Kickspace Heaters
A typical kickspace heater is shown in Figure 2-77. It consists of a copper tube with an attached aluminum finned heating element, a 115-volt electric motor, and a blower/fan. Hot water from the boiler is circulated through the copper tube inside the unit. The
blower, which is driven by the small electric motor, forces air across the heating element, picks up the heat, and sends it into the room. The blower is turned on or off automatically in response to the thermostat setting. The blower speed is set manually. The blower motor operates in conjunction with a 120ºF (49ºC) reverse-acting aquastat.
Kickspace heaters are designed for use in one-pipe or two-pipe hydronic heating systems or in a series loop where pressure and temperature drop can be tolerated. They are used beneath kitchen
sinks, along short entrances and hallways, and inside bathrooms where space restrictions do not permit the installation of the longer baseboard heaters. Kickspace heaters are not designed for use in steam heating systems. They are also not recommended for use in a gravity-flow hot- water system unless a separately installed pump is provided to circulate the water.
Kickspace heaters are offered in three models: horizontal heaters, vertical heaters, and surface-mounted wall heaters. The horizontal models are installed beneath kitchen cabinets, bathroom sink enclosures, and similar areas where vertical height is limited. The vertical models are
installed fully recessed between wall studs. The air is discharged upward through a louvered front panel. The surface-mounted wall model is mounted on the interior surface of a wall. The air is dis- charged evenly through a louvered front panel in an upward direction.