Heat Under Cabinets: An in-Depth Discussion of Reasons And Solutions!

Heat Under Cabinets: An in-Depth Discussion of Reasons And Solutions!

It’s certain that some areas of our house get overlooked regularly such as the kitchen cabinets. However, someday you may notice that extreme heat is coming from under your cabinet. That can come as a shock to you all of a sudden.

So, maybe you are wondering why heat under cabinets?

Usually, poor ventilation in the surroundings of your cabinet is the primary reason of the heat.. Another reason is, if your toe kick heater has been placed under the trash compactor, the heat can be trapped. Again damaged heat shield is a big reason for heat under the cabinet. Moreover, vinyl coatings and poor oven insulation significantly contribute to the building up of heat under a cabinet.

Only knowing the reasons won’t serve your purpose fully. So hang tight with the article to know the ways of solving this particular problem.  

Heat Under Cabinets: Quick Overview of Common Reasons & Solutions

The heat generated under cabinets damages the cabinets themselves and may cause a fire hazard. Also, exposure to heat can cause discoloration, cracking, and wrapping of the materials. 

Before going to discuss each of the reasons and solutions in a broader manner, it’s would be very convenient to have a quick glimpse of them.  

Reasons  Solutions 
Toe kick heater placed under trash compactor  Don’t place it directly under the trash compactor 
Absence of Pipe insulation  Install pipe insulation
Poor ventilation  Ensure proper ventilation 
Damaged heat shield  Replace the heat shield 
Insufficient spacing  Ensure proper spacing 
Heat sensitive coatings  Use heat resistant material 
Poor oven insulation  Confirm appropriate insulation 

Detailed Discussion of Common Reasons and Solutions

Just getting a sneak peek of the reasons and solutions won’t serve your purpose. This is why it’s time to discuss the reasons and solutions in a comprehensive manner so that you can solve your issue easily at home.

Without further ado, let’s get started.  

Reason 1: Toe-Kick Heater Placed under Trash Compactor

Toe-Kick Heater Placed under Trash Compactor

Source: bobvila.com

If your toe-kick heater is placed under the trash compactor it would definitely create heat. And this is happen to be the leading reason for the coming heat from under the cabinet.   

Generally, a toe-kick heater is installed in a toe-kick area of a cabinet, which is the recessed space located between the cabinet base and the floor. If you place this heater under a trash compactor, the heat can be trapped under the cabinet that is generated from the cabinet. 

Also, it can block the flow of air and prevent the heat from dissipating properly. This can cause the heat to build up under the cabinet, which can create a potential fire hazard and damage the cabinet materials.

Solution:

To solve this issue, you need to ensure that your toe-kick heater/vent is not placed directly underneath or too close to your pull-out trash bin or trash compactor. Also, make sure your toe kick heater blowing properly.

If any appliances located above a Toe-Kick Heater are properly ventilated and the heat generated by the heater is dissipated in a safe and efficient manner, you will get improved results. 

Reason 2: Absence of Pipe Insulation

Absence of Pipe Insulation

Source: energy.gov

The next leading cause is not having pipe insulation. Sometimes, when hot water flows through the pipe, you will feel the heat in the surrounding environment through conduction. If the pipes are not insulated the heat can escape from the pipes and fill the neighboring area.

Solution:

This situation can be handled by insulating hot water pipes. It will prevent heat loss. Also, when hot water flows through the pipes under the kitchen cabinets, the heat will stay in the water and less will be lost to the surrounding environment. 

So, contact your local plumber and get the pipes insulated. The price of pipe insulation ranges from roughly $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot. You can also install heat traps or check valves on the pipes for extra regulation.

Reason 3: Poor Ventilation

Another significant reason is poor ventilation in the heater area. Poor ventilation can significantly contribute to the building up of heat under a cabinet by preventing the flow of air in the surrounding area. 

If the ventilation in the area is inadequate, heat can become trapped under the cabinet. which can cause the surrounding area to become hotter and increase the load on air conditioning systems. Consequently, the load of the heat can increase and cause hazardous damage. 

Solution:

Since poor ventilation can help to prevent the airflow and heat can come from under the cabinet, it’s ultimate to solve the issue. You can do it just by using the proper ventilation system that is designed for the kitchen cabinet. 

In fact, you must ensure that there is adequate space around appliances for air to circulate. Also, you should regularly maintain appliances to ensure that they are working properly. Ensuring proper ventilation in the area helps to prevent heat from trapping under the cabinet.

Reason 4: Damaged Heat Shield

Usually, the heat shield is a protective barrier that is designed to prevent being generated by appliances. 

So, if this vital functional component becomes damaged or is not properly installed, it can allow heat to escape and come into contact with the cabinet located above the appliance. 

Solution:

To get rid of the heat from under the cabinet because of a damaged heat shield, you have to ensure that heat shields are installed in the area. Also, you must check the shield regularly to see if it’s damaged or not. 

Nevertheless, if the damage is detected, the heat shield should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Heat shield replacement generally costs between $50 and $150, but some high-performance parts could cost up to $300. Always seek professional help regarding this issue.

Reason 5: Insufficient Spacing

Another significant cause of coming heat under the cabinet is insufficient spacing. When you place your cabinets too close to your stove, it can result in insufficient airflow, which can hinder the efficient dissipation of heat. As a result, the excess heat is absorbed by the cabinet. 

Solution:

To prevent this issue, it’s best to ensure that there is adequate spacing between your appliances. Alternatively, cabinets can be placed directly next to your stove with the use of a heat shield. 

It is recommended to ensure a minimum of nine inches of space between your refrigerator and stove. However, a distance of approximately 20 inches is recommended for optimal airflow.

Reason 6: Heat-Sensitive Coatings

Certain cabinet manufacturers utilize a vinyl coating named Thermofoil over MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) to achieve a uniform and seamless appearance for their cabinets. 

However, it is worth noting that Thermofoil and laminate cabinets are highly susceptible to elevated temperatures. Even when heat builds up, the coating may start to melt or warp, and if it comes into contact with a lightbulb or other heat source, it could catch fire. 

Consequently, if your cabinets are situated directly adjacent to your oven, the vinyl may liquefy or distort, which leads to the particle board beneath becoming exposed. 

Solution:

If you want to prevent initiating heat from under the cabinet, the optimal approach is to place a heat shield between your range and cabinetry. Then, it would be fantastic to contemplate abstaining from the use of coated MDF. 

Also, it is not recommended to use heat-sensitive coatings like vinyl for under-cabinet lighting. Rather it is advisable to use materials that are heat-resistant, such as solid wood to avoid any potential warping or melting of the vinyl coating.  

Reason 7: Poor Oven Insulation

Poor Oven Insulation

Source: koolwrap.com.au

The next potential reason is poor oven insulation. Normally your oven needs to have an insulation mechanism that protects the compartment and its surroundings from trapping the heat within the oven. It also helps to reduce the amount of heat that escapes.

Consequently, the excessive heat coming out of your oven could cause great damage to your cabinets if you do not have enough insulation in your oven.

Solution:

You have to confirm that your oven has the appropriate insulation prior to installation in place to prevent its whole area. In fact, inadequate insulation can hamper the oven’s efficiency. 

If you’re in doubt about the insulation process, it’s advisable to take advice from the manufacturer or contractor about the proper insulation process. 

After you secured oven insulation properly, you must install a reliable heat shield to increase the protection. An aluminized fiberglass heat shield will do the charm,  costing around $50 to $100. The combination of insulation and heat shield will provide a fulfill protection from heat. Seek professional help for installing shields in your kitchen cabinet.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How do you cool air in cabinets?

To augment the airflow within cabinets, it is feasible to incorporate fans to actively circulate air. The widely used cabinet fans are top-mounted fan panels that draw air from the cabinet’s base or through the doors. For localized cooling, a fan or fan panel that mounts inside the cabinet can be employed.

Can you put cabinets over the baseboard heat?

It’s not advisable to put cabinets over the baseboard heat. Because baseboard heaters generate heat that can damage the cabinets. If you have to install cabinets over the baseboard heat, it’s recommended to maintain 12 inches of distance between the cabinets and the heating system. It will allow proper air circulation and prevent heat damage.  

Can you put radiant heat under cabinets?

It is not advisable to install electric radiant floor heating beneath permanent fixtures that may restrict heat circulation. Radiant heat can generate high temperatures that may cause serious damage. Nevertheless, if the vanity or cabinets are of a “floating” nature or are elevated on legs, then it is possible to install a floor heating system underneath them.  

Conclusion

Finally, we’ve come to the end of this delicate discussion. I hope you have found out the reasons why heat under cabinets. You’ll be able to find out the exact reason for this issue. Then you can solve this just by going through the solutions of the reasons provided in the article. 

If you still can’t measure the issue and struggle with heat under the cabinet, it’s high time to go for professional assistance. Best wishes for your venture!


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