Protecting child from wall heater

Question

I moved into an apartment that has a wall-mounted heater that gets rather hot when turned on (see below). I have an inquisitive 1-year-old who already likes to climb up on the unit (luckily not while it's been on). I am wary about putting something directly surrounding the unit, both because it would block the heat and because it might be a fire-hazard.

Does anyone have suggestions on how to properly protect the unit from my child (and vice-versa!) without creating further issues? I cannot remove the unit or do major construction, as this is a rented apartment.

Answer 1

I'd place some sort of wall/fence around the outside. You could use two or three segments of a gate system like this:

Or for a more DIY solution, you could build a fence on a plywood base with rubber feet to hold it in place.

I would not recommend using heavy furniture to block access, as it will (1) block heat circulation and (2) in the event that your child does climb over it, he would be less able to escape.

Answer 2

You could surround it with a fence barrier that you attach to the wall, you can split it open and attach it to the walls on either side of the heater to provide a protective space (being sure to keep adequate clearance from the heater to the fence - one heater manufacturer recommends 3 feet in front and 12 inches to the sides of the heater):

They are available in various styles from simple plastic fences:

To more elaborate and attractive barriers:

Answer 3

Search or shop for tension pole room divider for a solution that a child is unlikely to be able to move or tip over.

If you want to do it yourself then you can first install four tension poles in a small rectangle and then screw or clamp three sections of plastic or metal screen to make a box-shaped barrier. All your screws or other fasteners go into the poles and nothing goes into the walls.

Four tension poles installed around heater.

Three pierced metal screens screwed into the tension poles.

Add trim pieces over the screws to improve the appearance.

This can stay in place until you, or your youngest, move out.