How to Maintain Baseboard Heaters

Introduction:

Properly maintained baseboard heaters will reduce your monthly utility bills. Baseboard heating systems are popular residential heating systems. They produce heat from electricity or by a hot water system with a boiler. If your baseboard heaters have been properly installed but you are experiencing problems producing sufficient heat there could be several things that can cause the problem that you can remedy. Follow these suggestions to ensure you are properly using and maintaining your baseboard heaters.

How to maintain baseboard heaters:

For electric baseboard heaters check to insure that all electrical connections are tight on the thermostat and the heating unit. Using a multi meter, check the electrical voltage at the thermostat and heating unit. The voltage should be 120 volts on each power leg. It the voltage is low the unit will not heat efficiently. Have a professional electrician check the power source if the voltage is low.  

Check the carpeting under the baseboard heater to see if it is bunching or loose under the unit. If the carpet is loose it will block airflow from circulating around the heating coils. Secure any loose carpeting so it does not bunch up under the heating unit. In addition, pull back any drapes that might cover a baseboard heater and reposition any furniture that may be blocking the performance of the unit.  

Check the damper to insure it is the right position. The damper handle needs to be in a parallel position to the damper duct. If the baseboard heater is equipped with a twist-style damper, make sure it is in the “on” position and set at an appropriate temperature to provide adequate heat.

Check for dust and debris around the heating unit coils. If there is remove the baseboard heater cover and vacuum clean the coils to remove all the dust and debris. This should be part of a regularly scheduled maintenance program to ensure proper baseboard heater operation.

Tips on how to maintain baseboard heaters:  

• Coil fins can easily be damaged. They are made of thin metal connected to the heater’s heating element and are designed to warm up the surrounding air. To operate properly, they need to be maintained in a flat, straight position. Check during periodic maintenance to realign bent fins. The fins can be aligned with a fin comb.

• Do not burn candles atop baseboard heater covers or use excessive amounts of cleaning supplies or sprays that might produce residue that collects on the heater coils and produce odors. Check when conducting periodic maintenance for any grime that a vacuum does not remove and wipe the coils clean with a damp cloth.

• Insure that paper or plastic material is not lodged against the heater unit. Not only will they block air circulation they can also be a fire hazard.

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