The cheapest baseboard heat would be electric strip heat...... except for the electricity. If you want a more efficient heat source go to hydronic with baseboard radiators and then use a boiler fired with gas, propane, or wood or a large hot water heater fired with natural gas or propane.
Not really. The cost of heat is determined by the time the furnace or heater runs. Whenever it is off, there is no cost. After being off, it takes longer to regain temperature, but not sufficiently to be longer than if it were on all the time.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save on utility bills by turning down their thermostats before they go to sleep and during the daytime hours when/if no one is home. You can save an average of 1% on energy costs for every degree reduced on your thermostat.
Electric baseboard heaters are generally more energy-efficient for long-term use because they convert nearly all the electricity they use into heat and can be controlled to heat specific areas. Space heaters can consume more electricity, especially when used for prolonged periods.
Choose an energy-efficient setting: 68 degrees when you're home and 60 degrees when sleeping or away. (Exception: For ceiling cable heat, change only 2 to 3 degrees at a time for the most efficiency.) Each degree you lower the temperature throughout your home saves an estimated 2 percent on your heating costs.
While electric baseboard heaters offer a reliable, cost-effective heating option, the Department of Energy (DOE) recommends heat pump style systems, such as Mitsubishi ductless systems, as a more efficient way of heating your home.
Heat pumps, which use electricity to transfer heat from outside the home into it, rather than heating up like a toaster oven, are 3 times more efficient than electric furnaces and baseboard heating systems. That inefficiency means electric heating uses more electricity, which translates to higher utility bills.
Removing baseboard heating is pretty affordable, mostly because it doesn't require any specialty supplies or expensive tools. Booking a professional to pull out an old baseboard heating unit will usually cost between $120 and $150.
Because baseboard heaters are outdated systems, you may need to hire heating repair services more often just to ensure they are in good working order. In contrast, more modern HVAC systems won't require as much maintenance, and they can efficiently heat your entire house through ducts and vents.
To save money, aim to have your temperature set around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and awake. This is a comfortable temperature for most with the help of a light sweater. Overnight and when you're out, around 64 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your home at a good temperature.
Gas bills are dictated by the price of gas and the amount of energy you use. Factors such as outdated appliances, outdated thermostats, and insufficient insulation will play a part in your gas bill rising. Regularly performing a home energy audit can help you lower your gas bill and create a more energy-efficient home.
Maintain Clearance: Keep furniture at least 6 inches away from baseboard heaters. This prevents the blockage of heat and reduces fire risk.
Electric baseboard heaters have an on-and-off switch, but you can leave them running at a regular temperature setting.
Troubleshooting Electric Baseboard Heaters
Inadequate Heat: If the heater is on but not providing enough warmth, ensure that it's not being obstructed by furniture and that the vents are clean. Also, verify that the unit's size is adequate for the room.
According to the experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea that you can save money by keeping your central heating permanently on low is a myth. This is mainly because of problems with home insulation. If your house is old or draughty, for example, heat will be leaking out through windows and doors.
Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.
The ideal thermostat temperature in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away.