The Safety of Baseboard Heating (vs Other Heating Types)

Baseboard heating distributes heat through a series of metal pipes installed along the floor of outside walls (where your baseboards would be).

These are common heating systems in homes and apartments. There are risks associated with almost every heating system.

Today we’re going to take a look at the safety of baseboard heat and how to maximize their efficiency.

Is Baseboard Heating the Safest Form of Heating?

Baseboard heating does not use open flames, nor does it produce combustion gasses like carbon monoxide, which can be dangerous if the system malfunctions.

Electric baseboards tend to be a very safe home heating option but you should be sure to keep the area around your baseboards open for adequate air flow. Most manufacturers recommend at least 6’’ around the baseboard to be free of furniture and other objects.

With electric baseboards, you need to keep flammable objects away as a precaution. The fire risk is still very low but baseboards do put out quite a bit of heat so things like curtains should be kept clear of your baseboard heater. 

Make sure to dust the baseboard regularly to improve its efficiency. While excess dust shouldn’t cause a fire risk, it might cause a “burning” smell when the baseboard is first turned on.

Hydronic heating (boiler heat) is equally safe if installed by a licensed HVAC professional.

How Baseboard Heating Works

Baseboard heating is a type of convection heating. Convection heating is a process by which heat is transferred by circulating air or liquids. In a house with baseboard heating, heat is circulated by metal fins or pipes at the walls’ base. 

The Benefits of Baseboard Heating

Electric baseboards will be cheaper to install but more costly to operate.

These are best for heating small spaces (such as apartments) or providing supplemental heating in certain areas of your home that need more temperature control.

Hydronic systems will have much higher installation costs but will have lower utility bills.

Hydronic systems need a system of water pipes to circulate hot water throughout your home, as well as a boiler to heat the water. They are better for heating large homes and spaces.

Zone Heating Ability

Zone heating is an energy-efficient way to heat a home. It works by dividing the house into “zones,” with each zone having its own thermostat and heating source.

This customizability allows the homeowner to control temperatures in different parts of the home.

This can be beneficial if you have a large house or want to save energy by heating only the areas you are using. Electric baseboard heaters provide a great way to heat targeted areas of your home without turning up the overall thermostat.

They can also take some strain off your central HVAC system, both lowering your utility bills and extending the life of your equipment.

Using a separate thermostat for each electric baseboard heater ensures that each zone in your home is heated at an optimal temperature.

This zonality is especially important if some members of your household prefer it cooler than others.

They’re More Efficient During the Winter

Baseboard heaters are often more efficient than other heaters in the winter.

Electric baseboards work the same regardless of the temperature outside.

They can be great for supplemental heating in homes with mini splits and heat pumps for subzero outdoor temperatures. Their affordability and ease of installation make them a good choice in these situations.

You can find more energy-saving tips in our post, “Sealing Doors with Weatherstripping: Does It Save Energy?“

Easy Installation

Baseboard heaters provide the same comfort level as traditional duct-based heating systems without any installation or maintenance hassles.

As a result, they’re often seen as easier to install than other heaters, such as forced-air furnaces. Baseboard heaters can be placed directly against a wall and are typically very easy to install.

How to Maximize Your Heater’s Efficiency

Baseboard heaters are a great source of heat, but they can also be one of your home’s most considerable energy drains when not used correctly.

Here are a few tips to help you maximize your baseboard heater’s efficiency:

• Seal your heater’s drafts – insulating your baseboard heater can help to conserve energy and keep your home at a comfortable temperature. When sealed, the heat generated will not be lost to the surrounding environment.
• Make a zoning plan – consider which areas of your home you want to heat and which you can leave unheated. Doing this can save money on your heating bill and make your home more comfortable.
• Keep your heater clean – proper maintenance is essential to ensure your baseboard heater works as expected. Dust and dirt can build up on the metal fins and elements, preventing the heat from being distributed evenly. By reducing the amount of dust and debris in your heater, you can help it work more efficiently while using less energy. 

Final Thoughts

Baseboard heating is an excellent choice for many homeowners, especially those looking for a safe and efficient way to heat their homes.

This heating system does not release fumes or toxins into the air, making it an ideal choice for those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.

For homes with heat pumps in harsh climates, electric baseboards are a cheap way to make sure your home stays warm all winter.

Alternatively, you don’t need to use them to heat your entire home. Electric heat can be expensive, even with zoning.

If you have one or two rooms that need a little more heat than your main HVAC system can provide, electric baseboards are often a good solution.