Many baseboard heaters can be installed directly on the floor without impeding airflow through the bottom of the heater. Heater units typically have a guard that prevents the air intake area from touching the floor. This design allows you to install the heater so it replaces a portion of the baseboard trim.
NOTE: Baseboard heaters should sit at least 3/4-inch above the floor or carpet. This is to allow the cooler air on the floor to flow under and through the radiator fins so it can be heated.
If you plan to install baseboard moulding before adding carpet, it needs to be installed 1 inch above floor level to allow room for both pad and carpet. If adding baseboards after carpet is laid, it should be installed at the same height as without carpet.
the recommended baseboard heater safety clearance is at least 12 inches. I also generally recommended against using baseboard heaters if you can help it, and suggest, instead, having a furnace or HVAC system installed in your home.
Here's a quick rundown of the best practices:
If you're installing a heater by a door, make sure the heater isn't blocked by the door when it is open. Do not have an electrical outlet above or below the heater. Do not block Baseboards and fan heaters with furniture, bedding, drapes, or anything else.
If you rely mostly on electric baseboard heaters to heat your home, they probably make up a big part of your annual electricity bill – sometimes as much as 44%. However, there are plenty of ways to maximize the efficiency of your baseboard heaters to cut down your winter heating costs.
If you want to make sure your room is heated properly, you can place your baseboard heater right under the window. This will help you warm up your room a lot quicker and more efficiently. This happens because the cold air coming in from the crevices of the window sets down.
Maintain Clearance: Keep furniture at least 6 inches away from baseboard heaters. This prevents the blockage of heat and reduces fire risk.
4. Mounting on a wall. Panel heaters should generally be mounted minimum 10 cm from the floor and have 10 cm clear space in front to other objects, such as a sofa. You will find a template and mounting guide in the lid of the packaging with clear instructions on how to mount the heater on a wall.
Ideally, you want to address a gap between your baseboard and flooring before your flooring is installed.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of the heater. 7. Maintain at least 12 inches minimum clearance from all objects above and in front of baseboard, and 6 inches minimum on both sides.
Either run the baseboard flush against the total height of all the materials or add 1/16'' – 1/8'' to the total height and consider using quarter round (shoe molding). To help installation, use wood blocks of the same thickness of your new floor.
The gist is that cold air from the window mixes with warm air rising out of the baseboard, that warm air moves around the room, cools and sinks back to the floor, where it is eventually re-heated by the baseboards. That's why traditionally it's recommended to install a baseboard under a window.
Furniture pieces should stay at least 6 inches away from a baseboard heater. This distance allows air to properly circulate around the heater and lowers risk of fire and damage to the item.
Electric baseboard heaters have an on-and-off switch, but you can leave them running at a regular temperature setting.
Generally speaking, electric baseboard heaters are safe when installed correctly and kept far away from any flammable materials.
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to baseboard heating that can provide comfortable and even heating throughout your home. Forced air heating, radiant heating, heat pumps, and electric space heaters are just a few of the many alternatives available to homeowners.
The warm air circulates along the floor around the entire space. Thick rugs can have an impact on how well the room is being heated. Your electric baseboard heater should be installed 3/4 inches above the floor to avoid this issue.
Typically baseboard heaters are installed under windows and on perimeter walls of the home.
Electric baseboards get hot, which means you have to keep furniture and curtains at least six inches away from them to prevent fire. If you have young children in the house, they can also be a burn risk. The heat generated by baseboard heaters is a very dry heat.
Baseboard heaters are 100% efficient, converting 100% of the energy used to heat. Heat pumps can be as much as 200% to 300% efficient, supplying the same amount of heat for much less energy.
Ductless heat pump systems offer precise temperature control. Small and sleek, they don't detract from your home décor. They provide more comfortable heating, with less of the dryness and irritation caused by electric baseboard produced heat, so that you can breathe easier.
As a rule of thumb, you should allow for 3-feet of clearance in front of the heater and 6 inches to either side and above the heater.