Three Baseboard Heating Myths
The type of heating system that you have installed in your house is a major decision to be made. In addition to having a high initial investment, this project will also require ongoing expenses to operate and they will play a critical role in determining the comfort of the house. Sadly, baseboard heating is an option that is frequently overlooked, but it can be a great heating solution for a variety of home styles, shapes and heating needs.
Myth: Baseboard Heating Is Inefficient
There is a frequent notion that a baseboard heating system will be somewhat less efficient that other styles of heating systems. Yet, these systems can actually be far more efficient for a couple of different reasons. Firstly, these systems are usually much smaller than conventional heating systems, and this can contribute to them having a lower energy demand. Furthermore, less of the heat generated by these systems will be lost. With a conventional forced air system, much of the heated air that exits vents near the ceiling will get trapped near the ceiling before it can provide noticeable benefits to the occupants due to its tendency to rise. In contrast, a baseboard heat system will allow the heat to travel the full distance from the floor to ceiling, and this can allow it to heat more of the room.
Myth: Baseboard Heating Always Requires A Heated Fluid To Function
It is often assumed that a baseboard heating system will require a fluid to operate. While there are many of these systems that use fluids to transport the heat, this is not a universal requirement. For homeowners that want to avoid the additional maintenance that a fluid-based system will need, this can be a relief. There are many baseboard heating systems that are fully electric, and these systems have basic heating elements in them that will produce heat as electricity flows through them.
Myth: Baseboard Heating Will Require Ducting
For those that live in smaller homes or that have relatively limited budgets for installing heating systems, the prospects of installing ducting throughout the home can be intimidating. In addition to requiring large amounts of space, ducting can be extremely expensive to have installed. Luckily, a baseboard heating system will not require ducting to function. The heat from these systems is distributed through passive convection. For systems that require a fluid to deliver heat, a series of small tubes will need to be installed. These tubes should not require much space, and they will be far less expensive than installing full-sized ducting.