Baseboard Heater - Up to 500 sq. ft.

The baseboards heaters listed above cover up to 500 square feet, but different baseboard heating systems can cover a range of room sizes. The amount of coverage can be affected by things such as room insulation, number of windows, and ceiling height, but for most spaces, the maximum square footage able to be heated is accurate to the measurement displayed.

Typically, baseboard heaters need at least 12 inches of space in front and 6 inches on either side to ensure proper air flow and no heat trapping.

First, calculate the wattage needed to fully heat your space. A simple equation to do this is multiplying the room’s total square footage by 10. So, if your space is 500 square feet, the baseboard heater would need to have 5,000 watts or more. If the ceilings in your space are higher than 8 feet or if the walls have poor insulation, the wattage may need to go up slightly, but the times 10 rule is a good way to establish a minimum wattage.

The difference between 120V and 240V baseboard heaters is the voltage of the circuits they need to be run on. A standard household runs on a 120-volt circuit. 240-volt circuits usually power larger appliances like dryers, water heaters, and HVAC systems. Electricians will typically wire baseboard heating systems on 240-volt circuits if one is available because they have the same wire type and size as 120-volt circuits but use twice the amount of power. It is easier to install a baseboard heater on a 120-volt circuit if you’re doing it yourself, but consult with an electrician if you’re unsure what kind of amp capacity you have in your space.

Baseboard heaters have two primary options for thermostats: built-in or line voltage. Built-in thermostats are either digital or dial, and since they are part of the heater itself, they cut down on installation costs. However, they can be less convenient and potentially get inaccurate temperature readings from their position near the floor. Line voltage thermostats are more convenient because they are mounted on the wall, separate from the baseboard heating unit. They control the power running to the heater via cable and are more likely to get accurate temperature readings of a room. Be sure to check with the manufacturer or the product manual to ensure a thermostat is compatible with whatever baseboard heater you choose.

Baseboard heating has many benefits, including:

• Quietness: They are virtually noise-free, unlike forced-air systems that blast air intermittently. Baseboard heaters are ideal for spaces like bedrooms and home offices where little noise is desired.
• Nondisruptive installation: Installing a baseboard heater requires no ductwork and little to no renovation.
• Individual heat source: They provide direct, concentrated heat that can independently control the temperature of an individual room.
• Low maintenance and long lifespan: If the fins are dusted twice at least twice a year to maintain clean air flow, baseboard heaters can last for 20 years or more.

Any number of 120-volt baseboard heaters whose total combined wattage equals 2,400 watts or less can be put on a 20-amp circuit. For 240-volt heaters, a 20-amp circuit can support any combination of baseboard heaters that have a total wattage of up to 4,800 watts, or double the amount of baseboard heaters as 120-volt.

Any number of 120-volt baseboard heaters whose total combined wattage equals 1,440 watts or less can be put on a 15-amp circuit. For 240-volt heaters, a 15-amp circuit can support any combination of baseboard heaters that have a total wattage of up to 2,880 watts, or double the amount of baseboard heaters as 120-volt.