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.
You can place baseboard heaters anywhere and any orientation you choose. Of course if they are not horizontal at floor level, they are not baseboard heaters, are they!
A distance of at least 8 inches / 20 centimeters must be maintained between the baseboard heater and furniture, curtains, bedding, or any object that would trap the heat. Since furniture cannot be placed up against the heater this can limit the space available.
Allow 30 cm (12 inches) of clearance in front of a baseboard, 6 inches to the sides, and 12 inches above the heater.
Measure Height of Heater Unit
Measure from the bottom of finned heating element to the top of existing back plate. This measurement is typically 5" - 6-3/4" with standard installations. With a 7-1/2" overall installation height, there will be a 3/4" space between the floor and bottom of the replacement cover.
This is basic fire safety; you don't want to take any chances. … 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.
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.
Many baseboard heating systems are a form of electric heat that operates without ductwork and can be expensive to run. Baseboard heating is often more efficient than radiators, and they are even more efficient when they are run constantly, instead of being turned on and off.
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. We always recommend consulting the heaters owner's manual as specific requirements may vary from product to product.
Ideally, you want to address a gap between your baseboard and flooring before your flooring is installed.
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.
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.
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're looking for the exact height to go with, you can use the 7% rule – choose a height closest to 7% of the overall height of your room. So here are some examples: For a room that is 7ft in ceiling height (84 inches), you would use a baseboard height of roughly 5.88 inches or taller.
Based on some brief research, we found that, in general, code dictates drapery is to be hung 3" away from the front of your electric baseboard heater. It is also required that there is a minimum 1" clearance from the ceiling and floors for optimal air circulation.
Dangerous and uncomfortable
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.
Maintain Clearance: Keep furniture at least 6 inches away from baseboard heaters. This prevents the blockage of heat and reduces fire risk.
Typically baseboard heaters are installed under windows and on perimeter walls of the home.
In the majority of cases, the gap between the baseboard and the floor will be between 3/8” and 1/2”. However, if you're working with a thicker carpet and/or padding, this gap could easily be as wide as a full inch. This being said, many experts believe 1/2” is more than enough space for any carpet thickness.
Place furniture and draperies 6 to 12 inches away from baseboard heaters. Baseboard heaters are generally safe, if they are maintained properly and used correctly. Placing furniture too close to baseboard heating can be a fire hazard and damage the heating system.
Risk of Fire and Burns
Older baseboard heaters have gaps at the top of the heater where small toys can fall in and cause problems. Drapery or furniture placed too close to heaters can also be a problem.