Are Baseboard Heaters More Efficient?

When finding electric baseboard heaters that are most suitable for your home you need to look into the differences between electric heaters. How do they use electricity and does it make your home’s heating system more energy efficient?

Even though you may know a lot there is likely to be stuff you may not know about electric baseboard heaters, one thing you should know is that they are an affordable alternative method for keeping your home comfortably warm.

Are New Heaters Really More Efficient?

Energy efficient baseboard heaters are said to be the most budget-friendly form of heat. These heaters are efficient heat distributors which also makes them more cost-efficient. But are new heaters really more efficient than the older models?

Read on to learn why these are friendly on your wallet and why they also make your home much more comfortable in the winter.

Why It Functions Efficiently

To understand why baseboard heating is an efficient source of heat, you need to understand how they work. The technology behind it is quite simple but the benefits are manifold.

There are different types of electric heaters but they all include a heating element through which electric current runs. The energy from that electrical current is then converted to heat energy.

In the basic convection model, there are several heating elements that dissipate warm air to its surrounding area. With the electric hydronic baseboard heaters, the heating element heats up a liquid, usually water, which steams up to let warm air travel through the room.

Both types are efficient in transforming electrical energy into heat. However, the hydronic baseboard heater is even better at reducing heat loss because the liquid can hold heat longer.

In short, there is no loss of energy during the electric to heat energy conversion which means that you are not wasting any electricity. Not wasting electricity means that what you are paying for the electricity, is exactly what you get in heat.

Installation and Monthly Running Costs

The 100% energy conversion is the first way in which these heating appliances are efficient. The next question is whether the costs associated with this form of heating also translate to lower overall costs.

Buying a new unit is quite affordable with many models costing less than $150. The basic convection type is the less expensive option with most models costing less than $70.

The highest price tag is attached to the installation of the units. Having a professional in to do it for you will obviously cost and, depending on the ease of the job and the time it takes, exactly how much will vary

The running costs depend on what you are paying for electricity, how many you are running and what temperature you set them to.

To get a good estimate, calculate the kilowatt-hours of your heaters and multiply this by the rate your electricity provider gives you. Below is an example of the calculations:

Step 1: Wattage ÷ 1000 = kilowatts

Step 2: Kilowatts x number of running hours per day = kilowatt-hours (kWh)

Step 3: Kilowatt-hours x electricity rate = daily running cost

Step 4: Daily running cost x 30 = monthly running cost

How to Further Lower Costs

In theory, baseboard heating runs efficiently and costs less than a regular furnace but there several ways that it can run less than optimal. Fortunately, there are also enough tricks to help you keep control over the energy bills.

Once you have decided which are the best baseboard heaters for your needs, below are a few do’s and don’ts when they are installed to ensure they run at their best.

 

1. Don’t Block the Airflow

Keep all furniture and objects about 6 – 12 inches away from the heater. Also, let the drapes end several inches above the heating device and let the carpet start at least 3 inches away from it if it is thick.

2. Don’t Skip Cleaning and Maintenance

These are low-maintenance home appliances but occasional cleaning is necessary to make sure that the heat spreads evenly. Prevent the buildup of dust and dirt so that your unit keeps running smoothly.

3. Do Keep All Doors and Windows Closed

Since they are zoning heaters, opening doors and windows makes them less impactful. Keep all the warmth inside the room by keeping the doors and windows closed.

4. Do Set Different Temperatures at Different Times

Lower the thermostat when you are being active inside the house or when you are not using the room. Temperatures above 20℃ have a higher running cost so limiting the time above this temperature also reduces your running costs.

Conclusion 

There are many benefits to using electric baseboard heaters in your house. There is 100% energy conversion, is easy to install and has low maintenance.

More importantly, the running costs are relatively cheaper than other heating methods and you have control over it, too.