Baseboard electric heaters are cheap room heaters, but their running costs can be very high. In colder climates, they only make sense for occasional use.

Electric baseboard heaters belong to the space heater category, and more specifically to the electric convection heater type (they do not heat people directly, like radiant heaters).

Typically, they are located along the base of a wall, underneath a window, and include electric heating elements encased in metal pipes. The pipes run all along the length of the housing and as hot air is produced, it rises by convection into the house’s room, heating the air.  

Do not confuse electric baseboard heating with hot water baseboard heating; this last type of heating involves hot water (typically heated by a gas fueled boiler), and is often designed to heat an entire home (central heating); also do not confuse electric baseboard heating with  electric oil-filled heaters (radiators). These heaters are usually portable, and operate by warming up special oil inside them, which by its turn heats the air in the room (they are of convection type, as electric baseboard heaters).

Uses

Electric baseboard heaters can be a good option in moderate climates, with limited heating needs. In colder climates they are mostly used as supplemental electric space heaters for special occasions and short freezing days.

They are popular in bedrooms, partly because they are electrical and extremely safe and un-obstructive.

Direct Alternatives

Oil filled space heaters are good alternatives to electric baseboard heaters (in bedrooms and other room heating situations). They are also safe, and electrical… and with lower running costs. Ceramic electric heaters can also be an alternative.

Anyway, these alternatives, aren't as quick at heating up a room and have a lower capacity.

Other direct alternatives include wall mounted combustion space heaters (namely gas-vented units). These heaters are powerful units, capable of heating a large room or part of a house in a very short period. The problem with them is that they aren't as safe (even vented units) and people, understandably, do not like and should not use them in bedrooms.

Installation

Baseboard heaters should be tightly fitted to the walls, to prevent these same walls from being damaged by the hot air flow. As mentioned, they are usually located underneath a window, three-quarters of an inch/2 cm or slightly more above the floor (they should never contact the floor).

The installation is typically easy. You just have to follow the manufacturer installation guide.  

Voltage and dedicated power circuit

Most electric baseboard heaters are 120 volts or 240 volts. The 240-volt heaters are the most efficient units (contrary to popular perception): they use both legs of the power source…

To function properly, these heaters need a dedicated power circuit. In most cases, they need a dedicated twenty amp circuit. Do not underestimate this need, to avoid fire hazards.

Electric baseboard heater prices

Most electric baseboard heater models have prices between $50 and $100. Be aware with very low priced models – they are often low-quality units.  Prefer units with a thermostat. They are the best way to get energy savings from these energy-intensive units.

Top manufacturers, brands and customer reviews

Honeywell, Cadet and Fahrenheat are the best know top manufacturers of baseboard electric heaters and have the best customer reviews.

For customer reviews involving this type of heaters, see Amazon.com: Electric baseboard heaters.

Certified and energy-efficient electric baseboard heaters

Choose a certified electric baseboard heater. Their quality varies considerably, and cheaper models usually work poorly. Look for units certified by entities like the Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) or the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA).

Running costs

The running costs of electric baseboard heaters are their big disadvantage. They only are cost-effective for occasional use.

Electric baseboard maintenance

Like other electric heaters, baseboard electric heaters are mostly maintenance-free units. Just maintain them free of debris and properly clean. Particularly important is their location. Avoid blocking their airflow with furniture, curtains or other means.

Thermostats

The best electric baseboard heaters use programmable thermostats. Choose a unit with a programmable thermostat. They are designed for precise temperature control and energy savings.

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