Baseboard heating is an efficient and effective way to heat your home. There are two ways to run baseboard heaters: gas or electric. Which one is more common, and is it right for you?
The most common way to run baseboard heating is by using electricity. Gas baseboard heating is quite uncommon. Electric baseboard heating is much more efficient than gas baseboard heating, making it a popular option among homeowners. It’s also easier to install and maintain.
The rest of this article will provide an overview of the different types of baseboard heating, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. So keep reading if you’re interested in installing baseboard heating in your home!
Why Electric Baseboard Heaters Are More Common Than Gas Baseboard Heaters
Electric baseboard heaters and gas baseboard heaters are two popular choices for homeowners. While both provide reliable heating, electric baseboard heaters have become more common in recent years.
Gas baseboard heaters burn natural gas or propane to heat the air. A blower fan then distributes the heat.
On the other hand, electric baseboard heaters work by heating coils behind metal fins. Convection then distributes the heat.
Electric baseboard heaters are more common than gas baseboard heaters for these reasons:
● Electric baseboard heaters are less expensive to install than gas heaters. As a result, they’re a great option for those looking for an economical heating solution.
● Electric heaters are more efficient than gas heaters, meaning they use less energy to produce the same heat.
● Electric baseboard heaters are safer than gas heaters because they don’t produce any carbon footprint.
How To Know if Your Baseboard Heater Is Gas or Electric?
If you need to know whether you have a gas or electric baseboard heater in your home, there are a few things you can look for to determine the type of heater you have.
● Pilot light. Gas baseboard heaters typically have a pilot light, while electric baseboard heaters will not.
● Thermostat. Gas baseboard heaters have a thermostat that controls gas flow to the burner. In contrast, electric baseboard heaters have a thermostat that controls the amount of electricity that flows to the heating element.
● Sound. Gas baseboard heaters tend to make a loud noise, while electric baseboard heaters only make a discreet noise.
If you still need to figure it out, you can always call a professional to come and take a look. They’ll be able to tell you for sure what type of system you have!
Gas vs. Electric Baseboard Heating: Which One Is More Beneficial?
You should consider several factors when deciding whether to use gas or electric baseboard heating in your home.
Here are the pros and cons of each type of heating so that you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you.
Gas Baseboard Heating: Pros and Cons
Using baseboard heating has many advantages. However, you have to think about the potential drawbacks before making a purchasing decision.
Pros
● Gas baseboard heaters are easy to use and operate.
● Gas baseboard heaters can heat rooms with limited airflow.
● They’re effective for zone heating because you can install numerous thermostats and control valves in different rooms.
● The heat generated by a gas baseboard heater does not lose warmth when it passes through ductwork.
Cons
● It takes a long time for a gas baseboard heater to heat up.
● The installation and maintenance costs of a gas baseboard heater are high.
● Since gas baseboard heaters aren’t great at cooling, an additional air conditioning system would cost you more.
Electric Baseboard Heating: Pros and Cons
You’re not alone if you’re considering electric baseboard heating for your home. This type of heating has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to its many advantages.
But like any other type of heating, electric baseboard heaters have potential drawbacks.
Pros
● Electric baseboard heaters are designed not to make any noise, so you can expect them to be discreet and unobtrusive in your home.
● Installing an electric baseboard heater is a relatively simple process that takes a few hours.
● Electric baseboard heaters are very cheap to operate and maintain.
● Electric baseboard heaters help you save on energy costs and reduce the overall cost of heating your home.
● Electric baseboard heaters are considered one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways of zone heating.
Cons
● While electric baseboard heaters do not require the same level of maintenance as other heaters, they must be cleaned to prevent dust and dirt build-up.
● They produce dry heat, which can create problems for people who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems.
When it comes to home heating, you have multiple options for achieving a comfortable and energy-efficient environment.
Read “Heating Your Home With Electric Heaters? (Types and How They Work)” for more tips on how to heat your home.
Final Thoughts
Electric baseboard heaters are more common than their gas counterparts for many reasons.
First, electric baseboard heaters are more efficient since they don’t have to heat a large volume of air before you feel the heat.
Electric baseboard heaters are also easier to install and require less maintenance than gas heaters.
Sources
HVAC Seer: Are Baseboard Heaters Electric Or Gas?| Vent and Cover: Hydronic Baseboard Heaters vs. Electric Baseboard Heaters | First Supply: Pros and Cons of Hydronic Heating | Home Climates: PROS AND CONS OF ELECTRIC BASEBOARD HEAT | Action Furnace: Pilot Lights Explained: Natural Gas Pilot Light Basics
