What is Baseboard Heating?
Unlike gas heaters or the traditional heating sources that a household relies on in winter to take the edge off the outside chill, baseboard heating focuses on heating the air near the floor. The heated air then rises and pushes the cold air in the room back down to the floor to be heated. An electric baseboard heater is designed to work on the principle of natural convection. The hot air in a room is more buoyant than the cold air and will continually rise, keeping the heating process going.
Electric Baseboard Heating is Safe, Affordable and Convenient
Electric baseboard heating is very affordable compared to other methods of heating a house and requires minimal maintenance. The electric heaters sit relatively quiet against a wall or baseboard and blends in well in most house settings. They are energy efficient and are often placed near windows to keep out the cold air that seeps in around windowsills and window frames.
Sometimes called a space heater, the baseboard heater can be portable and built with shut-off safety functions to prevent fire. Homeowners can place them on or near carpet without any worry. The safety feature is also a relief to buyers who have pets and small children.
Hard-wired Baseboard Heating
The alternative to the portable heater is a hard-wired heater attached permanently to the baseboard. There are no cables or cords to create trip hazards or electrocution hazards. The hard-wired heating system can be purchased in 120 or 240 volts, which makes them more powerful than portable heating systems. Buyers who like all the details of the heater to be tucked away find this heater a better-fitted purchase.
Hydronic Baseboard Heating
Another option is the hydronic baseboard heater with a central hot water source. This heater type evolved from cast iron radiator heaters popular in homes and schools during the 1940s. Like the basic baseboard heater, it is positioned along the base of the wall and heats cool air near the floor. An advantage of the hydronic hot water heat system is its low external operating temperature. Peeling paint, swollen wood or other structural damage from moisture is almost non-existent.
A central boiler is required for the hydronic heater. Hot water comes from that central boiler to the baseboard heater, and cold water is piped back to the central boiler to be heated. The boiler and return lines required for a hydronic unit makes it complicated and expensive to install into an existing house. It can, however, be planned for new houses. Portable hydronic units are also available that have a built-in thermostat to control the temperature, and they plug into the standard household electrical outlet.
Baseboard Heating 101 - Hydronic Heaters
Baseboard Heating Models
Fahrenheat FBE15002. This is one of the best portable electronic baseboard heaters you can buy. At 1500 watts, it can heat rooms up to 150 square feet. Customer reviews have indicated that the heater works uniformly, delivering heat from ceiling to floor consistently. With both a pilot indicator light and a wattage indicator light, the manufacturer is committed to safety. It even has an automatic thermal cut-out protection in case it gets knocked over or there is an accidental air blockage.
A two-pole thermostat and two heat settings on the Fahrenheat allow users to customize the heating experience that they want. The unit is lightweight and has two handles for easy moving to any location. It has two Lexan end panels, which make the outer casing durable and flame resistant. It is well priced and retails for less than $100.
Q-Mark HBB1000. The Hydronic Q-Mark HBB1000 baseboard heater is made of steel and has large heating fans for overheating protection. There are three features that make this heater stand out against its competitors:
- Heavy-duty grills on this 15-pound model protect the heating elements and make it easy for the heater to push heat out into a room.
- One of its key features is an extra large reservoir to store water. This helps the unit retain heat longer.
- The Q-Mark HBB1000 has low surface temperature.
Like most hard-wired heaters, it mounts easily up against any wall or any floor surface (tile, carpet or hardwoods). It is ideal for heating bathrooms or small rooms up to 100 square feet. Other recommended models for the Q-Mark series are the HBB1254 and the HBB1004. The base model is priced just around $200.
Dimplex Premium Quality Linear Convector Baseboard Heaters. This Dimplex heater has the smallest footprint of almost any other comparable heater. These heaters are available in 20-inch to 60-inch lengths (from 500 to 2,500 watts). The Dimplex heater works by sending airflow vertical directly to the ceiling. The Dimplex has an air velocity up to 40 percent faster than conventional baseboard heater. This brand of heater costs under $70 for the 1500 watt model.
Buderus Model 21 Hydronic Panel Radiator. The Buderus Model 21 is a 12″ x 36″ Hydronic Panel Radiator doesn’t have any humming noises that are generally connected to other heaters and uses much less space. It is designed to heat objects rather than heating the air, so the room starts feeling warm at a lower temperature. Because of the way the Buderus is designed – like a flat box with closed vents – it is tough for dirt and dust to collect in its frame. The Buderus is not the most economical buy at around $400, but it does eliminate noise and the cleaning work required on other models.
Cadet 1000W. The Cadet 1000 Watt Electric Baseboard Heater is a great buy for those who must stick to a tight budget. At around $40, this 120 volt heater gives off 1,000 watts. It is a hard-wired unit that weighs just over nine pounds. It is powder coated for a smooth finish but made of durable rugged steel. Because of its ease to install and its affordability, many multi-unit building owners choose this model. The Cadet electric heater works with either a wall-mount or built-in thermostat and an automatic thermal shutoff device included.
The Final Baseboard Heater Choice
No matter which method of baseboard heating you choose, it is important to select a system that is approved by UL (Underwriters’ Laboratories) safety testing methods and fits the needs of your household. If there are small kids who are still curious about exploring, portable heaters may not be the best choice. If you do not have a newly built house, hydronic baseboard heating units may not be the best choice. Most important of all, your heating system should give you the heating comfort you need without you having to break the bank to buy it or break your back to install it.