Fixing A Baseboard Heater That Isn't Emitting Enough Heat

If you have an electric baseboard heating system in your home, you most likely enjoy the convenience it provides in heating the home quickly and effectively. If you noticed your heater is not providing you with as much heat as it had in the past, you will want to take the time to do some troubleshooting in figuring out why this is occurring. Here are some steps you can try to take to get your baseboard heater to emit heat as it should.

Take A Look At The Electrical System

If your heater is not providing you with any heat at all, there may be a problem with the electrical system to cause this to happen. Take a look at the wiring to see if there are any frayed or bent portions causing your heater to have a no-heat condition. A heating installation and repair service would need to be called to check over the unit as this could be a fire hazard. If the wiring appears unaltered, check that the circuit breaker has not tripped for your heating unit.

Make Sure The Controls Are Set Properly

If someone has mistakenly turned down the thermostat to your baseboard heater, it will not come on as often. This could cause you to feel colder inside your home, making you wonder if the heater had broken as a result. Check that the temperature is properly set. If it is, consider turning it up a degree or two to see if your home feels warmer after the heater turns off. If the damper was turned to an off position, the heat inside of the unit will be trapped and not dispersed into your home as it should be. Simply switch the damper back to an on position to enjoy the heat once again.

See If Obstructions Are Affecting Heat Flow

If there are drapes hanging over your baseboard heater, or if there is furniture positioned in front of it, the heat will not be able to adequately disperse into the area you wish to warm. Make sure the heater is free of all obstructions for maximum heat output. It is also important to take the time to clean the coils underneath the heater panels periodically, especially if you own pets. Dust and fur will accumulate on these coils, making the heater need to stay on longer and at more frequent intervals to effectively heat the home. Use a vacuum cleaner brush attachment to remove this debris.

If you're still having trouble with your heater consider new heating installation.