Frequently Asked Questions

There are two basic types of permanent electric zonal heaters: In-wall fan heaters, or baseboard heaters. Each choice has its advantages. See comparisons below:

TIME TO HEAT
An in-wall fan heater produces heat while the fan forces the heat into the room very quickly.

A baseboard heater requires 30 to 60 minutes to heat the room, provided the heater has been properly sized (adequate wattage) for the room.

WALL SPACE REQUIRED
Baseboard heaters are longer, but not as tall as a fan heater. For example, a 1500 watt baseboard will require 6 feet along an outside wall and is about 7 inches tall. A Register Plus heater grill is 14 inches wide and 7 inches high.

NOISE
Baseboard heaters are virtually noise-free, making them a good choice for the bedroom.
In-wall fan heaters are generally quieter than a typical refrigerator.

TEMPERATURES
Baseboard heaters operate at lower temperatures, making the surface temperatures of baseboards cooler.

PRODUCT LIFE
The life of a typical in-wall fan heater is 8-12 years.
The life of a baseboard heater is often in excess of 20 years.

It will depend on your comfort level and experience with electrical work. You should be certain to comply with the National Electric Code (NEC), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and all state and local codes. If you need to install a new circuit or need additional wiring information, we would recommend that you consult a qualified electrician.

However:

1. Cutting the hole in the wall (for existing walls)
2. Routing the supply wires
3. Mounting the wall can
4. Installing the heater assembly and grill.

1. Preparing the wall location
2. Mounting to wall
3. Wiring the baseboard

For more info, you can view owner’s guides on www.cadetco.com under each individual product, to help you determine if these steps meet your expectations for a do-it-yourself project.

For a fan heater, we recommend installation on an inside wall, in a central location in the room. Outside walls are insulated, so this would require a break in the insulation seal, possibly allowing cold air into the room. See owner’s guide or specific product types for clearance requirements.

For a baseboard heater, they work best when placed under a window and at least 12” away from furniture or other objects. The electric baseboard heater may be placed directly on the floor and mounted to the wall. The electric baseboard heater uses convection to circulate air. By superior design and proper placement under a window area, the electric baseboard case causes air to flow naturally. The cold air falls from the window area as the warm air rises from the heater, causing the air to tumble gently throughout the room. Keep at least a 12" minimum from objects hanging above (i.e., drapes). Do not install below electrical outlets.

If your wiring already exists, you need to check the voltage of your electrical circuit and install the matching heaters. Both types of heater operate with the same output and use the same amount of electricity for any given amount of time. 240 volt heaters require double pole breakers, and 120 volt heaters require single pole breakers. See chart below:

Click here to use our simple rule of thumb heat selection guide

Click here to use are advanced heatloss calculator

HIGH USE AREAS such as a family room or playroom, where you spend the majority of your time, truly benefit from zonal heat solutions. Turn down the thermostat in the rest of your home, and keep these areas warm and comfortable with an electric in-wall fan heater such as the Cadet ComPak heater.

The BATHROOM often has a noticeable chill in the morning, and may be the only area that requires heating most days of the week. The new Cadet® Com-Pak™ Bath Heater provides instant heat and warms the entire bathroom area, without turning up the heat in the rest of the house. The Cadet® Com-Pak™ Bath Heater delivers the comfort in the master bath that today’s homeowner has come to expect.

The GARAGE is often a difficult to heat area, where homeowners really appreciate extra warmth. The Cadet HOT ONE®is a hardworking unit designed for garages and shops. The rugged construction provides warmth for large areas. The fan delay mechanism eliminates cold drafts on startup and disperses residual heat on shutdown. Includes a high/low switch for temperature control, and built-in double pole thermostat for a positive off, and fan only control for cool air circulation. Installation is easy with the included standard 20-amp plug and 6 “ foot cord, and a bracket for floor stand or wall mounting.

All of Cadet heaters are assembled and factory tested in the USA, and each is UL listed. Each in-wall fan heater includes a high temperature limit switch, and an over-temperature thermal backup, so the heater will shut off in case of excessive blockage to the airflow (such as excessive dust or something pushed up against the heater.) With in-wall fan heaters, Cadet recommends proper cleaning every 6 months. This can easily be done with a household vacuum after power to the heater is shut off.

Zonal electric heat is an energy-saving alternative to heating an entire home or office when only one or two rooms are being used. By heating only the areas in use, you can reduce your heating bill AND conserve energy while enjoying ultimate comfort. By reducing the amount of energy you consume, you not only reduce your monthly utility bill, but also the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Install Cadet’s zonal heaters throughout your home as the primary heat source or supplement your central heating system with low wattage in-wall fan heaters. Click here for more information on what makes Cadet Green