Everything You Need to Know About Baseboard Heaters

Many homeowners consider their HVAC system one of the most valuable and frequently used systems they own. It also needs plenty of maintenance to keep it in working order: cleaning air ducts, changing filters, making sure the thermostat is working correctly, and many more tasks that can eat away at your busy schedule. And because HVAC systems have so many working parts, repairing or replacing them when breakdowns occur can be costly.

However, there is another option when it comes to heating rooms in your home: baseboard heaters. In fact, some types of baseboard heaters can even be connected to your boiler to provide more energy-efficient, quieter heating that typically requires less maintenance. While this type of heating solution may not be right for your home, this guide to baseboard heaters can help you learn more about how these systems work, the different types of baseboard heaters, and, if you find they're a good fit for you, how to install them in your home. And if you're considering baseboard heaters because of issues with your central heating, we suggest you read up on HVAC system air filter replacement tips before making your decision.

What is Baseboard Heating?

A baseboard heater is a long, rectangular heating unit that fits over the regular baseboards in your home; in fact, most try to blend into your rooms by mimicking your baseboards as closely as possible. How does baseboard heating work? Through convection. The reason they sit over your baseboards is so their vents can suck in cold air from your windows, which is then heated by coils or fins in the heater and blown back into the room, creating a circular flow of air.

Depending on the model, they can be hardwired into your existing central heating system or plugged into your outlets. Because baseboard heaters in different rooms can operate independently of each other, they can create zonal heating in your home without heating the whole house at the same temperature.

Hydronic Baseboard Heaters vs. Electric

There are two types of baseboard heaters you can install in your home: electric and hydronic.

• Electric baseboard heaters use an electric current and metal fins to heat cold air inside the unit and then release warm air.

• Hydronic baseboard heaters are a little more complicated: instead of metal fins, these units contain pipes or tubes of water or mineral oil that are heated to provide radiant heat. Tubes filled with water can be heated by electricity or supplied by your home's boiler, while those filled with mineral oil are typically heated by electricity.

Pros and Cons of Electric Heating

An electric baseboard heating system is typically easier and cheaper to install and maintain than an HVAC system or a hydronic heater. There are no tubes to fill with liquid, no gas line to connect, and most models can easily plug into your electrical system. There are no ducts to clean and clear, and because of this, baseboard heaters won't blow dust or allergens around your home—good news for homeowners who suffer from allergies. They can also make a great supplement to your central heating system if some rooms in your home get colder than others, and they run more quietly than typical HVAC systems.

On the downside, electric baseboard heaters don't produce as much heat as central heating systems, and it's often described as a drier heat. However, the biggest downside to electric heaters is the cost of operation. While they're typically cheaper to install, electric baseboard heating costs more to operate than a central HVAC system and hydronic heaters, even when you're heating one room at a time.

Pros and Cons of Hydronic Heating

Hydronic baseboard heaters have many of the same benefits as electric models: They're easier and cheaper to install and maintain than HVAC systems, quieter, circulate fewer allergens, and allow homeowners to maintain different temperatures in different rooms. Hydronic heaters also produce more even heat than electric models and can maintain a temperature for longer when you install a baseboard heater thermostat.

However, these types of baseboard heaters also share some of the same drawbacks as electric models; they're more expensive to run than central heat systems and often produce less heat. Because they rely on liquids, they also tend to have a few more issues than an electric baseboard heating system. Whether you connect your heater to your boiler or use mineral oil, these units come with the possibility of leaks that can cause major headaches. If you use mineral oil, you'll have to replace this hydronic solution at some point to keep your heater functioning. Also keep in mind that, despite producing longer-lasting heat, hydronic heaters don't produce as much heat as electric heaters and take longer to heat up.

Installing Baseboard Heaters

Knowing how to install baseboard heaters of any kind requires professional knowledge and experience. Both types require you to add a new circuit and breaker to your home's electrical system, and doing so without proper knowledge can result in injury or even become deadly. Installing hydronic baseboard heaters requires even more specialized know-how when it comes to connecting them to your boiler or even filling tubes with water or mineral oil.

If you decide to install baseboard heaters yourself, keep in mind that they should be mounted as close to your baseboards as possible; even small gaps can become hazards if objects fall inside them. Also, make sure to install your heaters below windows whenever possible to maintain the circular airflow, and make sure rooms are well-insulated to prevent heat from escaping and driving up your energy costs.

Maintaining Baseboard Heaters

Unlike central HVAC systems, regular maintenance for baseboard heaters boils down to simple cleaning. When you notice dust on your units, particularly around the vent openings, turn off the heat and wipe your heater down with a clean cloth.

About once a year, during warmer months, turn off your units and remove their casings. Most heaters have dust filters that are simple to remove and clean. No matter what types of baseboard heaters you have, you can clean the interiors with your vacuum cleaner using the brush attachment. Carefully vacuum around the heating elements, typically metal fins, and if you have hydronic baseboard heaters, you can also carefully clean around the tubes with a soft rag or pipe cleaner. Be sure to wear protective gloves while cleaning the insides of your units, as the metal fins and other working parts can be sharp.

Assuming your unit's heating element is made up of metal fins, this can also be a good time to straighten them out to ensure proper, even heating. Make sure your heater is turned off and gently straighten the fins with a pair of pliers, being careful to avoid the sharp edges. Both fin maintenance and regular cleaning can help you avoid your baseboard heater not working when you need it most.

Repairing Baseboard Heaters

Tripped circuit breakers are one of the most common issues homeowners notice with their hydronic and electric baseboard heaters, and they're often caused by faulty valves that prevent hot air from escaping. If this happens to you, try resetting the breaker.

If that doesn't fix the issue, there may be a problem with your heater's internal wiring. Wiring problems are trickier to fix than tripped breakers unless you have the training and knowledge.

Luckily, with a home warranty from First American, the repair or replacement of your electric baseboard heaters can be covered.* When your covered heater breaks, you contact us and we assign a technician to come to your home and inspect your heater to find the source of the issue. They may be able to repair or replace the item at the same appointment.

Get a quote today to find out how a home warranty from First American can keep your electric baseboard heaters and other home systems and appliances in great working order.

*If we can't repair an item, we will replace it. Please read your contract for specific coverage and limitations.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.