Electric Baseboard Heaters – Expert Advise on Baseboard Heaters
Hydronic Electric Baseboards Heaters
Hydronic electric baseboard heaters are like standard electric baseboard heaters, but the heating element is a little bit more energy efficient. The heating element is immersed in a silicone heat-transfer fluid, permanently sealed inside a copper tube. Silicone is a harmless, safe fluid that will never freeze – doesn’t boil or overheat. It will ever need refilling or replacing and requires no maintenance or service.
How to size your heater to match your room
The first and most important step is “how big is the room you want to heat”. The heater has to be sized so it can heat the room on the coldest night of the year. The quick rule of thumb is for a house build in the last 20 years, or older houses that have been renovated with more insulation, new doors and windows is 10 watts per sq. ft. for ceiling heights of 8’ or 1.25 watts per cubic foot for ceilings higher than 9 feet.
Example small room: 150 sq. ft.
Square footage = 10’W x 15’L = 150 (standard 7 to 8 foot ceiling)
Watts per sq. ft. = 10 to 12 watts (new construction, few windows use 10 watts)
150 sq. ft. x 10 watts = 1,500 watt heater (select a 1,500 to 2,000 watt heater)
Example larger room: 373 sq. ft.
Square footage = 25’W x 15’L = 375 (standard 7 to 8 foot ceiling)
Watts per sq. ft. = 10 to 12 watts (new construction, few windows use 10 watts)
375 sq. ft. x 10 watts = 3,750 watt heater (select a 4,000 watt heater)
Always give yourself a safety factor by averaging up, when size electric baseboard heaters
Cubic Foot Rule of Thumb,
Room size 10’ H x 15’w W 12’L = 1800 cubic ft.
1800 cubic Ft x 1.25 (your constant) = 2,250
This room will need a minimum of 2,250 watts of heat.
Please visit our size chart page for more info. If you would like a true “heat load” look for software called “Manual J” online or consult an architect or mechanical engineer.
For your information Notes: Electric baseboard heater
Baseboard heaters must be mounted horizontally, and near or at floor level only. They cannot be recessed as this could cause excessive heat to be concentrated in the wall area causing a potential fire hazard. Electric Baseboard heaters cannot be installed under an electrical receptacle even if you do not use the receptacle. Baseboard heaters can be mounted on the floor; however, do not allow carpet to block lower air intake located 1inch from the bottom. Baseboard heaters can be mounted against sheetrock, wallpaper, and wood products such as paneling, particleboard, chipboard, and tongue and groove. Do not install on paperboard, low-density fiberboard surfaces or against vinyl wallpaper. Do not install vinyl drapes or vinyl blinds above heater. The installation must comply with applicable local, and National Electrical Code and utility requirements. Do not remove or by-pass thermal cutout. To reduce the risk of fire, do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of the heater.
