do baseboard heaters lose efficiency

by Dr. Lelia Harvey DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Due to how baseboard heaters work, even trace amounts of dust or other irritants can result in a dramatic loss in heating efficiency, and this only gets worse over time.

How do you replace an electric baseboard heater?

This means that you’ll need to:

Do some wall repairs where the old heaters used to be. ...
Deal with the mold or rot that often comes with leaky hydronic baseboard systems if that’s what you had.
With electric baseboard systems, you’ll also need to remove all the wiring behind and between the heaters as those can be a fire hazard if you try to just hide ...

More items...

How to make baseboard heaters more efficient?

How can I make my baseboard eat more efficient?

Reduce window drafts. …
Adjust the thermostat to your day. …
Practice the virtue of patience. …
Get air flowing. …
Keep them clean. …
Consider programmable thermostats. …
Heat by zone.

What are the pros and cons of baseboard heating?

The Pros of Electric Baseboard Heating

In warm climates, the energy cost may be nominal. When only a few weeks out of the year will require continuous use of the heating system, it may be affordable.
They’re easily relocated. If installers didn’t place the baseboard heater correctly (usually under a window), it’s not hard to reposition them.
No moving parts. ...
DIY friendly. ...

Are baseboard heaters an efficient form of heating?

Hydronic baseboard heating systems are more efficient than other forms of electric resistance heating, such as traditional baseboard convection heaters. As the element heats up, the water becomes steam. As cool air is drawn into the heating unit, the steam heats it uniformly and projects it into the room.

Why are baseboard heaters so popular?

How to increase baseboard heat efficiency?

How does an electric baseboard heater work?

Why use resistance baseboard?

How far should a curtain hang from the baseboard heater?

What are the two types of baseboard heaters?

Which is better, hydronic or convection baseboard?

See 4 more

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Do baseboard heaters wear out?

There really isn't much to wear out with the old baseboard heating system and beyond periodically vacuuming the fins inside them in the fall to get the accumulated dust out there's not much to do. I have encountered thermostats that go a bit haywire on units the age of yours.

Are baseboard heaters inefficient?

On a technical level, yes, baseboard heaters are efficient in that they convert all incoming energy into heat. This specific system also typically warms your home in zones, meaning that you can control different rooms of your home with different thermostats—definitely a checkmark on the energy-efficient list.

Do new baseboard heaters use less electricity?

Q: Are new baseboard heaters more efficient? Since all-electric baseboard heaters convert 100 percent of the electricity they use into heat, purchasing a newer baseboard heater won't make it more efficient than an older one.

How can I improve my baseboard heating efficiency?

Tips for Improving Your Baseboard Heater's EfficiencyDecrease Drafts. If your home is rather drafty, your baseboard heaters may be overcompensating to counteract the cold air that is regularly let in. ... Adjust Your Thermostat. ... Clean Baseboard Heaters Regularly. ... Choose the Right Cover.

Is it cheaper to run baseboard heat or space heater?

Space Heaters They're only cheaper to use, however, if you're using them to heat a small area or to supplement heat in one room. Space heaters are not as efficient as baseboard heaters and should never be used as a main heat source. Make sure you buy one that is energy efficient.

What is the disadvantage of baseboard electric heat?

Best used for supplemental heating needs, the biggest cons of electrical baseboard heating are centered on their annual heating costs. Across the US, natural gas is almost always a less expensive way to heat your home.

How can I lower my electric bill with baseboard heat?

7 Ways to Bring Down Your Baseboard Heating Electric BillKeep your heater sparkly clean. Dust buildup on your baseboard heater will block the heat and keep it from escaping properly. ... Turn it down! ... Calibrate. ... Insulate. ... Contact the power company. ... Run appliances at night. ... Give your ceiling fan a whirl.

Is it worth it to replace baseboard heaters?

You save money Replacing your electric baseboard heaters with things like heating ducts or radiant heating may be a significant up-front expense, but you could save as much as 50 percent on your energy bill during the winter months.

Why do baseboard heaters go under Windows?

The gist is that cold air from the window mixes with warm air rising out of the baseboard, that warm air moves around the room, cools and sinks back to the floor, where it is eventually re-heated by the baseboards. That's why traditionally it's recommended to install a baseboard under a window.

Do baseboard heaters use a lot of electricity?

Is baseboard heating expensive? In general, electric baseboard heaters use more electricity than an electric heat pump. This means higher electric bills, especially in the coldest winter months when they're working overtime to keep your home warm.

How much is baseboard heating a month?

For example, a 5 foot baseboard heater can cost up to $150 a month to operate. Most homes have more than one baseboard heater, so multiply $150 by how many baseboard heaters you have and you can see how quickly your monthly electricity bill can rise.

What is the most energy-efficient baseboard heater?

If you're looking for a baseboard heater requiring the least amount of electricity, look no further than Fahrenheat's PLF504 Hydronic Baseboard Heater. It takes just 500 watts to produce a respectable amount of radiant heat, making it considerably more energy-efficient than convection units with similar power ratings.

Do baseboard heaters use a lot of electricity?

Are baseboard heaters more efficient now?

Today baseboard heaters are much more efficient than their older counterparts, and when used as a secondary heating source, or even as the primary, the results are drastically different from 20 years ago.

What is more efficient baseboard or forced air?

The biggest advantage that forced-air heating has over baseboard heating is that (1) they heat up rooms faster and (2) they are far more cost-efficient when heating larger houses with more rooms.

How can I lower my electric bill with baseboard heat?

Pros and Cons of Electric Baseboard Heat | Home Climates

We’re often asked: is baseboard heat dry? Electric baseboard heaters are notorious for producing an incredibly dry heat. Residents of homes with baseboard heaters may experience dry skin, dry throats, bloody noses and dry eyes, especially if they’re prone to these problems to begin with.

How Energy Efficient is Electric Baseboard Heat?

Electric Baseboards and Wood Heat. Our house has electric baseboard heat and we supplement with a woodstove. We use the electric heat mostly in the fall and spring when we “just want to take the chill off” or when we go out of town and turn it on low to keep the pipes from freezing.

Oil Heat vs. Electric Baseboard: Which is Best? - The Money Pit

LESLIE: Amber in New Hampshire is on the line with some heating questions. How can we help you? AMBER: Hi. I was wondering if it was worth the expense of converting an oil-heat system with baseboard heat to an electric baseboard-heating system for a three-unit apartment building.

How Much Does Electric Baseboard Heat Cost Per Month?

A typical 12000 Watts baseboard heater costs an average of $1.67 per hour to run. If the electric baseboard heater is used for 8 hours per day, it costs $13.33.

Why are hydronic baseboards more efficient than standard baseboards?

If we think about efficiency, Hydronic baseboards are more efficient than the standard ones because of the way of transmitting energy. You can heat more easily with a radiant way than by convection. Another advantage of Hydronic baseboards is that the liquid, that is in the middle of the system, will remain warm for a lot more time after ...

What is the difference between hydronic and electric baseboard?

The main difference is that Hydronic heaters use radiant heat as a way for heating your room and the electric baseboards use convection for achieving that.

What is the percentage of conversion of electricity into heat?

The conversion of electricity into heat is not an efficient one. The percentage of conversion of heat from electricity is around 30% of efficiency, that means that the total input of electricity into this system will convert only 30% of that into heat. For example, consider gas furnace ...

How to make a heater more efficient?

Another way to make more efficiency in the heating is by creating a nice passage of air where the heat can disperse easily, try not to block the passage of air by making obstructions with objects near to the baseboard heater.

Does replacing baseboard heater save energy?

That’s why the replacement of a new baseboard heater is not going to save you energy. If you recall a law of thermodynamics that says energy is conserved between a thermodynamic system and the surrounding. That’s why you can’t do anything else to save more energy with these systems, electricity and watts are the same no matter if ...

How to reduce baseboard heater efficiency?

Avoid Window Drafts. Window drafts can reduce baseboard heaters’ efficiency, especially if the heaters are placed close to the window side. It is better to cover the windows with blinds and curtains to allow the heaters to function optimally.

Why are baseboard heaters so efficient?

New baseboard heaters are more efficient because they are new and haven’t been used before. On the other hand, there is no guarantee that new gadgets are better than old ones. Since baseboard heaters are known for converting power into energy to warm up a room or house during winter and cold, all baseboard heaters, both old and new, ...

Why do baseboard heaters start malfunctioning?

To avoid fire hazards as a result of malfunctioning: Some baseboard heaters start malfunctioning when they have exceeded their lifespan; at times, they can also cause fire hazards. If this is the case, you can change them with new ones to avoid unnecessary fire occurrences in your house.

Why do we need baseboard heaters?

The major reason for baseboard heaters is to heat up the home with some warm air without consuming much energy.

Is it better to get a new baseboard heater or an old one?

New baseboard heaters are not better than old ones; the most important thing is that both can efficiently convert the same amount of power into energy. Getting new heaters to replace your old ones doesn’t make it better, it can only land you into spending more money than you are supposed to and at last, get the same result.

Can a thermostat cause inconsistent heating?

Model challenge: The heaters that have an inbuilt thermostat in them can cause inconsistent heating in the house; this would be a determinant factor to where they would be installed.

Can baseboard heaters be used in hard to warm rooms?

Suitable for hard-to-warm-up rooms: Many parts of the house are so difficult to get warmed up, the best way to defeat this would be to get baseboard heaters for such rooms.

How long does a baseboard heater last?

Durable. Life expectancy of the unit is relatively longer. As long as they are properly maintained, baseboard heaters can last up to 20 or more years.

How does an electric baseboard heater work?

Electric baseboard heaters work by taking in cool air from close to the floor. The air is then projected up and pushed through heated fins on top of heating unit into the room. Electricity flows through the unit, creating heat and warming the room by passive convection as the heat naturally rises without the use of a fan.

What is the difference between hydronic baseboard heater and electric baseboard heater?

While hydronic baseboard heaters, are central heating units that use a liquid medium to heat a room through the principle of radiation and air flow.

What is the best heating system for a home without ductwork?

If you are searching for the best heating equipment one that offers a heating option in your home without the costly ductwork, then you might consider electric baseboard heater and hydronic baseboard heaters. Below are the pros and cons of electric baseboard heaters and hydronic baseboard heaters.

How does a thermostat save energy?

A good thermostat can save your energy budget by controlling the levels of heat received on the equipment itself. With an investment in a baseboard brand without onboard thermostat, you can cut down on the electric bill down to 30%.

Why invest in a thermostat?

Invest in a good thermostat In order to significantly save your energy usage. Smart thermostat offers a better warm experience with your baseboard heater besides lowering your electric bill by up to 40%. You are also able to remotely control the heater through an app. are baseboard heaters efficient.

What is baseboard heating?

A heating zone is a separately controlled area of your home that is adjusted independently from the rest of the house. With an electrical baseboard heater, you’ll supply heat to a location where it’s needed directly.

How efficient is a baseboard heater?

The overall efficiency of a baseboard heating system depends on its age, its condition and where you live. In most climates, an electric heat pump will operate with more overall efficiency than electric baseboard heaters. In fact, homeowners should see an approximately 50% decrease in electricity use once electric baseboard heaters aren’t being ...

What is electric baseboard heater?

On the one hand, electric baseboard heaters afford you the ability to control the temperature in each room individually — it’s zone heating without the technology!

How Do Baseboard Heating Systems Work?

Even homeowners who’ve had electric baseboard heating for years often don’t understand how their home’s heating system works. So before you can understand the pros and cons of baseboard heating, take a few minutes to ask: what is baseboard heating and how does it work?

What is ductless heating system?

If you don’t want to convert your home to central heating and cooling, the ductless HVAC system — also called a mini-split system — is a great way to get a more efficient system at a more economical price.

Why is my baseboard heater loud?

The heater turns on and starts to blast the house’s occupants with warm air. If you’re near the furnace when this happens or the blower isn’t in great shape, it can be loud enough to disrupt a conversation or make sleep more difficult. Baseboard heat isn’t like this.

What is zone heating?

Zone heating allows families to set different temperatures in different areas of the home. Today it’s often presented as a digital feature allowing you to designate different parts of your home to be heated and cooled at certain preset temperatures without being influenced by temperatures in other areas of the house. Electric baseboard heaters have offered this option for years because each baseboard unit has its own thermostat.

How much energy savings can you get from ductless HVAC?

When you install a ductless HVAC unit in your home, you can expect to reduce the amount of energy loss via your home’s system by 30% annually. A reduction in energy loss means monthly energy savings!

How long do radiant ceiling heaters last?

While that is a long time, the NAHB rates radiant ceiling panels with a 40-year life. But beyond what the NAHB says, you should look carefully at the warranty. What you will find is that most wall or baseboard heaters only have a 2 or 3-year warranty. On the other hand, one of the leading manufacturers of radiant ceiling panels, Ducoterra, gives a 20-year warranty on their panels, the longest warranty in the industry. Why this is important is both long-term cost, but also convenience. When it is least expected, a wall or baseboard heater will fail in the cold weather, requiring an expensive service call from your local electrician.

How many fires were caused by electric heaters in 2009?

Safety – The National Fire Prevention Administration (NFPA) 2016 Report on Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment found that in 2009-2013 there were 6,950 home fires caused by fixed electric heaters (like wall and baseboard) which were responsible for a tragic 430 injuries, 50 deaths, and $155,000,000 in damages.

How does a radiant panel work?

Infrared radiant panels work in a more efficient way – they transfer heat directly using the same principle as how you are warmed when you are outside in the sun. In this way, heat energy is emitted from the radiant ceiling panel and warms you, your furniture, wall, floor, and other objects in your room ( which in turn re-radiate that heat back to you) rather than directly heating the air. The air temperature for a radiant heated room is lower than for a convection heated room, saving energy while delivering a superior level of thermal comfort.

How long does a radiant panel last?

And while radiant panels are slightly more expensive than wall or baseboard heaters, the increased efficiency of a radiant heat ceiling panel means that you will recoup the cost of the radiant heater in just 3 years for a baseboard and 6 years for a wall heater. After that, you save money each year.

What is the warranty on Ducoterra radiant ceiling panels?

On the other hand, one of the leading manufacturers of radiant ceiling panels, Ducoterra, gives a 20-year warranty on their panels, the longest warranty in the industry. Why this is important is both long-term cost, but also convenience. When it is least expected, a wall or baseboard heater will fail in the cold weather, ...

Can you replace a baseboard heater with a radiant ceiling?

If you care about safety, comfort, efficiency, and maximizing usable floor space, then you should seriously consider using radiant ceiling panels as your heating source rather than putting in or replacing your wall or baseboard heater.

Is a baseboard heater more efficient than a wall heater?

Based on several studies, radiant ceiling heaters are 35% more efficient than wall heaters and 50% more efficient than baseboards.

How Much Do Baseboard Heaters Cost?

An electric baseboard heater is relatively inexpensive. You can find them for $100 to $250 apiece depending on the options and quality. They’re the cheapest to buy, but they are also the most expensive to operate. Hydronic heaters can cost 2-4 times as much.

How much energy savings can you get from baseboard heaters?

This can produce energy savings up to 20% versus heating your entire home. You can also save money by running your baseboard heaters constantly. Baseboard heaters tend to be more expensive to power if you regularly turn them on and off or if you tend to change the temperate a lot.

What is a programmable thermostat?

A programmable thermostat for your baseboard electric heater lets you set it and forget it. This provides consistent temperatures with the ability to kick it up or down a few degrees as needed. Many baseboard heaters are also compatible with today’s popular smart thermostats. Insulate Your Home.

How does a hydronic heater work?

Hydronic heaters use liquid to provide the heat. They can be connected throughout a home to a central boiler. The heating element in the boiler warms the water (or oil) in a sealed system. The warm water is sent through tubing to provide baseboard heating in individual rooms.

What is baseboard heating called?

You might hear electrical heating baseboards called convection baseboard heat system. This is the most common type of base board heater and is designed to control the temperature within rooms.

Why are baseboard heaters so quiet?

Baseboard heaters are quiet, safe, and energy-efficient. Because of their small size, they take up very little space. They’re typically mounted underneath windows to counteract the cool air that falls from windows and are fairly inconspicuous.

How does a radiator work?

It works similar to the way old-fashioned radiators work. They do take longer to heat up vs convection heaters. It will take a bit longer to reach your target temperature. However, they provide longer-lasting heat and will continue to radiate heat even after they are turned off until the liquid cools. .

What is Baseboard Heating?

Baseboard heating is a type of central heating that uses convection to distribute heat. The process is made possible by the basic construction of the baseboard heaters. The baseboard heaters, installed at floor level, consist of tiny tubes filled with hot water.

Electric vs. Gas Baseboard Heating

When it comes to the advantages of each type, electric baseboard heaters are easier to install and offer more benefits when compared with gas systems.

How Does Gas Baseboard Heating Work?

Baseboard heaters are convective devices, so they use the same principle as a radiator. Hot water is put in the unit and heated before being released through small holes all around its base.

Pros of Gas Baseboard Heating

There are many benefits associated with gas baseboard heating, but the most important ones include:

Cons of Gas Baseboard Heating

Even though there are many benefits associated with this type of heating, it can cause more harm than good in some cases.

FAQs About Baseboard Heating

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and you need to consider several different factors before buying your new heater. There are two main types of systems: Gas baseboard and electric baseboard heating. In both cases, you’ll have to choose one that will fit your budget and needs.

Conclusion

There are many pros and cons to baseboard heating systems. There’s a lot to consider when buying baseboard heaters. You’ll need to do some research first before making any purchase.

How efficient are baseboard heaters?

I cringe when people say that electric baseboard heaters are 100% efficient. If they are, then heat pumps must be 300% efficient since they produce more heat (BTUs) output per watt of power input.

What are the advantages of electric baseboard heaters?

A few comments, since my first 4 years ago. Electric baseboard heaters have several advantages: low initial outlay, 100% efficient, silent (if they don't have fans). Disadvantage - electricity is probably the most expensive energy source. Mini splits (heat pumps): you get cooling, more efficient (greater than 100% because they move heat from a low temperature source to a higher temperature, that's why they are called heat PUMPS), cheapest to operate. Disadvantage - expensive purchase and install, requires maintenance (will increase long term operating cost), might be a little noisy, takes space outside and inside. Anything else requires burning something, which is less green, requires venting, but may be very quiet (I have a natural gas boiler which is very quiet, but it's on a 125 YO system with no pumps or blowers).

How much does it cost to install a tankless water heater?

Another analog is the Tankless water heater that I had installed. The plumbing company wanted $2000 to remove the existing water heater and install the new tankless water heater. My plumber installed the unit for $700 and electrician installed the outlet for $150. The longest part of the installation was the vent through the roof.

Can a baseboard electric heat pump be used for heat only?

If so, heat pump mini splits or a ducted central system can be considered for heat/cool or hydronic heat for heat only. Low temperature performance for heat pumps has improved dramatically in the last decade making it possible to use in colder climates. For heat only ,you could also consider propane-fueled, direct vent, wall hung heaters in some rooms.

Do mini splits use electricity?

Mini-splits ARE heat pumps; heat pumps use electricity but since they are transferring heat from colder to warmer areas, they are inherently more efficient than resistance heaters, which is what your baseboards are. I would suggest you consider one mini-split with the maximum number of heads (3?) and plan to use it as your primary source of heat. A baseboard heater and/or the kerosene heater could be used as backup or when the mini-split is inadequate. Of course, the mini-split gives you cooling as well as heating, which none of these other options do.

How much does it cost to install a four head HVAC system?

The cost to install would be reasonable at around $2000 for all four head units. This is consistent with all the information that I have seen about the level of effort required to complete the tasks. I have friends who work on HVAC systems.

Is oil filled heating more efficient than gas?

More effecient? NO,not one bit. Safer? Yes,on both considerations ( clildren and fire safty) Oil filled doesn't increase energy effeciency but slightly equal's out warm and cool areas within room. You are still overlooking the fact a single mini-split in one room will carry much of the demand in adjoining rooms. Are aware that one mini-split can be equiped with delivery units in multiple rooms? The question you should be asking yourself is, how long it takes for a heat pump or MS to pay for it's self in energy savings. The answer is not long and your utility company can tell you almost exactly how long. Then there's natural gas which is a huge improvment over baseboard heaters. Even propane can be a wise investment, how wise depends on local cost of delivery.

How does baseboard heat work?

Some types produce heat by electrical current flowing through metal fins running through the length of the heater, while others are heated by copper pipes carrying hot water or steam that heat up the metal fins. Heat radiates into the room through the con vection currents caused ...

Why is dust on my baseboards?

In homes that are heated by electric or hot water/steam baseboard heaters, dust can gather on the radiator fins inside the casing on the heaters, leading to reduced efficiency. This is a more common problem with older homes, which are often filled with gaps around baseboards, windows and doors, and pipes where dust can travel freely through ...

How to clean a rusty heater cover?

If you accidentally bend any fins, you can gently straighten them back out with needle-nose pliers. And if you spot any rust on the metal, apply a little rust remover . Finally, wipe any remaining dirt by hand with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, and don't forget to clean the heater cover before replacing it.

Can you see a heater when it is operating?

Though you can't see it, when the heaters are operating, a current of air is constantly circulating, with cold air at floor level being drawn through the bottom of the heater, past the radiating fins, and out the top of the heater casing. When dust clogs the fins of the heater, they no longer can radiate heat efficiency.

Do baseboard heaters use less energy?

Clean heaters use less energy, so keeping up on their maintenance will almost certainly save you some money. In addition, keep the area around a baseboard heater clean, as any dust and dirt there can be drawn into the unit on air currents.

Why are baseboard heaters so popular?

Baseboard heaters are popular for a few reasons: they are comparatively inexpensive to install and can even solve the problem of how to heat a century-old home. But when it comes to their energy efficiency and effect on your heating bills, how do they stack up against the competition?

How to increase baseboard heat efficiency?

You can also increase your baseboard's efficiency by ensuring the rest of your home holds in the heat for longer. Here are a few tips for keeping your baseboard heat efficient throughout the chillier months.

How does an electric baseboard heater work?

Here's how they work: an electric current directly heats metal coils inside of your baseboard heaters, a bit like a toaster oven.

Why use resistance baseboard?

This is because the upfront cost of the electric baseboard units is so cheap compared to other heating systems. However, the U.S. Department of Energy says ...

How far should a curtain hang from the baseboard heater?

If the curtain hangs in front of the heater, it must hang a minimum of three inches out and away from the front of the unit.

What are the two types of baseboard heaters?

To find your answer, let's take a closer look at the two main types of baseboard heaters—electric and hydronic. The science used for each type of baseboard heater differs, and with those differences come varying efficiencies.

Which is better, hydronic or convection baseboard?

Hands down, hydronic baseboards are more efficient than convection heaters. However, they can still waste energy, especially if your baseboard heaters have trouble distributing the heat evenly.