A common question we receive is whether or not it is safe to put curtains over baseboard heaters. The answer is yes, as long as you take a few precautions. First, make sure the curtains are made of a fire-resistant material. Second, keep the curtains away from the actual heating element to avoid any potential fire hazards. Finally, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific baseboard heater model. By following these simple guidelines, you can safely enjoy the warmth and style that curtains can add to your home.
Curtains can be put over baseboard heaters, but it is important to make sure that the curtains are not touching the heater. If the curtains are touching the heater, they could catch on fire.
Is it a fire hazard to have curtains over baseboard heaters?
If you have curtains that hang near or above your heater, make sure they are not close enough to touch. Placing objects too close to the baseboard heater isn’t just a problem for airflow, but it also creates a potential fire hazard if those objects are potentially flammable under enough heat.
It is important to keep drapes and curtains away from electric baseboards and to allow air to circulate around them. This will help to prevent fires and to keep your home cool in the summer.
Should curtains touch the floor with baseboard heaters
When hanging curtains in front of baseboard heaters, the curtains should fall 1″ from the floor and hang 2-3″ from the edge of the heater. This will allow the heat to circulate properly and prevent the curtains from being damaged.
Most baseboard heaters are designed to have their ends touch baseboard wall trim, but this only applies to the very ends of the heater unit. Anything placed to the side of the heater, or above and to the side, should be at least 6 inches away. This is to prevent anything from blocking the airflow and causing the heater to overheat.
How much clearance do you need above baseboard heaters?
The recommended baseboard heater safety clearance is at least 12 inches. I also generally recommend against using baseboard heaters if you can help it, and suggest, instead, having a furnace or HVAC system installed in your home.
Baseboard heaters are often placed under windows to create a warm air curtain that acts as a draft barrier. However, with advances in window efficiency and improvements in baseboard performance, this is no longer necessary. Baseboard heaters can be placed anywhere in a room to provide efficient and effective heating.
Do baseboard heaters get hot enough to start a fire?
If your baseboard uses hot water to heat tin fins which in turn heat the air, then the answer to your question is a firm no. The temperature of the water coursing through the pipes leaves the boiler at about 165 degrees F. Much too cool to ignite even a piece of toilet paper.
Most people think that curtains should only touch the floor if the window extends all the way to the ground. However, more often than not, it looks best if the curtains reach the floor. This is because it gives the illusion of the window being bigger than it actually is.
Should curtains touch the floor if there is a radiator
people make the mistake of fitting heavy floor-length curtains over the window and the radiator below. This traps the heat in the window space and doesn’t let it into the room. Curtains should not cover the top of the radiator, but should stop just below the window ledge.
If you have a heating unit with a fan, never place anything in front of it. This will allow air to circulate and prevent the unit from overworking. If you have baseboard heat and must place furniture in front of it, make sure to move the furniture at least a foot away from the wall. This will allow warm air to rise and circulate throughout the room.
How do I stop my radiator heat from going behind my curtains?
If you have a radiator near your window, you can make it more efficient by fitting a deep sill or shelf over it. Your curtains can then be positioned so that they touch the shelf, which will help to minimize draughts from your windows. The shelf will also act to push the radiator heat out into your room, rather than into the void between the curtains and window.
You should keep curtains away from your baseboard heater to prevent any fire accidents. The heat from the heater can cause the curtains to catch on fire. Also, if the curtains block the airflow to the heater, it can overheat and cause a fire. So, it is best to keep your curtains away from any heaters to be safe.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from electric baseboard heaters
Only heaters that burn a combustible fuel to create heat can cause carbon monoxide build-up in your home. An electrical heater works by having electricity flow through a metal heating or ceramic heating element to produce heat. These types of heaters are not known to cause any carbon monoxide problems.
If you have an electric baseboard heating unit in your home, it’s important to keep any objects that could melt away from it. This includes electrical cords, which can pose a fire hazard if they come into contact with the unit.
How hot do baseboard heaters get?
Hydronic baseboard heaters are a great option for those looking for a safe and efficient way to heat their home. Operating touch temperatures will rarely exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a hot but still relatively safe option compared to electric heaters.
You should always ensure that your baseboard heater has a safety clearance of at least 12 inches to avoid any potential fire hazards. If possible, it is also generally recommended to avoid using baseboard heaters altogether and opt for a furnace or HVAC system instead.
Conclusion
You can put curtains over baseboard heaters, but it is not recommended. Curtains can impede the flow of heat from the baseboard heater, which can make the room less comfortable and cause the heater to work harder and use more energy.
The bottom line is that you can put curtains over baseboard heaters, but there are some things you need to keep in mind. Make sure the curtains aren’t too heavy or they could block the heat. And be sure to open the curtains when you want to use the heater so the heat can circulate.
