There are so many homes that have included baseboard heaters as a common source of warmth when the temperature gets cold. These heaters are efficient, however they often do not look great and are difficult to keep clean. That’s where we come in with baseboard heater covers. Not only do they add to the aesthetics of your baseboards, but they will also serve as a layer of protection against dust build up and can also boost heating efficiency.
This guide will cover the benefits and types of cover you can get, installation tips, and frequently asked questions if you’re contemplating adding baseboard heater covers to your home.
1. What Are Baseboard Heater Covers Used?
Baseboard heater covers are protective casings for baseboard heaters that hides the often unsightly metal fins and provides a sleek appearance. There are many materials, sizes and design available these covers to suit any home decor style. And many of these are easy to install, and can be placed over your existing heater with no need for professional assistance.
The customizable versatility of baseboard heater covers allows you to use them for either a new or upgraded installation, or simply as a way to protect an older baseboard heater and enhance its appearance.
2. Here’s why you need a baseboard heater cover.
Adding a baseboard heater cover to your heating system offers several advantages:
A. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
Typically metallic and industrial-looking, exposed baseboard heaters don’t always sit well with a home’s interior design. There are baseboard heater covers in a variety of looks, colors and even materials that you can use to seamlessly blend the enclosure into your decor. A good cover makes for a nice, clean, well designed cover that can up the polished and modern taste of any room.
B. Improved Safety
The trouble with baseboard heaters is that they can get very hot, which becomes a burn hazard, especially for young children or small pets. However, a cover serves as a barrier, decreases the chance of direct contact with the heated elements and makes your home a safer place.
C. Protection from Dust and Debris.
Dust, pet hair, and debris magnet to heaters that sit right on the floor, and can pile up over the fins of the heaters, cutting into heating efficiency. It is easier to keep your heater clean and maintain its efficiency because the cover protects your heater from dust.
D. Better Heating Efficiency
Baseboard heater covers that help improve airflow around the heater, helping to distribute heat around the room. But it can result in an even more heated space, and possibly more energy efficient.
3. Baseboard Heater Covers Types
There are different ways baseboard heater covers are styled and made and each has their own advantage. Here’s a look at some popular options:
A. Metal Covers
Baseboard heater covers made of metal is very popular due to it’s durability and heat tolerance. Metal covers are sleek and modern with a host of colors to match your decor. Powder coated metal covers available for high humidity area like bathroom of yours because it prevents rusting.
B. Wooden Covers
Wooden baseboard heater covers have a warmer look and blend with wooden floors and furniture, resulting in the total package. Wood is not as heat resistant as metal and so these covers need to be treated to avoid warping or cracking over time.
C. Plastic Covers
Examples of plastic covers are usually cheaper to purchase and are available in different styles and colors. They are easy to install, lightweight and rust resistant. But they may not be as hardy as metal or wood, and may deform or discolor with extended heat exposure.
D. Custom Covers
Custom baseboard heater covers are another possibility if you’re searching for something unique. There are plenty of companies that can give you custom solutions that fit perfectly to the size of your heater as well as taste fit your design preference. Custom covers can be a little pricey, but they offer a chance to get a cover custom made exactly for you.
4. Baseboard Heater Cover — How to Choose the Right Cover
Choosing Correct Baseboard Heater Cover is not so easy, because there are many factors you have to evaluate, like size, material and design and even your heating system.
A. Measure Your Heater
The first thing to do before purchasing any cover is to measure the length and height of your baseboard heater to guarantee that you get an cover that you can fit on it properly. From the floor, up the side and to the top of the heater and then measure the length along the wall.
B. Choose a Material that Suit What You Need.
Look at durability, and heat tolerance, and how it looks. Wood is good for a warm look, plastic is cost effective because it’s cheap and versatile and we love us some metal covers for toughness.
C. Style match Your decor
Pick a design that matches your interior decoration style. Sleek metal covers for modern look or wooden cover for a traditional home.
D. Check Compatibility with Your Heater
Pick the cover that is compatible with your heater type and your space. There are electric baseboard covers and there are hot water baseboard covers.
5. DIY baseboard heater covers vs. purchased.
When it comes to baseboard heater covers, you have two main options: Pre made covers or DIY (do it yourself) covers. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is best for you:
A. DIY Covers
If you’re comfortable with the basic tools and woodworking come a baseboard heater cover can be an inexpensive option. There are many options to customize the design, material and size to fit perfectly into your space.
Pros:
Full customization
Cost-effective
Happy with making something unique.
Cons:
Preferred resource, takes time, tools and skills
Professional covers may not be as durable as this
B. Pre-Made Covers
There are covers made pre made in various designs, materials and more. Most come with instructions and are easy to install.
Pros:
Easy to find and install
Many different materials and designs
Generally durable and professionally finished
Cons:
Less customization
More expensive than DIY
6. Baseboard Heater Covers Installation Tips
Installing a baseboard heater cover is often a straightforward process, but here are some tips to make sure you get it right:
Turn Off the Heater: Make sure the heater is turned off, and cool before installation.
Remove Existing Covers: Carefully take off your heater’s cover. Dust off the heating fins.
Install Brackets (if required): Other covers come with brackets which have to be mounted to the wall or the baseboard heater. Do as the manufacturer suggests.
Attach the Cover: Put the cover over baseboard heater and make sure it fits tightly. If necessary, secure in place.
Check for Stability: After being installed, shake the cover gently to insure it’s secure and will not slide easily.
7. FAQ’s
1. Is it okay for me to paint my baseboard heater cover?
Yes, a lot of baseboard heater covers, and especially, metal baseboard heater covers, can be painted. High heat resistant paint is used so it won’t chip and last longer.
2. Should you get the cover for your baseboard heaters?
Airflow covers designed with quality can make heating more efficient by even the heat better. While covers don’t do much, they can’t improve airflow or performance on poorly designed covers.
3. How to clean the base board heater cover?
Cleaning is simple. Keep the around the document as clean as possible and only dust it regularly. Be careful to use not too harsh chemicals since they can ruin the material.
4. Are plastic baseboard heater covers safe?
As a rule of thumb, as long as the plastic cover is made from heat resistant materials, plastic covers are generally safe. They may not be as tough to extreme heat as metal covers, though.
5. Are baseboard heater covers hard to install yourself?
Most of the covers are easy to install and do not require a professional’s help. Basically follow the instructions provided.
Conclusion
Baseboard heater covers provide a great way to give your home more appeal while making your heating system safer and more functional. And for better aesthetics, protection, and increased heating efficiency, there’s a baseboard heater cover for you.
You have the option of metal, wood or even custom covers, so that you have one that fits with your decor and budget. Choose the best book cover at the same time taking into consideration the factors of material, size and compatibility. There are enough possibilities to add a baseboard heater cover, whether you make one yourself or go with a preset version.
