs Your Electric Baseboard Heater Needs Replacement
Over time, your electric baseboard heater will begin to show signs of needing replacement. For example:
- Inconsistent Heating: When your heater is not distributing heat properly, it could be a faulty part or damaged. Additionally, electrical problems like loose connections or frayed wires can cause inconsistent heating.
- Breaking Down: If your electric baseboard heater is turning off frequently and needs constant repairs, it is time to replace it.
- Loud Noise: Any unusual sounds like popping, banging, and rattling can signal internal issues with the electric heater. Please be sure to contact an electrician immediately if you experience this issue and turn off the unit in case it is experiencing a malfunction.
- Visible Damage: When there is visible damage to your electric baseboard heater, like cracks, dents, or rust, your heater will not be as effective. Have an electrician inspect this issue to see what caused the damage and if its functionality has been affected.
- Overheating: An electric heater will overheat, be hot to the touch, and omit a burning smell when there are electrical issues. This can be dangerous and needs immediate assistance from a certified electrician.
- Outdated: Baseboard heaters should be replaced every 15-20 years. If your heater is nearing its lifespan, you should upgrade it to ensure heating efficiency in your home.
- Increased Energy Bills: Any spikes in your electric bills should raise concern. If you cannot determine why your bill has increased, it’s possible your electric baseboard heater is not functioning properly and is using more energy.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, reach out to the electricians at Milton Electric to inspect your electric baseboard heater and determine if a replacement is necessary.
Electric Baseboard Heater Installation in the Baltimore-Metro Area
Our expert electricians are here to assist you with every stage of the baseboard heater installation process. To begin, baseboard heaters are typically installed beneath windows in a home. This placement helps counteract heat loss that occurs when warm air from the room encounters the cold glass windowpanes.
Installing the heaters in this location can effectively warm the air directly as it rises from the baseboard, creating a barrier against the cold surface of the windows. This creates a barrier against the cold surface of the windows. Contact the Milton Electric team to install your electric baseboard heater to enhance the comfort and warmth in your home this winter.
Baseboard Heater FAQs
Are electric baseboard heaters easy to install?
Yes. Electric baseboard heaters should be installed by a professional electrician. Installation is typically quicker and less expensive than many other heating choices.
Can you put furniture in front of electric baseboard heaters?
Keep your electric baseboard heaters clear of furniture and other obstructions to maximize their performance. Window coverings that hang to the floor should also be avoided so they do not come in contact with the heater.
Can electric baseboard heaters cause carbon monoxide?
No, electric baseboard heaters do not emit carbon monoxide, making them a safe heating option for your home.
Can my electric baseboard heater be built into my thermostat?
No, but you can control baseboard heaters by wall-mounted thermostats or built-in stats on the baseboard heaters.
Can you put furniture in front of electric baseboard heaters?
Keep your electric baseboard heaters clear of furniture and other obstructions to maximize their performance. Window coverings that hang to the floor should also be avoided so they do not come in contact with the heater.
Are electric baseboard heaters safe and efficient?
Yes, electric baseboard heaters are a safe and affordable option for supplemental heating. However, they should be installed by a professional electrician to ensure proper wiring and efficiency.