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I am redoing my 30 year old kitchen and noticed the electric baseboard heaters were looking rather old. Figure the ones they make today are much more efficient. Can any of you recommend a brand name and model? My wife’s allergies prevent my from using forced air and money at the present time prohibits a hot water system.
Thanks,
Mike
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Replies
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Mike,
To my knowledge, there have been no major improvements in resistance heating. The new heaters are just as expensive to run as the old ones.
If gas is available in your area you should be able to save enough to pay for a hot water or forced air system. Forced air gives you year round ventilation and a good filtration system will actually help your wife with her alergies.
*Mike and Steve. Water or oil filled electric baseboard are much better than ordinary electric baseboard.Steve. the funace filter will not make a difference. The house will be as dusty with or without the filter. Given not only his wife's problems, but shortage of money, Mike is stuck with new baseboard. Genel.
*Boy I would sure be running the numbers on almost anything but electric heat combined with a good air cleaner. Unless you live in the most mild of climates there has to be a better solution than electric baseboard.
*Gene,We need a definition of "better". Cost-wise, water and oil-filled units are more expensive. Heat output is identical to a straight resistance heater. I laugh when I read the manufacturer's claims that the oil-filled units "continue to deliver heat even after the unit is turned off." They also fail to deliver immediate heat because they have to heat up the oil. It's a wash. Electricity gives you 3.412 Btu's per watt, no matter how you slice it. The efficiency isn't 100% either, when you think about it... Sure, 1 watt in gives 1 watt of heat out, but the power company is only about 28% efficient in generating the electricy coming to your home.
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I am redoing my 30 year old kitchen and noticed the electric baseboard heaters were looking rather old. Figure the ones they make today are much more efficient. Can any of you recommend a brand name and model? My wife's allergies prevent my from using forced air and money at the present time prohibits a hot water system.
Thanks,
Mike