Wiktor Wise
Baseboard heaters are a common heating system, especially in older homes. While they are cheap to install, they can be expensive to run. To save electricity with baseboard heaters, you can try a few things. Firstly, ensure your home is well-insulated, seal any drafts coming in from windows or doors, and use window coverings to prevent heat from escaping. You should also regularly clean your baseboard heaters to prevent dust buildup, which can block heat from escaping. When it comes to temperature settings, practice zone heating by turning down the heat and closing the doors of unused rooms. Additionally, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat designed to work with baseboard heaters, as traditional thermostats are often inefficient.
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What You'll Learn
Seal windows and doors to prevent drafts
Electric baseboard heaters are often placed under windows to combat the cold air that enters through them. However, this placement makes them inefficient, as the cold drafts from old windows make the heating system work harder to keep the room warm.
To prevent this, you can seal windows and doors to stop drafts. Sealant strips are easy to apply, cheap, and effective in preventing drafts. You can also purchase window and door insulation kits, which contain everything you need to seal your doors and windows.
In addition to sealing windows and doors, you can improve the insulation in your home. Proper insulation can save you up to 15% a year on energy costs. Insulation improvements can be as simple as using window coverings such as blinds and curtains, or moving furniture away from heaters to prevent them from blocking the heat.
By sealing drafts and improving insulation, you can reduce energy waste, lower your heating bills, and make your heating system last longer.
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Regularly clean and dust the heaters
Dirt and dust are the most common hazards associated with baseboard heaters. Dust buildup on your baseboard heater will block the heat and keep it from escaping properly. This means your heater will turn on, but your room will remain cold. Additionally, dust can cause an unpleasant burning odour and reduce energy efficiency. If left on for too long, there is a small chance it could spark a fire.
To prevent this, it is important to regularly clean and dust your baseboard heaters. A thorough cleaning should be done at least once a month, or more frequently if you notice a significant amount of dust accumulation. Before cleaning, ensure that the heater is turned off and there is no electricity flowing to it. You can do this by turning up the heat and observing if the heater reacts. Once confirmed, carefully remove the front panel of the baseboard heater.
Use a vacuum to gently remove dust and other debris from the inside of the heater, paying close attention to the heating fins and housing. You can also use a mild household cleaner or a duster, depending on the amount of dust and how long it has been since your last cleaning. Be sure to consult your user manual or search for instructions specific to your make and model of the baseboard heater to ensure safe and proper cleaning.
In addition to regular cleaning, it is recommended to check the inside of the units regularly for any foreign objects. This will help maintain the efficiency of your baseboard heaters and ensure there are no potential fire hazards.
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Use a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats are a great way to save electricity and money when using baseboard heaters. They are compatible with electric baseboard heaters, which require a 120-240 volt line or high voltage thermostat.
Smart thermostats offer remote control of your heating system, allowing you to adjust settings and monitor energy use from anywhere via your smartphone or laptop. This means you can turn the heating down if you've forgotten to do so before leaving the house, or adjust it to a more comfortable temperature as you're heading home, ensuring energy isn't wasted.
Smart thermostats can also be programmed to suit your daily routine and preferences, with some able to learn your behaviours and create a customised temperature schedule. For example, the Mysa Smart Thermostat offers a scheduling feature, as well as Geofencing and Eco-Mode, to help you stay comfortable while using less energy.
You can also integrate your smart thermostat with the rest of your smart home devices and control it via a smart speaker or smart assistant, such as Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.
Smart thermostats are easy to install, with no need to replace your baseboard heaters or rewire your system. However, it's important to choose a compatible model and ensure proper installation, as all thermostats do not work with all heating systems.
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Insulate your home
Insulating your home is a great way to save electricity when using baseboard heaters. By reducing the amount of heat that escapes, you can lower your heating costs and make your home more comfortable. Here are some tips to insulate your home effectively:
Firstly, identify areas where heat might be escaping, such as windows and doors. Sealant strips or window and door insulation kits can be used to fill in gaps and cracks, preventing drafts. This is especially important if you have older windows that may not be as efficient at keeping the heat in. It's also a good idea to keep window coverings like curtains or blinds closed, especially at night or when it's cold outside, to help trap the heat inside. Just make sure that drapes don't touch any flammable objects and end at least 10 centimetres above the heater.
Another way to insulate your home is to upgrade your insulation. This can include adding more insulation to attics, basements, and exterior walls. Proper insulation will help keep the heat from escaping and make your baseboard heaters more efficient. It's also important to ensure your heating system is well maintained and sealed to prevent leaks. You can seal leaks with duct mastic or foil tape and then insulate them with the vinyl or foil backing facing outward.
Additionally, consider using a zoned heating system, where you can set different temperatures for different areas of your home. For example, you might want a warmer temperature in your living room than in your bedroom. This way, you're not wasting electricity heating empty rooms or areas that don't need to be as warm. Remember to set your thermostat to an appropriate temperature when you're away or sleeping to save on electricity costs.
By following these insulation tips, you can significantly reduce your energy use and lower your electricity bills while still keeping your home warm and comfortable during cold weather.
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Use zone heating
Zone heating is a way to efficiently heat your home by targeting specific areas that need warmth and reducing heat in unused spaces. This approach is particularly useful for people with large homes in cold climates.
Electric baseboard heaters are a type of zone heating. They are small heating systems that heat individual rooms and can be run independently. This means you can turn on the heaters in the rooms you plan on using and save on heating costs by lowering the settings in empty rooms.
To make the most of zone heating, ensure your home is well-insulated. Conduct a home energy audit to identify areas that may benefit from additional insulation, caulking, and door seals. Zone heating works best when paired with an efficient heat source, such as a pellet stove. These eco-friendly heating units use sustainable fuels to deliver reliable warmth precisely where it's needed.
You can also improve the efficiency of your baseboard heaters by regularly dusting them to keep them free of dust and debris. Dust can reduce their energy efficiency and, if left on too long, could potentially spark a fire.
By adopting zone heating, you can save up to 40% on heating bills. When considering zone heating, focus on the spaces where you and your family spend the most time and make those areas your primary target for heat concentration.
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Frequently asked questions
Baseboard heaters are one of the most expensive home heating options. However, there are ways to save electricity:
- Regularly dust and clean your baseboard heaters to keep them free of dust and debris.
- Move furniture away from heaters to prevent them from blocking the heat.
- Seal drafts around windows and doors to reduce heat loss.
Baseboard heaters are usually placed under windows to combat the cold air that enters through them. If you have a zoned heating system, set the temperature in each room to your desired comfort level. For example, set the temperature in vacant rooms to 16 degrees Celsius while you're away, and lower the temperature in your bedroom compared to the kitchen.
Use appliances that generate heat during the night instead of the day so your house will rely less on baseboard heaters. You can also open window coverings during the day to let sunlight heat your room.
