100 sq. ft x 10 watts per sq. ft. = 1000 watts total (3412 BTU/Hr). A 10’ x 10’ room would require a 1000-watt baseboard.
Basics of Electric Heat
When choosing a baseboard heater for a room, watts are typically considered instead of BTU/h. If you want to convert watts to BTU/Hr, the equation is watts x 3.412=BTU/Hr.
Determine Your Heating Needs
Electric baseboard heating requires 10 watts per square foot of floor space. Fan-forced heaters in rooms wiht 8-foot ceilings typically require 1.25 watts per cubic foot of space. Always round up to the next highest available wattage rating when selecting a heating product.
Baseboard heaters should be installed on an outside wall, ideally under a window, to create a curtain of warm air that counteracts the cold from the window and wall. The thermostat for a baseboard heater should be mounted on the opposite wall to ensure accurate temperature sensing. Fan-forced heaters are best placed on an inside wall, with the thermostat installed approximately 36 inches above the heater for optimal performance.