Introduction – Baseboard Heat Vs Forced Air
Baseboard heat and forced air heat are two popular heating solutions for homes. Baseboard heat is a system that uses radiators and convection currents to heat a room, while forced air heat is a system that uses a fan to blow hot air from a furnace around a home. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, such as cost, efficiency, and maintenance. It is important to consider all the factors when deciding which type of heating system is best for your home. In this post we’ll discuss Baseboard Heat Vs Forced Air including operating costs.
Baseboard Heat Basics
Baseboard heat is a system that uses radiators and convection currents to heat a room. The radiators are placed at the base of the wall, allowing heat to rise and distribute around the room. This type of system is easy to install, cost-effective, and flexible since it can be installed in individual rooms or throughout the home. Additionally, baseboard heat is less effective in larger spaces and can take a while to heat up a room.
One great advantage is you don’t need ductwork which means no cutting into closets and ceilings to drop big ducts. This might even be impossible in old, small homes that have no space to route ductwork.
Forced Air Heat Basics
Forced air heat is a system that uses a fan to blow hot air from a furnace around a home. This type of system is more efficient than baseboard heat since it can heat up a room quickly due to the convective processes that circulate the air and provide even temperatures.
Additionally, forced air heat is more effective in larger spaces, making it ideal for larger homes. However, forced air heat can be more costly to install and maintain due to the complexity of the system. Furthermore, the air can be dry and dusty, which can be uncomfortable for some people.
Ducts are a necessary component of forced air heating systems, as they are used to transport the hot air from the furnace to the different rooms in the home. Ducts are typically made from materials such as metal, plastic, or fiberglass and must be properly insulated and sealed to ensure the hot air is being distributed properly.
Regular maintenance of the ducts is necessary to ensure they are clean and functioning properly.
Comparing The Two
When comparing baseboard heat and forced air heat, it is important to consider the cost, efficiency, and maintenance of each system. Baseboard heat is typically cheaper to install, but it can be more expensive to maintain since the radiators may need to be replaced more often. Forced air heat is more efficient since it can heat up a room quickly and provide consistent temperatures. However, it is more expensive to install and requires more frequent maintenance. Both systems need to be maintained regularly to ensure they are running efficiently.
Baseboard Heat Vs Forced Air Costs – Energy Source Dominates
Both baseboard heat and forced air heat can be driven by any one of the energy sources, such as solar, electricity, natural gas, electric resistive heat, and oil. For example, solar energy can be used to power a solar-powered baseboard heating system as well as a solar-powered forced air heating system. Similarly, electricity can be used to power an electric-powered baseboard heating system as well as an electric-powered forced air heating system. Natural gas, electric resistive heat, and oil can also be used to power both types of heating systems. We have covered heating costs of every energy source technology in great detail.
Therefore the dominant effect on the cost of baseboard heat and forced air heat is the energy source and technology used. Solar is the most carbon efficient, while electricity driven heat pumps are the cheapest. Natural gas is the next most cost effective option, followed by electric resistive heat and oil. It is important to consider the energy source and technology when deciding which type of heating system is best for your home.
| Energy Source | Estimated Annual Cost In Cold Climate |
| Electric – Heat Pump (Forced Air Only) | $1700 |
| Natural Gas (Both) | $2300 |
| Oil (Both) | $4900 |
| Electric – (Both) | $5100 |
Let’s go through each one of these carefully.
Electric Heat Pump – Forced Air Only
This is a highly efficient and cost-effective heating system that is more energy-efficient than traditional electric heaters. The heat pump works by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it into the home using air as a medium, allowing it to maintain a comfortable temperature. The heat pump also has a cooling function, which allows it to act as an air conditioner in the summer. As far as we know, there are no models that couple the heated air to water as needed for a baseboard system.
Natural Gas – Both
The furnace works by burning the natural gas to create heat. The heat is used to either heat air that’s circulated by forced air systems or heat water to circulate in a baseboard system. Both work very well.
Oil – Both
Oil heating is another popular option for both baseboard and forced air heating systems. In baseboard heating systems, oil is used to heat up the radiators, which then distribute the heat throughout the home. In forced air heating systems, oil is used to power the furnace, which then blows the hot air around the home through the ducts. Oil heating is a reliable heating option, but it is one of the least energy-efficient and most expensive options. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the systems are installed and maintained correctly to ensure safety.
Electric – Both
Electric resistive heating is a popular option for both baseboard and forced air heating systems. As with oil, electric resistive heating is used to heat up the radiators, which then distribute the heat throughout the home. In forced air heating systems, electric resistive heating is used to power the furnace, which then blows the hot air around the home through the ducts. Electric resistive heating is the least energy-efficient and most expensive operationally. The EPA site explains in more detail what this means.
Conclusion – Baseboard Heat Vs Forced Air
In conclusion, baseboard heat and forced air heat are two popular heating solutions for homes. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages, such as cost, efficiency, and maintenance. It is important to consider all the factors when deciding which type of heating system is best for your home, including the energy source and technology used and the size of the space.
Solar is the most carbon efficient but you will face a high upfront cost because it means installation of panels on your roof, while electric resistive heat and oil are the least efficient and most expensive options. Ultimately, the best type of heating system for your home will depend on your individual needs and budget.
