Kickspace Heaters - Warm Toes All Winter

Fall has finally arrived with winter around the corner! Get ready for beautiful colors and a lot of pumpkins! As cooler temperatures set in, now is the best time to upgrade your space with energy-efficient heat.

When temperatures drop, most people try to keep their upper to mid bodies warm. However, it's your legs and feet that often feel the cold first. That is where kickspace heaters come in handy.

Find out how these heaters keep you and your toes warm throughout Fall and Winter.

Also known as toe-kick or plinth heaters, kickspace heaters are compact heating units installed in tight or low hidden spaces. Kickspace heaters are great for smaller areas where a baseboard unit cannot fit, such as under cabinets and stair risers.

They're a popular alternative to baseboard heaters in small and awkwardly shaped rooms. Most toe kick units benefit from:

• Built-in Thermostats for precise temp control
• Flexible Installations with horizontal, vertical, or stair riser mounting
• Superior moisture & odor control, preventing mildew and condensation
• Space-Saving Design for kitchens, undercabinets, mudrooms, or small office rooms.

Before installing, we advise you to check with your local HVAC electrician to see where the best place for the toe kick vent to go.

Kickspace heaters work by pulling in cool air from the surrounding area. Once the cool air enters the system, it passes over heating elements which warm it up. Then, the warm air blows back into the surrounding areas to heat the areas that were harder to reach.

Their compact size makes them great for targeting cold zones that larger units might miss.

There are two types of plinth heaters. These include electric and hydronic heaters.

This compact heater fits seamlessly under cabinets or stair risers, delivering high-performance heat with its built-in thermostat. Perfect for renovations, new constructions, and small space upgrades.

These heaters are great if you are looking for cheaper installation costs and a simpler installation. They do not require plumbing or connection to a boiler.

Cons:

• More expensive long-term costs, if ran all the time
• Produce less consistent heat (Frequent ON/OFF cycles)

Electric heaters have a higher operational cost when run for long periods. If you don't properly set the thermostat, frequent ON and OFF cycles can lead to inconsistent heat.

Hydronic Plinth Heaters

Hydronic plinth heaters differ from electric plinth heaters in that they use hot water to provide heat. Hot water flows through the tubes in the heater and warms up the system. After a period of warming, the fan distributes heat into the room.

Pros:

• Offer more consistent, even heating
• Seamless integration in homes with existing boilers
• More efficient than electric kickspace units over time

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost (unit and installation fee)
• Require existing boiler and/or plumbing to operate

While more efficient over time, hydronic units require professional installation which can drive up the upfront costs.

Both heaters are great for installing in low places like cabinets and counters. The heat coming from the heaters will rise and disperse to where it is needed. Add toe kick ducts, to seal the air so it can disperse evenly throughout the space!

Kickspace heaters work best as supplemental heat, rather than primary sources. Since these units are small, they will not heat an entire home. Use kickspace heaters when you want to:

• Eliminate cold spots in kitchens, bathrooms, or stair landing
• Reduce your central HVAC system use
• Add zoned heating control in specific rooms
• Improve comfort during fall and winter construction

Also note that toe-kick fans produce some noise and require clear airflow space for proper operation.

For additional heating this winter, explore HomElectrical's Baseboard Heaters, Wall Heaters, and Electric Fireplaces as part of our Winter Sale!

Kickspace heaters are a great addition to keeping your legs and toes warm in the winter.

Kickspace heaters are ideal for contractors, property managers, and builders trying to supplement heat in kitchens, stair landings, or small multi-unit projects. Ready to warm up your next project? Shop Kickspace Heaters now for compact, powerful, and easy to install heat.