Electrical Requirements for Baseboard Heaters

Electric baseboard heaters are a popular way to provide heating throughout the individual rooms of your home. For a licensed and certified electrician, these heaters can be relatively easy to install, which is why it’s always good to consult a professional electrician. In this blog we will look at the electrical requirements for electric baseboard heaters.

How Electric Baseboards Work

Electricity travels through the baseboard’s metal element, which is extremely hot and unwise to touch. Then the heat from the baseboard heater naturally rises and fills the room with warmth. When the area near the thermostat reaches the set temperature, the thermostat will then automatically turn the heater off. The heater will turn back on again once the room’s temperature drops below the temperature set by the homeowner.

Requirements

• Installation by a certified and licensed electrician.
• An electrical permit.
• A dedicated, and properly sized circuit.

Pros to Electric Baseboard Heaters

• They can control the temperature of individual areas and rooms within your home.
• Produces heat quietly.
• Easy installation, as it does not require the installation of duct work.
• They are a good source of heat for a single room.
• Installation of a programable thermostat allows for hands free scheduling between day and evening preferred temperatures.
• It’s a great way to supplement your heat.
• Considered a green energy.

Cons to Electric baseboard Heaters

• 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.
• Uses considerably more electricity than other heating systems. Which means that it will cost more to heat your home using electric baseboard heaters.
• Multiple thermostats that must be monitored in order to ensure that there is not an excess waste of electricity and heat.
• Requires a regular dusting / cleaning.

Tips for Using Electric Baseboard Heaters

• When baseboard heaters are first turned on after long hibernation it is common for there to be a dusty smell coming from the heater. Dust collects on the top of the elements and the burning dust is what you may be smelling.
• If you raise the thermostat’s temperature it doesn’t speed up the time of how soon a room reaches the set temperature. Baseboard heaters heat up at an even speed. B.C. Hydro recommends setting your thermostat at 20°C (68°F) during the day and then lowering it to 16°C(60°F) in the evening. This practice may help to lower the cost of your electric power bill.
• Never place curtains, furniture, or anything up against the heater that can possibly trap the heat. Any object that blocks the heat from escaping could be a potential fire hazard.

 

For any questions regarding installing electric baseboard heaters just call any of the numbers listed on our contact page.

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