We’re covering all the heating efficiency bases
Baseboard heaters can be controlled in zones, leading to energy savings.
Electric baseboard heaters heat quickly but are less efficient.
Hydronic baseboard heaters are more efficient but take longer to heat.
Maximize heater efficiency by planning zones and sealing drafts.
When you’re trying to save on your utility bill, you may start to wonder: Are baseboard heaters efficient? These thin heaters line the lower perimeter of the room, and they’re one of the most common heating systems in the country. Baseboard heaters are popular for a few reasons. Most of all, they’re typically inexpensive to install and are a great solution when heating a century-old home. Let’s take a closer look at the energy efficiency of electric baseboard heaters and other types and see how they all stack up against the competition.
On a technical level, yes, baseboard heaters are efficient in that they convert all incoming energy into heat. This type of system can often warm your home in zones, meaning that you can control different rooms of your home with different thermostats. This is definitely a positive mark on the energy-efficiency checklist.
However, where this heat goes and how it's contained in your home can change the story altogether. And despite its advantages with zoned heating, the Department of Energy (DOE) still considers electric resistance heating to be one of the most expensive ways to heat your home.
So, the real question becomes, are baseboard heaters efficient compared to other options?
To find your answer, let's take a closer look at the two main types of baseboard heaters—electric and hydronic. The science used for each type of baseboard heater differs, and with those differences come varying efficiencies.
Upfront, electric baseboard heaters—sometimes called convection heaters—are less expensive to purchase and install than their hydronic counterparts. Here's how they work:
An electric current directly heats metal coils inside of your baseboard heaters, a bit like a toaster oven. Through the power of convection, the system heats up cold air and sends it back out to fill the cool spaces of the room. This is why you'll likely see baseboard heaters beneath windows—the cold drafts assist in the convection process.
Electric heaters warm rooms quickly and are easy to adjust. So, if you have a home office in your finished basement that you use for a few hours a day, electric heaters are a quick way to heat up and cool down the room without wasting energy. To help boost efficiency, make sure you calculate the proper baseboard size and wattage for your rooms.
As the temperature in your home rises and falls, your heaters will turn on and off more frequently than other systems. When the heater flips on, the room heats quickly, but when it switches off, it quickly falls, especially if you have an old, drafty home.
This constant fluctuation may use more energy to consistently heat the room and leave you reaching for another throw blanket despite a high thermostat.
Electric baseboard heaters are less costly to install but likely come with a higher energy bill than hydronic baseboards due to their inability to maintain consistent heat. In fact, electric resistance heat tends to cost more than other major heat sources, such as propane, oil, natural gas, or a heat pump, according to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
These heaters work very similarly to electric systems but with an added special feature: liquid. Sealed pipes in your baseboard heaters fill with water or a heat-safe oil. Electrically heated coils then warm up the liquid and send it pouring through your system.
Let's say your living room reaches the right cozy temperature, and your thermostat sends the signal to your system to switch off. Unlike electric baseboard heaters, the liquid will naturally retain heat much longer. In other words, you save on electric bills and don't have to feel like your home is constantly on a temperature roller coaster compared to electric baseboards.
It will take your home much longer to heat up with hydronic baseboards. You'll feel the effects of electric coils much faster, while the liquid will take some time to create and distribute heat around your room.
Hydronic heat is also not as easy to control as forced air or heat pumps. Once the room heats up, you can't simply turn down the thermostat and cool off your baseboards instantly.
Hands down, hydronic baseboards are more efficient than convection heaters. However, they can still waste energy, especially if your baseboard heaters have trouble distributing the heat evenly.
Not all homes are equipped for complex ductwork or heat pumps. Baseboard heaters may be the most cost-effective and practical solution in older homes or homes with an addition that only needs occasional heat.
You can also increase your baseboard's efficiency by ensuring the rest of your home holds in the heat for longer. Here are a few tips for keeping your baseboard heat efficient throughout the chillier months.
If you opt for a zoned system for your baseboard heaters, use the setup to your advantage. You likely won't need the same temperature for your bedroom as you will for your kitchen, for example. The DOE recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees F when you're awake and lowering it when you're away or sleeping.
A properly insulated home can save you up to 15% a year on energy costs. If your zoned heating system doesn't have to work as hard to maintain heat—especially electric baseboards—you can significantly lower your energy use.
Heat needs to flow directly from your baseboard heaters to the rest of your room. Without fans or vents, the heat depends on convection and natural airflow to distribute the heat.
When furniture blocks the flow of air, it could take longer to heat the space—not to mention become a fire hazard if it's sitting too close. Be sure your furniture, drapes, and carpets are at least 12 inches away.
There's no question why baseboard heaters end up prone to dust, grit, and a thick layer of kitty or dog fur. Create a regular schedule of dusting and vacuuming your heaters—particularly the coils of electric ones—to ensure efficiency.
Heating systems like heat pumps and high-efficiency furnaces may be more efficient options depending on the age of your home and your local weather. Baseboard heaters, however, can be used to your advantage with the proper placement, thermostat habits, and home care.
To ensure that baseboard heaters are as efficient as possible, it’s important to maintain them properly. Here are a few tips for baseboard heater maintenance:
Regularly clean the unit's fins and heating elements to remove dust and debris that can hinder heat transfer.
Check for any leaks in hydronic systems and repair them promptly to prevent energy loss.
Periodically bleed air from hydronic systems to maintain optimal water circulation.
Schedule professional inspections and cleaning with a local heating and cooling professional to address any hidden issues and ensure your baseboard heater operates efficiently, helping you save energy and lower your heating costs.
Ginny Bartolone contributed to this piece.
Baseboard heaters can be relatively expensive to run compared to other heating options. They use electric resistance heating, which is less energy-efficient than methods like forced-air or heat pumps. The cost largely depends on electricity rates, usage, and insulation in your home. While baseboard heaters provide individual room control, their running costs can add up, making them less budget-friendly for large spaces or long-term use. Consider insulation improvements, zoning, or alternative heating solutions for more cost-effective heating options.
First, make sure your home is well-insulated to keep the heat from escaping. It's also essential to seal any drafts around windows and doors to prevent heat loss. You should always use your thermostats wisely by setting lower temperatures when you're not at home or when you're sleeping, and consider using programmable thermostats to create efficient heating schedules. Don't forget to keep your baseboard heaters clean and well-maintained for efficient operation.
