The Baseboarders® Guide to Electric Baseboard Heater Safety

Baseboard heating has been a supplementary heating staple for many decades. But just like any heating source, there are several safety risks that could cause issues without proper prevention. Thankfully, proper prevention is as simple as routine maintenance and a few best practices. 

Ready for a safer heating experience? Here’s how to put electric baseboard heater safety first and enhance your aesthetic with help from Baseboarders® heater covers. 

 

Know the Hazards 

Electric baseboard heating carries risks that could cause personal injury or damage to your home. The most common hazards associated with baseboard heating include: 

 

  1. Fire: Arguably the number one risk to you and your home is fire damage. Fire risks are a bit more elevated with electric baseboard heating compared to other heat types. 

  2. Burns: Functioning baseboard heaters operate at temperatures as high as 200°F, leading to skin burns if you aren’t careful. 

  3. Cuts: Electric baseboard heating has sharp, unfinished edges that can cut you if left exposed. 

 

Because of these risks, it’s especially important to keep kids and pets away from your baseboard heating. But for the most protection year-round, routine maintenance is essential. 

 

How to Maintain Your Baseboard Heating 

Despite the risks involved with baseboard heating, there are some steps you can take to mitigate them. If you own electric baseboard heating, here are your maintenance steps: 

 

  1. Remove any dust and debris accumulation from the unit 
  2. Move curtains away from your heater, keeping at least 12 inches of clearance between them 

  3. Buy a baseboard heater cover—like one of these from Baseboarders®—to prevent future dust and debris buildup  

 

A Baseboarders® heater cover is a must-have for extra precautions that stay within safety parameters. 

 

What to Know About Baseboarders® Covers 

A Baseboarders cover with an explanation of its features.

Baseboarders® heater covers bring plenty of style to any room in your home. But they’re also practical, helping you eliminate dust and debris buildup on your heating unit. And with special accessories like end caps, you’ll close off any sharp corners that could lead to cuts. 

Although Baseboarders® special covers were built for hydronic heating, you can use them on electric heating units in select cases. Here are a few other things to keep in mind: 

 

  1. While primarily an aesthetic upgrade, a Baseboarders® cover can mitigate risks from dust, debris, and kids cramming toys into the open sections. 
  2. These covers will get hot, like the temperature of the electric baseboard heater. 

  3. The panel cover design is perforated (1/8 inches in diameter) for optimal airflow. 

  4. The panel cover features a ¾ inch opening at the bottom for unrestricted air intake. It also helps keep the hot cover off your finished flooring. 

 

Baseboarders® covers are easy to install as well, taking only three steps to safely install over your baseboard heating unit. 

 

Want to learn more about our electric baseboard heater covers? 

 

Electric Baseboard Heater Cover 101

DIY Renovation