Increasing A Low Heat Output From Your Baseboard Heater
If you use an electric baseboard heater in your home to keep warm, and you noticed it is not emitting as much warm air as you would like, you will most likely want to do some troubleshooting to find out the root of the cause of this situation. There are several reasons why this type of heating unit may not be working effectively. Here are some steps you can take in trying to gain the amount of heat you wish to have coming out of your electric baseboard heating system.
Do A Thorough Cleaning Of The Interior Of The Heater
It is important to take the time to routinely clean out your baseboard heating system in its entirety. If debris accumulates inside of the unit, the heat output will be minimized as it will not be able to effectively penetrate grime in its path. It will also need to run for a longer duration and at more frequent intervals to effectively heat the interior of your home. A soft-bristled brush can be added to a vacuum cleaner attachment hose to do the trick in removing dust, fur, and hair from the interior of your unit. Simply unplug the unit, remove the cover and whisk away debris.
Make Sure The Electrical System Is Working Properly
If you have problems with the electricity in your home, your heat will not be emitted as necessary. Check that your circuit breaker is turned on if you notice your heater is not working at all. The wiring may also be defective, necessitating a call to a heating repair specialist as this can be a fire hazard if left in a damaged condition. If you notice a frayed portion of wire, or it has become crimped, get a professional opinion on how to fix the unit before turning it back on. Checking your thermostat is also a good idea as someone may have mistakenly set it at a lower level than you wish.
Check That Heat Is Not Escaping And That It Is Not Obstructed
If your home is drafty, your baseboard heater may not be able to keep on top of warming your home effectively. Take a look at the exterior of your home and fill in any cracks noticed to help in keeping your heat contained. Caulk can be placed in areas where drafts are felt around windows. Weather-stripping can be used around doors. After sealing all voids, take a look at the placement of furniture in the rooms where baseboard heating is present. If you have pieces blocking the airflow, the heat may not be felt in all areas of the room. It is also important to make sure draperies do not cover your heater. Carpeting should remain flat against the floor near the heater as well, as curling edges could cause the heat to be restricted in one area.