Baseboard heaters are usually placed on the wall, just some inches above the floor.
They can be easily installed in any room and circulate heated air during cold seasons.
Like any other heating appliance, baseboard heaters also experience problems.
Some can be natural occurrences or some accidents, while others can be caused by aging and will need replacement.
Among the many problems experienced, Can Baseboard Heaters Freeze?
Precisely YES! Cold air sinks to the ground when temperatures fall below the zero mark and will likely get to the house through open windows. Since most baseboard heaters are located under or near the window, the thin copper pipes within baseboard heaters can easily freeze.
When the cold is extreme, you most likely do not want anything to damage your heaters, not even ice.
For this reason, you need to protect your baseboard heaters. But how do you do it?
Five Ways To Protect Baseboard Heaters Against Freezing
Consider the following tips for keeping your baseboard heaters maintained and protected from regular freezing.
1. Close Windows
Windows contribute to bringing air from the atmosphere to the house and vice versa.
When temperatures fall below zero, open windows often allow cold air to get in and sink to the ground.
Considering the position of most baseboard heaters, this cold air will get in contact with the heaters and predispose the copper linings within the heater to freezing.
To be safe, keep all windows shut during the cold season.
2. Keep The Heater on
While turning off the heater completely during the sub-freezing season can save you a few coins on the heating bill, it gives the pipes a chance to freeze.
Well, this freezing of piles will cost you more than what you could pay for, allowing the heater to keep running.
Whether you are going out or are just keeping indoors, ensure the thermostat is on and heat flows smoothly in all pipes.
3. Keep Cabinets Open
If you have some heater pipes running through cabinets, you should open the cabinet doors. This is more important if the cabinets are attached to the exterior walls.
If closed, the pipes will get too cold due to the low temperature outside and eventually freeze. Opening cabinet doors allow for warm air to circulate within and prevent freezing.
4. Check The Digital Thermostats To Ensure They Are Working
Most digital thermostats use AA batteries to serve their function. These batteries run out of juice frequently and need replacement. Otherwise, when they get dry, the thermostat will be nonfunctional.
5. Fill Out A Notice Of Absence
If you are planning to go out for more than 5 days, it is wise you fill out a notice of absence and give it to your home’s caretaker or the POC of the home.
While away, this person is mandated to keep checking on your home every day to ensure that the heating systems are operating and that there are no alarming dangers.
This way, you will lower the possibility of having the pipes freeze and eventually crack.
While you may need to pay the caretaker some pennies, it will be less than the repair costs if you leave without telling anyone of your absence.
Five Efficient Ways To Use Baseboard Heaters During Wintertime
Here are some of the most efficient ways to ensure your baseboard heaters function properly, even in winter.
1. Keep It On
You might be tempted to turn off the heater when the room is home, just as you wanted it to be.
One thing you need to know is that the heater will use a lot of power when you turn it on and off frequently.
Another thing is that more power will be consumed when you constantly adjust the power settings.
Just keep the heater running at a lower temperature. Of course, it will take more time to warm the rooms, but the heat will be steady.
2. Upgrade The Thermostat
Find out some programmable thermostats that can automatically change their settings in regard to room temperatures.
In most homes, thermostats are placed and controlled from the walls and are more accurate than the controls on the baseboard heaters.
However, while installing thermostats, place them some distance away from the baseboard heater or on different walls.
Also, ensure sun rays do not directly hit it. This way, you can check how well your heater is working.
3. Use Fitting Covers
Ensure you have the fitting covers for your baseboard heaters. Measure the heater space and purchase covers that can appropriately fit on the heating unit.
Such covers should be simple to install and will not obstruct heat or airflow. Covers also keep you safe from being hurt by the sharp edges.
4. Remove Obstacles
Baseboard heaters work with the present air and, therefore, need to be in clear areas, with no obstacles or furniture blocking adequate airflow.
It is advisable to check on your décor and room arrangement and ensure that nothing is too close to the baseboard heater.
Even your carpet should be at least 2 centimeters from the heater.
Curtains, too, should be some inches above the heaters. This way, airflow will not be a big issue, and your thermostat will work effectively.
5. Don’t Overdo It
Sometimes it gets extremely cold, and you might think of resetting the thermostat to higher temperatures.
Unfortunately, the room won’t get heated faster because of the high thermostat setting.
Once it starts to heat, the room will get extremely hot, and unsafe to stay indoors. Be quite patient and save energy.
Set the thermostat lower degrees and allow adequate time for your heaters to start supplying warm air.
Conclusion
Baseboard heaters serve a basic heating function in homes when temperatures are low.
There are times when the pipes freeze due to extremely low temperatures.
However, you can consider the tips above and protect your baseboard heaters from freezing. The tips will also help you keep your heaters fictional and well-maintained.
Sources
https://ezsnapcovers.com/blogs/news/efficient-ways-to-use-your-baseboard-heating-system