Two Types of Baseboard Heaters
There are two quite differentstyles of baseboard heatfound in homes.
Heat radiates into the room through the convection currents triggered by hot air rising and cold air sinking.
When dust clogs the fins of the heater, they no longer can radiate heat efficiency.
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Various cracks where dust can travel should also be tightly sealed.
This can often be done simply by turning the thermostat to a very low setting.
Electric baseboard heaters can also be shut off by switching off the circuit breaker that controls them.
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Hot water/steam radiators usually have a water valve that can be shut off to stop the flow of heat.
Remove the faceplate from the heater.
This usually involves just pulling the cover upward and lifting it off the mounting groove in which it fits.
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Take your time cleaning between the fins, as that is what will make the unit run more efficiently.
And if you spot any rust on the metal, apply a littlerust remover.
Warning
Be careful while working around the heater’s metal fins.
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They are sharp and can cut you.
It’s a good idea to wear work gloves while cleaning a baseboard heater.
One common way to fill large gaps is with heat-resistant spray foam insulation.
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you could find this expanding product at most home improvement stores.
Fill smaller openings using a high-heat silicone sealant.
To avoid shrinking and warping, apply the sealant when the unit is cool.
The Spruce / Fiona Campbell
It’s also a good idea to wear gloves whenever you’re working with these products.
When applying, it’s easiest to work with small pieces of tape.
You also can stuff the tape into small gaps.
it’s possible for you to easily remove the tape if it becomes necessary.
Clean heaters use less energy, so keeping up on their maintenance will almost certainly save you some money.
