Baseboard Electric Heater

An electric baseboard heater is a popular type of space heater. They are designed to warm individual rooms as an alternative to central heating systems.

An electric baseboard heater is normally sited at the bottom of a wall. They are comprised of electric heating elements inside internal metal pipes which run the length of the unit. As hot hair is produced, it rises into the room, thereby heating it. It is important to fit your electric baseboard heater tightly to the wall so that generated hot air cannot get behind the unit and cause damage to the wall, also wasting energy.

It is a good idea to install an electric baseboard heater beneath a window with a gap of around 3/4 inch above the floor. This will allow the rising warm air from the heater to counter the cool air coming from the window. This is not such a huge concern if you have modern well double glazed windows.

You should be prepared to invest in the more expensive models as the cheaper units tend to be relatively weak functioned. A good guide is to look for a label from the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) or the Underwriter's Laboratories (U.L.).

With an electric baseboard heater you don't need to worry about purchasing a carbon monoxide detector as there is no burning fuel involved.

Below are some good examples of electric baseboard heaters.

QMark HBB1504 Electric Baseboard Heater
Although this is in the expensive range for an electric baseboard heater, this unit is worth the investment. The heating element is immersed in a special heat transfer liquid which is in turn inside copper tubing running the length of the heater. Due to this liquid, the heater continues generating a gentle heat even when the unit is switched off. You can mount this heater flush to the wall and floor if desired and it can rest on any surface even carpet. A louvered grille directs the heat as required into the room and a built in heat safety shutoff mechanism is included. It's neutral styling is designed to blend into any home decor theme. This heater can be purchased for under $250 and is U.L. certified.

Cadet 09949 Electric Baseboard Heater
All Cadet electric baseboard heaters are U.L. certified. The deflectors are constructed of 24 guage steel with a 20 guage junction box. You can install a single pole or double pole thermostat into either end of the unit. The unit comes with various corner connectors should you be installing the heater in a corner window etc. This unit can be purchased for around $30.

Fahrenheat Electric Baseboard Heater
This electric baseboard heater is 1000 Watt rated and is especially quiet which makes it an ideal choice for bedrooms. The heating unit is of tubular steel with aluminum fins. It has a so-called chimney fin which directs the flow of warm air away from the walls so distribution of warm air into the room is maximized. It has a safety cutoff mechanism and can be purchased from around $35.