We all desire our heating to keep our homes cozy and warm, but it would be nice if it didn’t cost much. There are many types of heating systems, with gas baseboard heating being one of them. A gas baseboard heating system provides you with the ability to stay warm without spending too much.
Gas baseboard heating is a type of central heating that uses convection to distribute heat. Gas baseboards are sometimes considered an alternative or supplemental home heating source, but they’re not as popular as other types.
What is Baseboard Heating?
Baseboard heating is a type of central heating that uses convection to distribute heat. The process is made possible by the basic construction of the baseboard heaters. The baseboard heaters, installed at floor level, consist of tiny tubes filled with hot water.
The baseboard heaters can be used to supplement other types of home heating too. However, they are not as popular in homes because gas baseboards cost more than electric and oil-fired units.
Types of Gas Baseboard Heating
There are two main types of gas baseboard heating systems.
Gas-heated baseboard
The most common type is the one that uses natural gas, and it’s also known as a hot water system or hydronic heat.
Electric Baseboard Heater
The other type, which is less popular than the first mentioned above, is the electric baseboard heater. This system works by running electricity through wires to heat the element.
They both work similarly, but the electric baseboard heater is more expensive to run and less efficient.
Electric vs. Gas Baseboard Heating
When it comes to the advantages of each type, electric baseboard heaters are easier to install and offer more benefits when compared with gas systems.
The main difference is that they take up less space than traditional or hot water baseboards. This is because there aren’t any pipes in them. They can be placed anywhere without worrying about where the plumbing is and how it’s laid out.
On the other hand, gas baseboard heating is more efficient in terms of energy use. It has a longer lifespan than electric systems and works well with small homes or apartments. Additionally, it can provide heat where you need it without wasting extra energy on areas already warm enough.
Overall, gas-based systems are more expensive than electric types of heating systems, especially if you’re looking for a new system or installation. The main problem is with natural gas not being available everywhere in the country.
Electric gas systems also offer a more even heat distribution because there is no hot water to cool off. However, that doesn’t mean they’re better for everyone. Some people prefer the natural look of traditional or hydronic baseboard radiators since they tend to blend into the environment easily.
How Does Gas Baseboard Heating Work?
Baseboard heaters are convective devices, so they use the same principle as a radiator. Hot water is put in the unit and heated before being released through small holes all around its base.
The heat transfers from one surface to another. When you stand in front of it, your body absorbs this warmth, making you feel more comfortable.
That’s not all there is to it. The hot water or steam also rises, which will go up the wall, which transfers heat through radiation. It’s worth mentioning that gas baseboard heaters use forced water circulation so the hot water doesn’t stagnate in them, which could be a problem.
The main benefit of this system is that it can modulate your home’s temperature. However, it would be best to remember that convective devices are slower at heating than resistive ones like electric heaters.
Pros of Gas Baseboard Heating
There are many benefits associated with gas baseboard heating, but the most important ones include:
Affordability
The gas baseboard heating system is cost-friendly. The initial costs might be a bit high because you need to pay for professional installation. However, there aren’t any monthly bills or maintenance fees required. When compared to other types of home heating systems, it is more cost-effective.
Efficiency
Since gas baseboard heating uses convection, it offers more even heat distribution than forced air or electric systems making it more efficient. While using it, the temperature will be everywhere without significant changes throughout the day. This brings comfort, regardless of your position in your living room or bedroom.
Control
You can easily control a gas baseboard heating system with a thermostat. Because it’s a convective system, gas baseboard heating is regulated with a programmable thermostat. The thermostat will automatically let you decide on your home’s temperature for different times of day or night. You don’t have this option with other systems because they rely on forced air instead.
Eco-friendly
The gas baseboard heating I considered green and eco-friendly since there is no combustion involved in gas heating. With the gas baseboard, you won’t have to deal with all the harmful gases or byproducts from burning oil or coal. These include toxic carbon dioxide gas and black soot.
Saves on Cash
Due to their efficiency, gas heaters are the most preferred electric home heating systems on the market. While in use, the device does not accumulate monthly maintenance bills to be paid, saving you more money in the long run.
Cons of Gas Baseboard Heating
Even though there are many benefits associated with this type of heating, it can cause more harm than good in some cases.
High Initial Cost
Purchasing the gas baseboard heater can be expensive. Additionally, the cost of installation might be another cost since it would require the services of an expert.
Spike in Electricity Bills
If you don’t set the thermostat correctly, your electricity bill will go through the roof because it takes longer to heat your home.
Safety
Since water is involved, the gas baseboard is not considered safe because of the electrical shock hazard. If something goes wrong or the heating is under-maintained, it can easily cause an accident. However, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use gas baseboard heaters.
You need to be more careful and aware of the responsibilities associated with using them in your home. Keeping up with their maintenance routine is also vital.
Require Experts
You’ll have to pay for professional installation and repairs. It’s not like you can install this system by yourself; it requires a lot of knowledge and experience to get everything right. This means there will be additional costs associated with using gas baseboard heating in your home.
Humidity
The gas baseboard creates humidity when in use for a more extended period. That might not seem like a big deal because the humidity levels will remain standard for the most part. However, for people living in humid areas, it might cause problems.
Noisy
Gas baseboard heaters make a humming noise that is easily heard throughout the house. The noise produced can cause inconveniences to people who have low concentration levels performing other tasks while in the building.
Ventilation
You need venting for gas systems. It might not seem like a big deal, but you need to remember that this requires additional work and expenses. You will be required to customize your home if your home doesn’t have a venting system.
Not Aesthetically Pleasing
The gas baseboard system is not very aesthetically pleasing. The system can be bulky in some cases or has an industrial feel associated with it. It might not seem like a problem when looking at the bigger picture due to its performance.
However, if you’re looking for a more modern design, it can be challenging to integrate gas baseboard heating into the home.
FAQs About Baseboard Heating
What is the best gas baseboard heating system?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and you need to consider several different factors before buying your new heater. There are two main types of systems: Gas baseboard and electric baseboard heating. In both cases, you’ll have to choose one that will fit your budget and needs.
What is the best place to buy gas baseboard heating?
Both online and physical stores offer baseboard heating. You should always review your options before buying either of the two baseboard heaters. It would also be a good idea to compare different brands and retailers based on their prices.
Buying from a store, however, is the best option to consider. Not only does this give you a clear idea of what you need, but you also receive expert advice on the gas baseboard you need. For online stores, checking out customer reviews on their website is essential. This will help you get the ideal seller who is reliable.
How do you install gas baseboard heating?
Installing a gas baseboard is not complicated, and it only requires basic knowledge about the system itself for everything to go smoothly. The installation process should take less time if there aren’t any complications. However, the process might take a little longer depending on the specific type of heater you’re using.
Is gas baseboard heating dangerous?
For your protection and that of other people in your household, it is vital to take precautions and follow all safety guidelines.
When working around these heaters, it is best to secure pets and kids who might get hurt by mistake. Additionally, you can avoid accidents associated with improperly using the unit by calling gas baseboards experts to work on them.
Are gas baseboard heating units expensive?
No, they might seem like an unnecessary expense at first. However, gas baseboards are cheaper in the long run than other types of heaters. Gas-based heaters don’t use as much energy, and their operating costs are relatively low, making them an excellent choice for people on a budget.
How much does it cost to install gas baseboard heat?
It’s important to review your options and consider the costs of installing a new baseboard heater. If you already have a venting system, it can be as simple as connecting an electric or hydronic gas unit using flexible tubing.
However, if you don’t have access to this type of infrastructure in place, there might be additional expenses associated with plumbing and wiring.
How do you install gas baseboard heat?
To install a gas baseboard heat system, you will require a certified electrician. With the correct skillset, the process is not complicated. The electrician is required to install a wall box for the thermostat. The next step would be running a cable for the circuit. Mounting the baseboard heater on the wall would follow.
The next step would be making a wire connection between the heater and the thermostat. The circuit breaker is then connected to the panel. The last step of the installation process involves testing the heater by adjusting the thermostat to higher and lower temperatures.
How hot do baseboard heaters get?
This depends on the specific model you choose. Most of them will provide a consistent temperature that won’t deviate more than a few degrees. Depending on how well insulated your home is, you might not even notice the difference in some cases.
What do I need to know about baseboard heating?
It’s important to realize that the different types of baseboard heaters often come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages- a factor that can make or break your decision. You’ll also need to research each type carefully before making a purchase, considering every aspect. This includes the operating costs as well as installation requirements.
Conclusion
There are many pros and cons to baseboard heating systems. There’s a lot to consider when buying baseboard heaters. You’ll need to do some research first before making any purchase.
Start by comparing different types, brands, and prices on physical and online shops and checking out customer reviews if possible. After that, it’s simply a matter of making the right decision for your specific circumstances.
Additionally, you’ll need to consider the costs associated with installation, maintenance, repair, energy usage as well as safety factors.
Location and budget are also crucial to consider when it comes down to deciding what type of system suit your needs. The information presented in this blog post should help you make the right decision during purchase.