Re: Electric baseboard heat

Posted by Chris Jones on January 08, 2014 at 07:41:08 from (24.148.141.137):

In Reply to: Electric baseboard heat posted by Bkpigs on January 07, 2014 at 20:23:29:

to answer your question on clearance--not much in reality. I'm sure the mfg will tell you lots but like everything else it's liability related. I had baseboard heat for 18 years of my life. We put end tables upside the walls in front of them with no problems. Had a sofa in front of one about 3 inches from the unit or 6 inches from the wall over it. The heat flows out and up. Sofa had a wood back so no melt-able or flammable material, and it had stubby little legs about 2 inches long leaving space under it for air to move in to the baseboard unit. The table had legs and the top stuck out from the legs a few inches. If the legs were say 2 X 2 and 2 inches from the heat it'd be fine.

As for my feeling on the units. They are nice, cheap and basically trouble free. Rooms can be heated only when needed and kept different temps. That gives the "potential" for saving money. I've always been told they cost more than oil or propane and up until 2005 or so I'd say without a doubt that was true. But with oil and propane going up tremendously I'm not sure it still is--not sure means it's to the point of having to compare cost of fuels in your area with electricity costs etc. But taking into account up front, maintenance, and replacement costs of baseboard heat with other forms of heat, I think they might well be very competitive now.

I moved into my current house in 1993 and it had baseboard heat and no AC. I wanted central AC and why not go heat pump was my thinking as it's definitely the cheapest form of heat around here if it doesn't need to run the heat strips. I left the baseboard units wired and occasionally still use them for space heat.

Back to your question on clearances. I keep my house thermostat low by most peoples standards I expect--66deg as I'm trying hard to save money. but when I'm in my home office like right now I sometimes block off the floor vent with a book, shut the door and turn on the baseboard unit. I'm sitting on the floor now leaning against the wall in front of the baseboard unit enjoying the warm heat flowing up my back. I can't hold my bare hand to the unit but sitting here feels good--so not so hot--just use common sense and leave a place for the heat to go.

P.S. Despite what people say about heat pumps not working below 40--I watched mine closely these past 2 evenings/mornings when it's been 10 degrees outside. I'm happy to report mine has managed to keep my house at my set 66 even turning off for short periods of time. I've watched the 2 vials of mercury in my old thermostat to see if it's calling for strip heat and monitored the temps coming out the vents to see how well it's preforming. It was only putting out a 10 degree temp rise (76-78) but I never caught the heat strips on. Your results may vary. ;)

Replies:

Add a Reply Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Optional Video Title: Optional Video URL: Advanced Posting Options Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.   Advanced Posting Tools   Upload Photo  Select Gallery Photo  Attach Serial # List  Return to Post

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]