Heaters In The Bedroom: A Comforting Necessity?

Whether or not heaters are required in a bedroom depends on the building codes in your area. In the US, the International Code Council governs building codes, but states and cities can make their own revisions. Federal laws require that every habitable space has access to heat, and bedrooms are considered habitable rooms. However, the heat source does not have to be located in the bedroom, and a home can have one central heating source as long as every habitable room has access to it.

Bedroom heaters and building codes

A habitable space is any space in a building made for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking. This includes bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Bathrooms, utility rooms, hallways, and closets are not considered habitable spaces.

Heating Requirements

Federal laws require that every habitable space has access to sufficient heat. This means that the temperature of a habitable room must be able to be maintained at a minimum of 68°F (20°C) at a point 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor and 2 feet (610 mm) from exterior walls. However, the exact temperature requirements can vary depending on location, so it is important to check local building codes.

Heating Solutions

There are several ways to meet the heating requirements for habitable spaces. One option is to install a central heating system that delivers heat to every room in the house through ducts. Another option is to install individual heaters in each habitable room, such as electric space heaters or baseboard heaters. In some cases, it may be possible to meet the heating requirements without installing additional heaters, such as by improving insulation or using a ventilation scheme that supplies warm air from a heated common area to the bedrooms.

Code Compliance

It is important to note that the use of portable space heaters is generally not considered an acceptable way to achieve compliance with heating requirements. To ensure compliance with building codes, it is recommended to consult with a local building inspector and to be aware of any exceptions or amendments to the codes in your specific location.

Case Study: La Mesa, California

In one example, a homeowner in La Mesa, California discovered that their newly purchased home did not have a heat source in the master bedroom or the rear of the house, comprising about 50% of the living space. The previous owners claimed that they were not required to install a heat source and suggested using a space heater instead. However, building codes in California require that all habitable spaces have a heat source capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of 68°F. This case illustrates the importance of understanding local building codes and ensuring that all habitable spaces have adequate heating before purchasing a home.

Primary vs. secondary heating systems

Heating is essential, especially during the cold winter months. Federal laws require that every habitable space has access to heat. However, the specific requirements may vary depending on your location. While some sources suggest that a heat source is required in every bedroom, others clarify that the absence of a dedicated heat source in each bedroom is acceptable as long as the room can be heated to a minimum temperature, typically 68°F (20°C), with the door closed. This can be achieved through a central heating system or individual heaters for each room.

Now, let's delve into the primary and secondary heating systems.

A primary heating system, or a central heat and air system, is designed to deliver heat to every living space in the house. It typically involves ducts throughout the home or heating elements placed in multiple rooms. This type of system is the most common way to heat a house, especially in colder regions.

On the other hand, a secondary heating system refers to additional or supplemental heating solutions such as space heaters or electric heaters. These are often used when extra heat is needed in specific areas like bedrooms or bathrooms, or when more control over the temperature in individual rooms is desired.

The choice between a primary and secondary heating system depends on various factors, including the climate, the size of the home, and personal preferences. A primary heating system offers a more integrated and consistent approach to heating the entire house, while secondary heating systems provide flexibility and localized temperature control.

In some cases, a combination of both primary and secondary heating systems may be employed to ensure optimal comfort and energy efficiency. For example, a central heating system can be used as the primary source, with space heaters supplementing heat in specific rooms.

It is worth noting that the terminology of "primary" and "secondary" in the context of heating systems can vary depending on the source and specific context. In some cases, "primary" and "secondary" may refer to different components or configurations within a heating system rather than distinguishing between the main and supplemental heat sources.

Heating requirements for habitable spaces

When it comes to heating requirements for habitable spaces, there are specific guidelines that need to be followed to ensure the comfort and safety of occupants. These requirements can vary depending on location, but there are some general principles that apply in most cases.

Definition of Habitable Spaces

Firstly, it is important to understand what constitutes a habitable space. According to building codes, habitable spaces refer to "living rooms, family rooms, dens, bedrooms, and the like". These are spaces where people spend a significant amount of time and therefore require adequate heating. On the other hand, bathrooms, kitchens, closets, hallways, and similar areas are not typically considered habitable spaces, and heating may not be required in these areas.

Minimum Temperature Requirements

Federal laws and building codes mandate that every habitable space must have access to sufficient heat. The specific temperature requirements may vary by location, but a common standard is the ability to maintain a minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C) at a point 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor and 2 feet (610 mm) from exterior walls. This temperature is considered comfortable and safe for human occupancy.

Central Heating vs. Individual Heaters

To meet the heating requirements, a property can have a central heating system that distributes heat to all habitable spaces. Alternatively, individual heaters, such as space heaters, can be used in each room to achieve the desired temperature. The use of individual heaters may be more feasible in smaller homes or when there is a need for different temperatures in different rooms. However, it is worth noting that some building codes do not recognise portable space heaters as a compliant solution.

Energy Efficiency and Insulation

While providing the required heating is essential, it is also important to consider energy efficiency. Proper insulation in walls and windows can help retain heat and reduce heating costs during colder months. This not only saves money but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly living space.

Local Building Codes

It is crucial to consult local building codes and regulations when determining the heating requirements for habitable spaces. As previously mentioned, temperature thresholds and acceptable heating methods can vary between states and cities. By referring to the specific codes for your area, you can ensure that your heating system complies with all necessary standards and regulations.

Heating sources for bedrooms

Heating your home is costly and energy-intensive, but it is essential for comfort and health. There are various heating sources for bedrooms, which is considered a habitable room, and each has its pros and cons in terms of cost, efficiency, and suitability for different climates. Here is an overview of the different heating sources for bedrooms:

Central Heating Systems

Central heating systems are the most common type of heating system in North American homes. They use a furnace or boiler to generate heat, which is then distributed through ducts or pipes to individual rooms, including bedrooms. The heat source for central heating systems can be natural gas, liquid propane, fuel oil, electricity, or even solar energy. One advantage of central heating is its ability to combine with air conditioning systems, providing a multipurpose HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) solution. However, installing ductwork and maintaining proper insulation can be challenging and expensive.

Forced Air Heating Systems

Forced air heating systems are the most prevalent type of central heating system. They use a furnace with a blower fan to distribute warmed air through ducts to different rooms, including bedrooms. These systems are quick to adjust temperatures and can be combined with air conditioning. The furnaces can be fuelled by natural gas, liquid propane, fuel oil, or electricity. However, they may create dry and allergen-prone air without proper filtration and humidification.

Radiant Heating Systems

Radiant heating systems, such as in-floor radiant heating, provide consistent and comfortable heat by warming objects and materials rather than just the air. They are usually installed under concrete slab floors or attached to wood floors. Radiant heating systems can be powered by hot water flowing through plastic tubing, heated by a central boiler, or electricity for smaller spaces like bathrooms. While they offer energy efficiency and silent operation, the installation and maintenance of hidden piping can be costly and challenging.

Boiler and Radiator Systems

Traditional boiler and radiator systems circulate steam or hot water through pipes to radiators placed in bedrooms and other living spaces. While they provide whole-home radiant heat and can be energy-efficient with new boilers, the radiators may be unsightly and limit furniture placement. Additionally, boiler-based systems cannot be combined with air conditioning.

Heat Pump Systems

Heat pump systems are a newer technology that extracts heat from the air and delivers it indoors. They can be air-source, ground-source (geothermal), or water-source heat pumps. Heat pumps are suitable for heating and cooling without ductwork in mild climates. They offer precise temperature control for each room and operate quietly. However, they are limited in their ability to distribute hot or cold air and require individual control for each unit.

Space Heaters

Space heaters are a supplemental heating option for bedrooms, typically used in addition to a central heating system. They can be electric, gas-fired, or unvented gas-fired heaters. Electric space heaters are inexpensive to buy but costly to operate, making them suitable for intermittent use in less-used rooms. Gas-fired space heaters are popular in some areas and are useful for warming a single room or a few connected rooms. However, they lack ductwork, so doors between rooms may need to be left open for heat distribution. Unvented gas-fired heaters are discouraged due to health and safety risks.

Heating requirements for bathrooms

However, it is important to check the specific code requirements for your area, as they can vary. For example, in California, bathrooms are not considered habitable spaces and are not required to have a dedicated heat source. In contrast, other locations may have different definitions and requirements.

In general, it is recommended to provide heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of 68°F (20°C) at a point 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor and 2 feet (610 mm) from exterior walls in all habitable rooms. This can be achieved through a central heating system or individual heaters for each room. Space heaters can be a good option for extra warmth in bathrooms if they are not considered habitable spaces in your area.

It is worth noting that while some spaces, such as closets, hallways, and utility rooms, may not be required to have dedicated heat sources, the entire house must still meet the minimum temperature requirements. Proper insulation and ventilation are also important factors in maintaining a comfortable temperature in bathrooms and other areas of the home.

Frequently asked questions