How To Block Heat From Baseboard Heater [5 Easy Methods]

Most of us look for an answer to know how to block heat from baseboard heater. For blocking your baseboard heater’s heat, you can follow five easy methods.

The simple heat-blocking ways are rotating the rolling slot damper and shoving towels on the baseboard lining tops. Also, you can use aluminum foil to block heat, use a blanket to put on the radiator, and put a fireplace screen on the heater’s front.

This article is all about the detailed explanation of all the above methods and which one efficiently works to block heat from your baseboard heater.

So, by reading our guide, you will certainly learn to stop your baseboard heater’s heat by yourself. So don’t miss any points.

Can You Block Baseboard Heat?

Yes! You can block your baseboard heater’s heat. A baseboard heater’s heat blocking implies two situations. Those are:

1. Blocking the heater means airflow restriction or restricting too much baseboard heat. Restricting the natural flow of air supply causes inefficient functioning of the heater. This situation can also lead to fire or another hazard.
2. Another connotation of blocking heat from your heater is restricting easy access to the heater. Sometimes you may want to limit your pet’s and babies’ access to the baseboard heater area and thus block it.

How To Block Heat From Baseboard Heater [5 Easy Methods]

Leaving your baseboard heater unsealed or unblocked will create a cooling or heat loss issue. Thus proper sealing requires to stop heat from the baseboard. To correctly block heat from your baseboard heater, follow the easy methods below:

Note: You can also read how to convert steam heat to Baseboard.

1. Rotate A Rolling Slot Damper

The rolling slot damper is present in almost all baseboard heaters. You can use this thing to stop heat from the baseboard.

When there is too much baseboard heat coming from your heater, you can block it simply by rotating the slot damper. Use your hand to rotate the rolling slot damper on your baseboard heater, which will definitely block heat.

2. Shoved Towels On The Baseboard Lining Top

Another method is to push towels on the lining of the baseboard top to block heat. For blocking excessive heat, you need to stop the airflow.

So, first, find out the place from where the hot air is coming out, then use a towel to shove the baseboard lining’s top horizontally. 

Blocking the upward-flowing air by stuffing towels under your baseboard heater is an efficient way. Towels are safe to use, and probably this method works best to stop the heat. This method helps to block the hot airflow from your heater as much as possible.

3. Use Aluminum Foil To Block Heat

So, when you are looking for an answer to know how to adjust the baseboard heat, we would like to suggest a more formal and safe approach for blocking heat. First, unroll an aluminum foil sheet from one end to another.

Now, attach aluminum foil using magnets on the top of your baseboard heater’s radiator shell. Aluminum foil can safely block the baseboard heater’s rising heat.

Now allow the foil’s double thickness to drape all the way to your floor. The aluminum foil’s double thickness must contain the magnet inside its fold.

Basically, the magnet in the foil’s folding will significantly help to reduce the excessive hot airflow. This method prevents airflow from working through the top and bottom of the radiator.

In the heater’s radiator shell, avoid using any stuff things. Instead, cover the radiator shell entirely from the floor to the shell’s top exterior and all the way to the radiator’s end caps. However, the aluminum foil roll is a cheaper option compared to other things.

4. Use A Blanket To Put On The Radiator

Over your baseboard heater’s radiator, you can put a blanket to block its heat. Placing the blanket helps to restrict your baseboard heater’s heat.

However, in the case of an electric baseboard heater, this method is quite risky. And we don’t recommend you follow this heat-blocking method.

You can first use a decorative cover for your baseboard heater to ensure secure dealing and extra protection for a better safe approach. You can watch the tutorial to know how to install the cover.   

5. Use Fireplace Screens On Heater’s Front

The electric baseboard heater operates on the highest voltage power, nearly 240 volts. Thus, the heater gets scorching inside it. So due to the excessive heat, the heater’s guard covers can damage.

Then you require additional protection from heat. Therefore, as extra protection on the heater’s front, you can place the fireplace screens. Using the fireplace screen on your heater’s front is another effective heat-blocking method. 

Note: Relying on the furniture or other electric appliances’ placement to block the baseboard heater’s heat is not really good.

As the furniture placement blocks your baseboard heater’s airflow, it could lead to overheating and catching fire. Thus avoid using furniture to block the baseboard heater’s heat.

FAQ:

Can the baseboard heater turn on by itself?

Yes! Your baseboard heater can turn on by itself. The faulty thermostat, restricting airflow, and thermostat’s incorrect temperature setting are mainly responsible for your baseboard heater’s automatic turn-on by itself.

How do you control electric baseboard heaters?

The thermostat controls your electric baseboard heaters. A thermostat remains mounted on the wall or in the baseboard heater. When the air becomes heated, the thermostat draws the cooler air into the heater’s bottom by raising the room temperature.

Can baseboard heaters overheat?

Yes! Your baseboard heater can overheat. The baseboard heater’s airflow operates continuously; thus, the fan can quickly get clogged over time. Due to clogging, the heater starts to overheat and automatically turns off. Also, furniture placement on the heater’s front restricts the airflow and it overheats.

Why is my baseboard heater so hot?

Clogged finned tube, dirt or dust buildup in a baseboard heater, the heater’s cracked component, and airflow blockage at the top and bottom opening are mainly responsible for your baseboard heater getting so hot.

Does a baseboard heater need a thermostat?

Yes! The baseboard heater needs a thermostat. For controlling the temperature efficiently, having the thermostat in your baseboard heater is a must.

Conclusion

So, hopefully, after reading our above guide, now you know how to block heat from the baseboard heater. We explained all the methods A-Z, and following the ways, you will now block your baseboard heater’s heat by yourself. 

However, in the case of an electric baseboard heater, you should be more careful in blocking heat from it. So, comment and let us know your heat-blocking attempt’s result. We will help you if you fail.