Before purchasing an electric baseboard heater, you should have a good understanding of where it will be placed in the room and why. This article discusses the logic behind many popular rules of thumb used in the industry for choosing the mounting location of an electric baseboard heater. The smart DIY home builder will consider the following before purchasing an electric baseboard heater:
Room Size
Your electric baseboard heater needs to be properly sized for the room. The industry accepted rule of thumb is that you should have 10 watts for every square foot of the room. So a well insulated, 10 foot by 12 foot bedroom will be 120 square feet and can comfortably accept a 1200 watt baseboard heater.
It’s OK For The Baseboard Heater To Touch The Carpet
Many people worry if the baseboard heater is touching the carpet. Obviously keeping the heater above the carpet is less of a fire hazard, but most manufacturers design their heaters so that it is OK if the bottom plate is touching the carpet. However, be sure to read the rest of these electric baseboard heater tips concerning possible fire hazards.
Installed electric baseboard heaters - Photo by lowellbellew.
Do Not Block The Air Intake
The exception to the above rule about carpet is that it should not block the air intake. This is the air space between the bottom most plate and the inside front cover of the electric baseboard heater. This is where the colder intake air enters the heater as warmed air leaves out the exhaust (on the top). Both air intake and exhaust lead to the heating elements, and if blocked, pose a serious fire hazard.
Mount Near A Door If Possible
Most manufacturers recommend that the electric baseboard heater be mounted under a window or near a door. The disadvantage of mounting it under a window, especially if the window is single paned, is that it will suck a significant proportion of the heat energy through the glass. Therefore the best place to mount an electric baseboard heater is near a door-way. Air movement from doors and occupants will improve air flow and disperse that heat throughout the inside of the house.
Keep Furniture 12″ Away
All curtains and furniture should be kept at least 12 inches away from the electric baseboard heater. This has less to do with fire hazards and more to do with the air flow required for the heater to function properly. Many people make the mistake of shoving their couch up against the heater. This not only creates a fire hazard, it blocks the air intake which prevents the heater from functioning properly. You should also be careful that your curtains or drapes do not come within 12 inches of the electric baseboard heater.