Energy Efficiency Upgrade – How to Seal Baseboard Heaters

July 27, 2011
ryw
Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficient Products & Technologies, Step By Step

Difficulty: 1 of 5

Baseboard heaters are heat and cooling loss culprits if left unsealed. Proper sealing requires little in the way of materials, but there are a few steps to take to access the units correctly.

Materials:

– Drill

– Expandable foam

– Foam gun

– Hammer

– Screwdriver

– Utility knife

Step 1: Dismantle the Baseboard Heater

Dismantle your baseboard heater. Take care not to damage the fins or injure yourself when removing.
Be careful when removing the fins.

Step 2: Remove Nails and Screws

Remove any nails or screws attaching the heater to the wall. You can use a screwdriver, hammer or drill to do this.
Complete the dismantling of the baseboard heater.

Step 3: Separate the Heater from the Wall Paint

If necessary, use a utility knife to separate the unit from the wall. Failure to take this step can result in damage to the wallboard.
Take care not to damage the wallboard.

Step 4: Lift the Heater from off the Floor

Lift the heater off the floor and tack it into place, giving you access to the space underneath. Clear away any debris and torn-up vapor barrier that you find. This will prepare the space for the foam insulation.
Clear away debris from underneath the heater.

Step 5: Insulate the Space Under the Heater

Using a reusable foam gun, draw beads of insulating foam in the space where the floor meets the wallboard.
Thoroughly apply the foam.

Step 6: Reattach the Baseboard Heater

Follow the steps in reverse to reattach the heat panels. Be sure to take these steps before the foam dries and hardens.
Reverse your steps to reattach the heater to the wall.