How does an electric baseboard heater primarily distribute heat?

An electric baseboard heater primarily distributes heat through convection. This process involves the movement of air. When the electric baseboard heater is turned on, it heats the air directly adjacent to it. As this air warms up, it becomes less dense and rises. The cooler air then flows in to take its place, creating a cyclical movement known as a convection current. This cycle continues, causing warm air to circulate throughout the room and distribute heat effectively.

The focus of electric baseboard heaters is on heating the air in a space rather than relying on direct heat transfer methods like radiation or conduction. While radiation does occur to some extent from the heater's surface to the surrounding area, it is not the primary means of heat distribution in this type of heating system. Similarly, conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact, which does not play a significant role in the operation of electric baseboard heaters since they are designed to warm the air rather than surfaces directly touching the heaters.

Air filtration is unrelated to the heat distribution process, as electric baseboard heaters do not filter or condition the air in the same way an HVAC system might. The emphasis on convection highlights the method by which these heaters effectively create a comfortable, warm environment.