What are baseboard heaters?

Are you researching electric heaters? If you have come across electric baseboard heaters, here is some information about what they are and how they work.

Electric baseboard heaters are short and wide heating elements that are installed near floor level, near the baseboard. (This is why these heaters are called electric baseboard heaters.) These baseboard heaters normally are hardwired into the home’s existing electrical wiring. Some electric baseboard heater units can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet.

Electric baseboard heaters produce heat through convection or through the hydronic process. The most common baseboard heater is through convection. These baseboard heaters have metal fins that turn the cold air near the floor into warm air that rises and spreads throughout the room. Hydronic baseboard heaters have an electric heating element that warms an internal liquid reservoir surrounded by metal fins.

Hydronic electric baseboard heaters are more energy efficient. Convection electric baseboard heaters are cheaper and have a wider range of sizes and power ranges. Convection plug-in units are also more commonly available.

This information will help you to know what an electric baseboard heater is and a general idea in how they work.