The process of baseboard heaters installation requires careful preparation. Before the installation process, it is important to estimate the size of the room. The knowledge of the size of the room will determine what type of baseboard heater is appropriate for installation.
Different materials and equipments which are essential for the baseboard heaters installation process should also be considered.
Begin the process of baseboard heaters installation by the estimation of the amount of heat loss inside the room. Consider the fact that heat may escape from the room through ventilations, windows, doors, roofs and walls.
Do Your Proper Calculations
Find the difference of temperatures between the interior and exterior design of the room. Calculate the area of the walls, floors and windows. Multiply the calculated value of the area of the walls, floors and windows by their assigned U value.
U value is the coefficient of the total heat transfer of an individual material. Combine the values to find the overall heat loss of the room. Multiply the value of the overall heat loss of the room to the value of the difference of temperatures between the interior and exterior design of the room to find the correct size of the baseboard heater.
Installing a thermostat device can be very beneficial in regulating the temperature inside the room.
Map Out Where You Want Your Baseboard Heater InstalledÂ
Design the path of the electrical cable from the main feeder line to the baseboard heater. The recommended size of the electrical cable gauge is 12.
Before making an attempt of wiring the electrical cables together, make sure that the circuit breaker or the main power source is on the off position. Detach the cover of the baseboard heater. Remove the cover of one of the knockouts.
Place a cable connector inside the knockout opening. Place an appropriate length of electrical cable within the cable connector and into the baseboard heater. Secure the electrical wire connection by fastening the screws of the cable connector.
The Nuts And Bolts Of The Installation
Set up the baseboard heater against the wall or trim. Avoid the installation of baseboard heater below the electrical outlet.
Ample amount of distance between the baseboard heater and curtains should also be observed to permit the proper circulation of air. It should also be installed with a distance of an inch from the floor. Strip the wires by using a wire stripper.
Connect the ground wire to its correct terminal point. Strip 0.5 to 0.6 inch of insulation wire from the feeder cable. The hot wire of the feeder wire is usually white in color.
Cover the small portion of the white wire with black electrical tape to indicate that it is a hot wire. Carefully inspect the security of the wire connections before switching the main power source into its on position.
If your not so sure about your baseboard heater installation skills, you might want to seek out a licensed electrician to just to be on the safe side.