Looking For A New Heating System? Two Baseboard Options You Shouldn't Overlook

If you've been considering installing a new furnace or other heating source in your home, you may be wondering about your options. In fact, you might even have dismissed baseboard heating as inefficient and outdated. The truth is, baseboard heating can be just as efficient as most other heating options. The best way to get the most from a baseboard heating system is by working with a skilled HVAC contractor who understands how to optimize your floor plan. Here are a few baseboard heating types that you should consider before you make your final choice.     

Hydronic Baseboard Heat

Hydronic heating is a closed system that circulates hot liquid instead of using electricity to produce heat. Some hydronic heating systems are independent systems that have their own plumbing, while others require access to an external hot water source. A self-contained unit will be rated according to its heat retention ability, because it will have no external means to gather more hot water.

Systems that rely on an external hot water source, such as water heated by a furnace, will be rated based on how efficiently the furnace it's attached to can heat the liquid. Both types of hydronic systems are usually very efficient, because the fluid even retains heat after the system has been shut off, giving you a bit more radiant heat even when the system's not running.

Electric Resistance Baseboard Heat

Electric resistance heating systems are one of the most affordable heating options to install, making it a popular choice for homes that lack air duct systems. Baseboard heating with electric heat will provide direct heat throughout the house without having to install a complex network of additional air vents or any pipes for a hydronic system.

To get an electric resistance system that's the most efficient for your home, look for a unit that has the lowest possible energy demand per foot. To determine the actual power demand per foot, you divide the watt rating of the individual baseboard by its length. As an example, a baseboard heater that is ten feet long and rated at 1800 watts will use 18 watts per foot. This is more efficient than a ten-foot baseboard heater that's rated for 2500 watts.

With these options for baseboard heat, there's no reason to write it off as antiquated or inefficient. You can get effective, consistent heat from either option now that you know what you're looking for. For further assistance, contact local professionals (learn more here).