Plinth Heaters

Plinth Heaters--Kickboard Heaters--Baseboard Heaters; they're actually the same thing, it all depends on what they're called where you come from. Basically these heaters are small sized heaters that are installed in baseboards or underneath sideboards and cupboards. They are more commonly used than you may first imagine, especially in places like offices or waiting rooms, and now even in homes as well.

While some central heating systems may have floor or baseboard heating installed, most does not. However, it actually is a fairly simple procedure to install baseboard, or plinth heaters.  They are usually installed to provide additional heating for a room although they can be the sole source of heat for a smaller sized room; or you could install several plinth heaters and heat up a larger room. Their effectiveness depends on the size of the area they are heating and the size of the heater as well. They usually have a fan so warm air is pushed out and up.

There are quite a few immediate advantages to installing a plinth heater. Perhaps the one most touted is that they are extremely space saving as they are neatly tucked away in the baseboard, or oftentimes located underneath cupboards or storage areas.

They also do a great job of keeping a room warm once it is heated. Granted, they take a while to actually heat up a room; although again that is somewhat dependent on the size of the heater and the size of the area needing to be heated.

If you are only in need of additional heat in one room, they are a great addition. Rather than turning up the central heating you can simply install a plinth heater and get the added warmth needed.

They are very cost effective. They are cheap to buy and very easy and uncostly to install as they do not need either ductwork or insulation. Maintenance costs are generally very low also, once in place they need little upkeep aside from keeping the front grill clean and free from dust.

Safety is also a plus. Other floor standing portable heaters are often in danger of being knocked over or being moved too close to something that could melt or catch alight.

While some people are concerned that they may look ugly once installed that is really not the case. They are usually fairly unobtrusive and if you wish to you can always paint the grate another color, one that more closely matches your wall color or the color of the baseboard.

They are fine to install in most rooms.  They are actually great for adding to bedrooms or kitchens.  Plinth heaters are also popular additions to waiting rooms and offices where they can help to warm the air at the floor level.

They should not be installed in bathrooms for obvious reasons. They are powered by electricity and as such should not be installed anywhere that they could come in contact with water.  For these reasons laundry rooms and outdoor areas are also not good locations for plinth heating.

They are fairly easy to find. Most general home appliance stores carry a selection of them. You can also buy them anywhere you buy other heating. If shopping online, you will find they are readily available; though they are sometimes sold as baseboard heaters, not always plinth heaters.

If you are looking for additional heating for a room that is perhaps low on available space, or in a room that has a lot of traffic with young children or pets running around you may find that these baseboard heaters are ideal. They are also great if you do not want to have a portable heater standing in the middle of the room. They are low cost to run, low on maintenance requirements and safe. An often overlooked heating source, more people are beginning to recognize the benefits of installing these types of heaters.