Can Curtains Hang Over Baseboard Heaters? (Find Out Now!)

When the weather outside becomes frightful, you want to keep your home cozy and warm. If you need a little extra warmth, baseboard heating can come in handy. These can heat your home without making expensive modifications to your existing heat system. Baseboard heaters fit under your windows to counteract the cold drafts entering the room. So, how does this affect your window treatments? Can curtains hang over baseboard heaters, or is this a fire hazard?

Luckily, you don’t have to choose between your privacy and heat. However, you do need to keep at least a 12-inch distance above your baseboard heater to avoid the risk of a fire. If long curtains are a must, make sure to hang them at least 3 inches in front of your heater. Or, you can choose to use treatments that fit your window exactly, such as shades or blinds.

We’ll look at some of the pros and cons of baseboard heaters and show you ways to safely hang your window treatments.

Baseboard heaters can be a great source of secondary heat. To understand the best ways to hang your curtains near baseboard heaters, it can be useful to know how they work.

Baseboard heaters can be turned on or off as needed. Many of them come with separate thermostats which means you can turn on extra heat in only the rooms you are using.

Compared to other heat systems, baseboard heaters are fairly inexpensive to buy and install. They require no ductwork which means that they can be added easily to older homes without the need for invasive home alterations. There are two common types of baseboard heaters, hydraulic and convection.

Whether you choose a hydraulic or convection heater, you will want to install these units under a window because this will be the most energy-efficient placement. Windows will often let in cold drafts and while hot air rises cold air sinks. This means that a baseboard heater will meet the cold air where it enters, at the baseboard.

If your windows are not energy efficient, adding window treatments such as curtains or blinds can help you keep the drafts out besides adding a layer of privacy.

When hanging curtains around baseboard heaters, the general rule is that curtains need to be at least 12 inches away from the top and front of your baseboard heater and at least 3-6 inches away from the side. Some heaters with fans may even require a 3-foot distance. You always should check your user manual for specific guidelines for your unit.

Besides being a fire hazard, long drapes in front of a baseboard heater can block heat from entering the room. Even if it doesn’t start a fire, your unit will not be able to work efficiently.

While baseboard heaters are cheaper to install, they are not the most energy-efficient. Most people who use baseboard heaters only do so on a room-by-room basis or add supplemental heat as needed. If you try to use baseboard heaters as the main source of heat throughout your home, you can quickly rack up the price of your bills.

Also, baseboard heaters may cramp your decorating style. You won’t be able to put furniture, drapes, or any other décor within a foot of your units. This can put the skids on seating areas near your windows.

Related Questions

Why does my baseboard heater smell?

You may notice a burning smell when you first turn on your baseboard heater. If the smell is from an electric baseboard heater, it is very possibly from the household dust that has built up in your heater since the last use. This unpleasant smell is fairly common, especially if it is the first use of the season. However, if the smell persists, you will want to check your baseboard heaters to make sure that they are not obstructed in any way or to see if they need cleaning.

How often do you need to replace your baseboard heaters?

Most baseboard heaters will last 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance. However, its lifespan will also vary according to how often they are used, the quality of your units, and whether they are the primary heat source or if they are a supplemental system.

What is the proper maintenance for a baseboard heater?

To keep your baseboard heater in top condition, you will want to keep it clean and unobstructed by curtains or furniture. You can vacuum inside your unit using a brush attachment when the unit is off and is cool. Make sure that furniture, toys, or thick carpet do not block your heaters.