Panel heating treatment

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32587, 22 April 1971, Page 20

Panel heating treatment

If you have electric baseboard heating (i.e. panel heating) think of the units as pieces of furniture and vacuum periodically. Electric baseboard units in themselves cannot produce discolouring smoke or soot Normal air movement can cause dust and particles in the air to settle in heaters, then drift onto walls and draperies. Be sure to clean carefully before turning on at the beginning of the heating season, and after any redecorating. Remove, the front panel and run the vacuum brush over units. Or if the units seem unusually dusty, place a strip of dampened cloth under the units and blow dust down using the exhaust end of your cleaner. Units can be painted to match your woodwork. Do not paint the inside of the units.

Draperies and curtains should not touch the units or hinder the free movement of warm air. They should clear the tops of units by at least two inches, preferably six inches. Draperies that are too long trap heat between the window and drapery and decrease the efficiency and evenness of heat throughout the room. Rug and carpet installation should follow heating equipment manufacturer's recommendations to prevent restriction of air flow through baseboard units. If necessary, units can be raised slightly to accommodate a carpet and pad. Furniture may be arranged in any way that permits free circulation of air. Electric heat is silent, however, if noise should develop in your system, get your installer to make a minor adjustment E.D.A. bulletin.