Safety First: Important Considerations When Replacing Your Baseboard Heaters

Thinking about replacing your old and drafty baseboard heaters? While the promise of a warm and cozy winter is exciting, safety should always be the top priority during any electrical project. Baseboard heater replacement involves working with electrical wiring, so taking the necessary precautions is crucial to avoid potential hazards.

Given that, let’s talk about some of the key safety considerations to keep in mind when tackling a baseboard heater replacement project, ensuring a successful and safe experience.

Power Down and Disconnect

Before you even consider touching a single wire, the most important step is to completely shut off the power supply to your baseboard heaters.

Locate the circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel that controls the baseboard heater circuit. Flip the breaker to the "off" position and double-check that the heaters are no longer functioning.

For added peace of mind, use a voltage tester to confirm that no electricity is flowing to the wires before proceeding.

Understanding the Wiring

Once the power is off, take some time to familiarize yourself with the wiring of your existing baseboard heaters. Most baseboard heaters connect to a junction box located behind the unit. This box houses the electrical wires that supply power to the heater element.

Carefully examine the wiring for any signs of damage, fraying, or corrosion. If you notice any concerns, it's best to consult with a qualified electrician before proceeding with the replacement.

Matching the Circuit Capacity

When choosing new baseboard heaters, it's critical to ensure they are compatible with the existing electrical circuit. The circuit breaker and wiring in your home have a specific capacity, measured in amps. Exceeding this capacity can overload the circuit, potentially leading to overheating, fires, and electrical damage.

Check the wattage rating of your new baseboard heaters and consult your home's electrical panel to confirm the circuit's amperage. If you're unsure about compatibility, consulting a qualified electrician is highly recommended.

Considering Envi Heater Safety Features

If you're looking for a safe and reliable baseboard heater replacement option, consider our Envi Heater. These electric wall panel heaters boast several built-in safety features that provide peace of mind:

• Wall-Sens Technology: This innovative technology automatically cuts power to the heater if it's dislodged from the wall, preventing overheating and potential fire hazards.
• Cool-to-the-Touch Surface: The Envi Heater features a unique design that keeps the surface cool to the touch, minimizing the risk of burns, especially important in homes with children and pets.
• Automatic Thermal Cutoff: An internal safety mechanism automatically shuts off the heater if it reaches excessively high temperatures, preventing overheating and potential electrical issues.

Envi Heater Installation Tips

The Envi Heater boasts a user-friendly wall-mounting process. Below is a detailed breakdown of the installation steps based on the provided information. However, you can also check out the installation video we have up on YouTube.

Preparing for Installation:

1. Unbox and Organize: Carefully unpack the Envi Heater, mounting kit, and packaging insert frame (mounting template). Keep the packaging materials for future reference.
2. Choose Your Mounting Height: The template offers two pre-marked heights for mounting the heater: either 6 inches or 8 inches (15 or 20 centimeters) from the bottom of the heater to the floor. Choose your desired height and mark three corresponding locations on the wall using the template. The top two holes are for the mounting clips, and the bottom hole is for an optional third mounting screw.

Securing the Wall Brackets:

3. Install Wall Anchors: Screw the provided drywall anchors into the marked locations on the wall. The top two holes should be positioned approximately 19 to 21 inches (48 to 53 centimeters) from the floor.

• Stud Finder Tip: If you encounter a stud while marking the holes, you can skip the drywall anchor for that location and screw the mounting screw directly into the stud for a more secure attachment.
• Masonry Wall Tip: For masonry walls, use the provided masonry wall anchors and drill the necessary holes (4.5mm or 3/16 inch) using a masonry drill bit (not included).

4. Attach Mounting Clips: Screw the two mounting clips (with arrows pointing upwards) into the top two anchor locations. Tighten the screws securely, but avoid overtightening. There should be a slight gap behind the clips to allow for hanging the heater.

Prepping the Heater and Mounting:

5. Pre-Install Locking Bar Screw: For additional security, the instructions recommend pre-installing the locking bar screw before mounting the heater. While the heater is laying flat, use the provided Hex/Allen key to screw the locking bar screw into the designated hole on the left side of the bottom vent. Ensure the screw doesn't go in too far, as it can obstruct the mounting holes on the back of the heater.

Mounting the Envi Heater:

6. Hanging the Heater: Carefully align the right side of the heater with the mounting clips and hang it in place. Apply gentle but firm pressure to ensure a secure fit. You should hear a "snap" sound indicating a successful connection.
7. Tighten the Locking Screw: Once the heater is securely mounted on the clips, use the Allen key to tighten the locking screw located on the bottom vent. Avoid using power tools and overtightening. Simply tighten the screw until the locking bar makes gentle contact with the left-hand mounting clip inside the heater.

Remember, Safety is Your Warmest Investment

Investing in the safety of your home and family is priceless. Taking the time to prioritize safety during a baseboard heater replacement project ensures a warm and worry-free winter season for years to come. With careful planning, proper precautions, and the right heater, you can achieve a comfortable and safe home environment with ease.