Rhode Island Homeowners: How To Heat Your House With Baseboards

We’re in the middle of another cold Rhode Island winter and keeping your home warm and comfortable is at the top of every homeowner’s list of concerns. If your home is constructed with baseboard heaters, here’s everything you need to know about getting the most out of your heating system.

It’s not just older homes that are using baseboard heating. Many new homes are being built without central heating and expensive duct work, instead using the functionality of baseboard heaters to evenly control room temperature and manage energy consumption.

A baseboard heating system is both an efficient and easy-to-install way to heat your home. When it comes to heating your home with baseboard heaters — you have two options — electric or hot water.

Here's what you need to know about baseboard heaters.

Electric Baseboard Heaters

Electric heaters operate without a central heating system, boiler, or furnace. Quickly warming cold air, you can directly heat those rooms that need it most.

Using an adjustable thermostat in each room, cold air rises up into the baseboard heater where it’s warmed by electric cables. The warm air is then pushed up out of the heater, with the unit shutting off when the room reaches the preset temperature.

Hot Water Baseboard Heaters

Also known as a hydronic heating system, hot water baseboards use a boiler to heat water. The hot water is then circulated through pipes, radiating warm air into each room as it flows through the system. Valves in each room can be adjusted to receive more or less heat depending on your comfort level.

Often used in conjunction with a radiant heat system where pipes beneath the flooring supply warmth, hot water baseboards are extremely efficient and will stay heated longer than electric baseboards.

Do and Don’t Baseboard Tips

• Baseboards are best installed below windows, which are often the coldest area of a room.
• At least once a year, remove the front panel of each baseboard and vacuum to remove dust, lint, and pet dander.
• For maximum air circulation and to avoid a fire hazard, keep baseboards free from obstructions such as window covers and furniture.
• Avoid completely turning off electric baseboard heaters to prevent cracking and freezing.
• Consider installing smart thermometers to control baseboard heat in each room.

To ensure that your baseboard heaters are operating correctly, contact a HomeAdvisor heating contractor in Rhode Island for an inspection and maintenance.

This Patch article is sponsored by Home Advisor.