Yes, electric fireplaces give off heat. The heat comes from the electricity from an internal heating element. A heating element is usually made of metal alloy or ceramic plates that heat up when electricity passes through. The amount of heat generated depends on the purpose of the electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces designed for mood setting operate at lower temperatures versus units built for primary heating.

Most electric fireplaces have a switch or remote control that allows you to turn the heat on. Once the heat turns on, it instantly fills the room. This is a quicker process to heat your space than using wood to create a fire. It is typical for most fireplaces to reach about 4,600 BTUs of heat. However, some electric fireplaces can produce around 9,000 BTUs of heat.

Baseboard heating is a type of zoned heating system that uses electric or hydronic heating to warm specific rooms. Baseboard units typically are long modular units that are installed under windows at floor level. They also do not require ductwork, air ducts, boilers, fans or vents to operate. Ultimately, this makes it easy to install baseboard units along the floor.

Baseboard heating is highly efficient as it converts all energy into heat. The basic components of a baseboard heater include:

• Heating Element: produces heat in one of two ways:
  • Electric baseboards generate heat by passing an electric current through a resistive electric element.
  • Hydronic baseboard heaters use conductive hot water or oils to generate heat.
• Baseboard Unit: houses the heating element. Usually metal or aluminum and comes in several sizes to heat any room.
• Thermostat: Primary temperature control for the system. Can be wall-mounted or built-in.
• Reflective Backing: Reflective material inside most baseboard units meant to reflect heat away from the wall.
• Heat Distribution Fins: Metal plates connected to the heating element that allow even distribution of heat.
• End Caps & Covers: Complete the look of the unit and protect it from dust or debris.

Kickspace heaters (or toe-kick heaters) provide an adequate amount of heat to compact areas of homes and offices. These heaters are found below kitchen base cabinetry and bathroom vanities. Kickspace units are designed for recessed installation, allowing for easy installation in narrow spaces.

Most kickspace heaters use forced air heating, which pushes heated air out of the system to produce heat. Due to their design, they work independently of central heating systems, giving residents full control of the temperature in that specific room. As a result, they are a great alternative to baseboard heaters in smaller spaces.

Bathroom fan heaters combine heating and odor removal from bathrooms. Most of these fans use infrared heat lamps to quickly heat up the area.

In most cases, bathroom fan heaters use two blower motors:

• One fan motor pulls air out of the room through the exhaust.
• The other motor uses its heating element (or lamps) to blow warm air into the room.

As a result, the bathroom fan heater may require an extra circuit.

The heater also helps to keep fixtures and mirrors dry, preventing mold and mildew. The exhaust fan removes odors, keeping the bathroom fresh.

When installed properly and in a suitable environment, no. Wall-mounted heaters are highly efficient compared to larger units.

Thanks to built-in thermostats (especially programmable ones), wall heaters can quickly heat a room and then turn themselves off.

• For example, Cadet's 1600W Energy Plus Wall Heater includes a built-in thermostat that helps use 30% less energy than other wall heaters.
• Pic-a-watt heaters let owners adjust wattage for optimal heating — increasing efficiency and lowering energy use.

To calculate electricity usage:

• Number of watts × hours used / 1,000 = kilowatt-hours (kWh)

Efficiency depends on several factors such as:

• Proper installation
• Insulation level of the room or home
• Having the correct BTU rating for the space

Remember that correct installation and proper sizing of your electric wall heater is essential.