There is little doubt that the most efficient baseboard heating is that which use hydronics. When electric baseboard heating was first developed, the heat source was an electrical element or grid that glowed red hot in operation. These older units cooled down as quickly as they heated up and as a result, although they generated heat, they were far from efficient. Not only were they inefficient and consumed a lot of electricity, they were hot to the touch and not considered safe, especially if there were small children in the home.
Today, highly efficient baseboard heating has been developed but it still takes study before you purchase and install the system.
* 120 or 240 volt: Usually a 120 volt heater is considered portable as it can plug into any domestic outlet. A 120 volt unit has quite low wattage. A 240 volt unit is more efficient and is usually high wattage; these heaters will require a dedicated circuit.
* Windows: Baseboard heaters can be installed under windows however it is recommended that curtains be kept away from draping on the heater. Actually, installing the unit under the window is a good idea as the cool air which comes from the window is heated before it has a chance to hit the floor. Most homes do not have furniture under the window, this means that the heater is open to the room and as a result, heats more efficiently.
* Thermostat location: The thermostat must not be mounted on the wall over the heater as the readings will not be correct for the room temperature. Locate the thermostat on an interior wall well away from the heating unit, in this way the entire room will settle at a constant temperature.
* Electrical cords: Portable electric baseboard heaters can plug directly into a wall socket. Make sure the heater is not located below the socket as the cable will probably drape over the heater surface which is not safe. Place the heater close to a socket but when the cable is plugged in make sure it is kept well away from the heater itself.
* Floors: Baseboard heaters are to be installed on the walls and not on the floor unless it is a portable unit.
Highly efficient baseboard heating can be even more so when specific attention is paid to the installation and location.
