Childproofing an Electric Baseboard Heater

An electric baseboard heater can provide fast and abundant heat; however, electric baseboard heaters can be hazardous to your little ones. Toddlers have curious fingers and parents are not always there to supervise all the things their children do. An electric baseboard heater can get really hot when it is on and could burn your child’s hands and fingers. Childproofing the electric baseboard heater should be done in order to avoid these incidents.

Step 1 - Cover the Electric Baseboard Heater Using a Heater Cover

First, you have to choose the style of cover you will use that will blend well with the interior design of your house. There are several perforated or decorative steel covers you can choose. But if your interior is mostly made of wood, you may use a wood finish heater cover to achieve a custom cabinet appearance.

Whichever you choose, make sure that it does not only complement the décor of your house, but that it is also an effective child safety device. Keep in mind that your main purpose is to prevent your little ones from having contact with the burning electric baseboard heater.

Step 2 - Make Sure that the Baseboard Heater Cover Fits

You can do this by measuring the length of the electric baseboard heater from end to end. If the heater is located beneath a window, add an additional length to your measurement. This way the cover will appear centered below the window.

Step 3 - Take the Measurement of the Depth of the Heater

If you are going to use a cover made of wood, you may want to add half an inch more to your measurement. This way, there will be enough space on the front side of the baseboard heater. The best way to measure the depth of the heater is by removing the front cover. Once the cover is removed, begin measuring from the front area of the aluminum fins up to the back of the wall.

Step 4 - Take the Measurements of the Baseboard Heater Height

Start measuring from the floor up to the top of the heater.

Step 5 - Buy Your Electric Baseboard Heater Cover

Heating and cooling supply stores may provide you with the type of cover you want to install. If they don’t have the baseboard heater cover of your choice, try ordering it online. There are various websites online that offers various options when it comes to heating and cooling supplies.

Step 6 - Install the Heater Cover

Use the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the cover. In most cases, the covers being sold by these manufacturers simply slip over and hold firmly to the baseboard heater. This means you do not have to fasten the cover to the floor or the wall. If this is not the case, you may still need to screw the cover to the wall.