Efficient baseboard electric heaters

Efficient baseboard electric heaters can be used to supplement your main source of heating in the home, or in some cases they can be used as the main source of heating. If placed underneath a window, they can counteract warm air being lost through the glass. However, ensure there are no curtain materials touching the heater if you do this. There are two main types of efficient baseboard electric heaters; electric element or hydronic heaters.

Electric element heaters

These efficient baseboard electric heaters work by drawing in cold air from the floor area via a method called convection. This air is then warmed by the electrical coils and the fins in the top of the unit push the warm air out into the room. A thermostat will help keep the efficient baseboard electric heaters to the correct temperature, ensuring no overheating.

Hydronic electric heaters

Hydronic electric heaters are considered to be superior to element heaters due to the different way they can provide a consistent heat flow. However, not everyone agrees with that. Hydronic heaters have a sealed tube of water within the unit that is heated and circulated to provide the required heat. Hydronic heaters do not get as warm to the touch as efficient baseboard electric heaters, so they are a natural choice for nurseries or areas where there are lots of children.

Where to put your heaters

Baseboard electric heaters are designed to be placed against the outside wall of your house and they can be obtained in different sizes to suit your needs and preferences. To get the most from your efficient baseboard electric heaters, you will need to know what size to choose to heat the area you need to be heated. This means you will need to measure the room.

There are also two kinds of heaters, one using 120 volts and the other using 240 volts of electricity. Generally speaking, it is better if the electric heater can have their own power circuit. Although this is not essential, it cannot simply be added to the existing circuitry as it could cause an electrical overload. The thermostat for the efficient baseboard electric heaters will need to be placed some distance away from the heater, preferably on an opposite wall, to obtain a correct reading. If it is placed directly over the heater, then it will heat up quickly and show the room has reached temperature and will switch the heater off. This will ensure the room does not get the right amount of heat. When placing your heaters on the baseboard, ensure they are a distance above floor level. There should be at least an inch between the floor and the base of the heater.

Safety first

It goes without saying that anything that is flammable or can catch alight quickly should be moved and never stored or placed near or in direct contact with electric heaters. Following these few simple rules will ensure you get the best from your efficient baseboard electric heaters and the investment will serve you well for years to come.