Ductless HVAC systems, also known as mini-split systems, are a good alternative to baseboard
Wall furnaces are one of the top alternatives to electric baseboard heating. These are smaller heating systems set up in the wall. A wall furnace's primary energy source is electricity. Wall furnaces are pretty reliable and tend to work faster.
In short, heat pumps are more efficient overall, as well as better at maintaining set points and providing temperature control. Let's learn more about baseboard heaters versus split-ductless systems and how they compare.
Because baseboard heaters are outdated systems, you may need to hire heating repair services more often just to ensure they are in good working order.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.
The heat generated by baseboard heaters is a very dry heat. People who use them often get dry skin, dry throats, dry eyes, and bloody noses. You can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, but this requires more electricity and regular cleaning.
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.
Baseboard heaters are best for small spaces, particularly if you live in an area where you don't need air conditioning in the summer, since you can turn off the heaters for part of the year. If your home is located somewhere that experiences harsh winters though, baseboard heaters may not be ideal.
Expected life – According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a cadet-type wall heater or baseboard heater has a 10-15 year expected life. 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.
The life expectancy of hot water baseboard heaters is about 20 years, however, with care they can last much longer. That's why you see them in older homes so often. But age doesn't mean they are defunct. The technology hasn't changed that much and there's a reason for that: it works.
Ductless heat pumps/mini split systems are one of the top alternatives to baseboard heaters if you're looking for the energy efficiency of electric heat but want to avoid the drawbacks listed above. A ductless mini split provides all the benefits of zoned climate control, and doesn't require ductwork.
Remove the System From the Wall
Inside the heater, you should find a few screws that hold the unit to the wall. Unscrew them with your Phillips screwdriver, then carefully pull the heater away from the wall, making sure not to yank on the wires. If the heater gets stuck, use a putty knife to help you remove it.
Generally speaking, electric baseboard heaters are safe when installed correctly and kept far away from any flammable materials. Exercise caution if you have children or pets in a home with electric baseboard heat. These become much hotter to the touch than hydronic and burns can result.
Hardwoods like oak and maple are an excellent choice of baseboard materials if seeking wood baseboards that can be stained. Hardwoods take stain and varnish well but are significantly more expensive than jointed pine and MDF. Hardwoods are popular as baseboards because of their durability.
This is because cold air can leak through and create unpleasant drafts. The heat from a baseboard heater under a window will rise and help to offset that cool air, the more cold air that comes in, the harder a heater has to work. This can lead to higher energy costs.
While high-quality baseboard heat can provide a simple and cost-effective supplement to central air for homeowners, mini-split heat pump systems provide an option that rivals baseboard in every critical aspect without the necessity of invasive ductwork.
Ductless HVAC systems, also known as mini-split systems, are a good alternative to baseboard heating that can provide efficient and flexible heating and cooling.
On average, the heaters themselves cost anywhere from $40 to $650 per unit, depending on size and wattage, plus between $200 and $400 each for labor. In other words, it's best to use fewer baseboards to warm larger spaces whenever possible.
Even if you enjoy your baseboard heaters, you should still consider talking to an HVAC specialist about upgrading to a more modern heating and cooling system. An HVAC system will not only provide you with a reliable heating and cooling system but also give your home a modern upgrade you can appreciate.
However, the time of your grandparent's baseboard heaters is long gone. 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 Are Their Cons? Baseboard heaters may not be the best option for living rooms, open floor spaces and other large areas. It's because the warm air they produce only slightly rises before dissipating into the room's atmosphere.
Hydronic baseboard heaters radiate heat heated water and are the most efficient form of heating and costs significantly less than electric. Electric heaters, generate and maintain their temperature through electricity.
Natural gas is likely the cheapest way to heat your home, provided you have natural gas in your area. A natural gas furnace costs $30 to $60 per month to run, which makes it 30% to 85% cheaper to run than an oil, electric, or propane furnace.
Example (you can use an electric heater running cost calculator below for different wattages/kWh prices): If we assume the price of electricity is $0.1319 per kWh, a 1,500-watt electric space heater will cost; $0.20 to run per hour. $4.80 to run per 24 hours (day). $11.20 to run per week (8h/day).