Umair Gaines
Electric floorboard heaters are a common feature in many homes, but are they a good choice? Electric floorboard heaters can be an inexpensive way to heat your home, offering zonal heating without the technology. However, they are expensive to run and inefficient compared to heat pumps. They can also be a safety hazard, particularly for young children, as they get very hot. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of electric floorboard heaters and discuss whether they are the best option for your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Electric floorboard heaters can get very hot, posing a risk to young children. They also require furniture and curtains to be kept at least six inches away to prevent fires. |
| Installation | Electric floorboard heaters are cheap and easy to install. |
| Operating costs | Electric floorboard heaters are expensive to operate, potentially making up a large portion of annual electricity bills. |
| Efficiency | Electric floorboard heaters are more efficient than radiators and gas heating, but less efficient than heat pumps. |
| Climate considerations | The suitability of electric floorboard heaters depends on the local climate; they may not be ideal for extremely cold winters. |
| Zoned heating | Electric floorboard heaters allow for temperature control in individual rooms, providing zoned heating without the need for additional technology. |
| Maintenance | Electric floorboard heaters typically last for 20 years before requiring replacement. |
| Environmental impact | Electric heating is environmentally friendly. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric floor board heaters are a fire hazard
Electric floorboard heaters are a fire hazard, and there are several reasons why. Firstly, electric floorboard heaters get extremely hot. The heating element and the heater covers both reach very high temperatures. This means that any nearby flammable objects, such as furniture, curtains, or rugs, can easily catch fire if placed too close to the heater. The recommended distance for furniture and curtains is at least six inches away from the heater to prevent a potential fire.
Secondly, electric floorboard heaters can pose a significant risk to young children. The lack of barriers or covers on these heaters means that curious children can easily touch the hot surfaces, leading to burns or other injuries. This concern is particularly relevant for parents, who must constantly monitor their children to ensure they stay safe around these heaters.
Additionally, electric floorboard heaters are often placed near windows and exterior walls, which can contribute to their inefficiency. This placement can increase the likelihood of heat escaping, reducing the overall effectiveness of the heater and potentially leading to higher electricity usage and costs.
While electric floorboard heaters are inexpensive to install and provide zone heating, they are costly to operate. They can contribute significantly to the annual electricity bill, sometimes accounting for up to 44% of the total cost. This high electricity usage can also increase the risk of overloading circuits, potentially leading to electrical fires if not properly managed.
To mitigate these fire hazards, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance between heaters and flammable objects, ensure proper circuit management, and regularly replace old heaters. It is also important to consider alternative heating options, such as heat pumps, which offer greater efficiency and lower operating costs.
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They are expensive to operate
Electric floorboard heaters are considered expensive to operate. They are typically placed near windows and exterior walls, which makes them inefficient. They are also slow to heat a room, which can lead to higher electricity costs.
The cost of operating an electric floorboard heater depends on the local climate and how well your home is insulated. If you live in a cold climate and your home is poorly insulated, your heating bills are likely to be high. On the other hand, if you live in a mild climate and your home is well-insulated, your heating bills may be more manageable.
To give you an idea of the costs, electric resistance heating (the type of heating used by electric floorboard heaters) gives you $1 worth of heat for every $1 spent. In comparison, a heat pump can give you $2.50 to $3.00 worth of heat for every $1 spent on electricity under ideal conditions. This means that electric floorboard heaters can be up to three times more expensive to run than a heat pump.
There are ways to reduce the costs of operating electric floorboard heaters. For example, you can use a smart thermostat to control the temperature in your home more efficiently. You can also make sure that your heaters are sized correctly for the rooms they are in. As a rule of thumb, you need 7 watts of power per square foot of room. Finally, you can reduce wasted heat by only turning on heaters in rooms that are occupied.
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They are inefficient in cold climates
Electric floorboard heaters are inefficient in cold climates due to several factors. Firstly, they are typically placed near windows and exterior walls, which makes them less efficient at heating a room. This is because the heat generated by these heaters tends to escape through these openings, resulting in higher energy consumption and costs.
Secondly, electric floorboard heaters are slow to heat a room. Consequently, electricians often install higher wattage heaters than necessary to compensate for this, leading to increased energy usage and inefficiency. Additionally, the local climate plays a significant role in the efficiency of these heaters. They are more suitable for mild regions and areas that don't experience extremely cold winters. In colder climates, other heating options, such as direct vent propane or oil heaters, or heat pumps, may be more efficient and cost-effective.
Furthermore, the age of the heaters, the quality of insulation, and air tightness in the home can impact their efficiency. Older heaters may need replacement, and improved insulation and air tightness have reduced the recommended wattage per square foot, requiring adjustments to the heating system.
Lastly, electric floorboard heaters are often used as the primary heat source in a home, which can result in high electricity bills, especially in colder regions. To improve efficiency, it is recommended to use them as a secondary heat source or in conjunction with other heating systems, such as a hydronic heating system or a conventional hot water boiler.
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They are unsafe for young children
Electric floorboard heaters can be a convenient way to warm a room, but it is important to consider the safety risks they pose, especially for young children. While these heaters may be efficient and effective, they can also be a potential hazard in the home, particularly for toddlers and infants who may not understand the dangers. One of the main concerns is the risk of burns and fire hazards. Little hands can easily touch the hot surfaces of the heater, causing serious burns, and curious children may try to play with the controls, leading to accidental fires. The heaters can reach high temperatures, and a child's sensitive skin is more susceptible to burns. Even with safety features, such as automatic shut-off, the potential for harm exists, as children may not react quickly enough to move away from the heat source.
Additionally, the placement of floor heaters can be an issue. If left uncovered, they pose a tripping hazard for children who may not see the low-lying heater. If covered, there is a risk of the heater overheating and causing a fire, especially if left on for extended periods. The heaters are often placed in areas where children play or crawl, increasing the likelihood of an accident. The heaters can also dry out the air, causing respiratory issues for young children, and the warm air currents can circulate dust and allergens, exacerbating existing conditions like asthma.
The potential for carbon monoxide poisoning is another serious concern. If a heater is not properly maintained or ventilated, it can produce this deadly gas, which is odorless and colorless, making it difficult to detect. Young children are especially vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning, and the symptoms can be mistaken for the flu or other common illnesses. It is imperative that homes with these heaters have working carbon monoxide detectors to mitigate this risk. Electric floorboard heaters also pose an electrocution risk, especially if the heaters are old or not properly installed or maintained.
Children may chew on cords, touch exposed wires, or play with the controls, leading to serious electrical shocks. The risk of electric shock is always present with any electrical appliance, but the placement of floorboard heaters makes it more accessible for young children to come into contact with them. Overall, while electric floorboard heaters can be a convenient way to heat a space, they pose a number of serious safety risks to young children. It is important for parents and caregivers to carefully consider these risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their children.
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They are good for zone heating
Electric floorboard heaters are a good option for zone heating. Zone heating refers to heating specific areas or rooms in your home, rather than the entire space. Electric floorboard heaters are ideal for this because they allow you to control the temperature in each room individually. Each baseboard unit contains a heating element that generates heat and then slowly releases it into the room where it is located. This means you can choose to only heat the rooms that are occupied, reducing wasted heat and keeping electricity costs down.
Electric floorboard heaters are also a good choice for zone heating because they are generally easy to install and safe to operate. They do not require furnaces, boilers, heating ducts, vents, or blowers, making them a more straightforward option compared to other heating systems. Additionally, electric heating is known to be efficient, environmentally friendly, and relatively inexpensive.
However, it is important to note that electric floorboard heaters can get very hot, posing a safety risk for young children. Furniture, curtains, and window coverings should be kept at a safe distance to prevent fire hazards. The placement of these heaters, typically near windows and exterior walls, can also make them less efficient.
Overall, electric floorboard heaters can be a good choice for zone heating, particularly if you want to heat specific rooms in your home individually and efficiently. However, it is essential to consider the safety precautions and potential limitations regarding their placement and high temperatures.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric floorboard heaters are more efficient than radiators and gas heating, but they are much more expensive to run than heat pumps. They can make up a large part of your annual electricity bill—sometimes as much as 44%.
Electric floorboard heaters can get very hot. This means furniture and curtains must be kept at least six inches away to prevent fires. They also pose a burn risk to young children.
Electric floorboard heaters are cheap and easy to install. They are also safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
This depends on how they are used and the local climate. Electric floorboard heaters are good for zone heating, i.e. heating individual rooms rather than your entire home. They are also a good option for older homes with draughty windows.
