Baseboard vs. Radiant Heating

Comparing Baseboard vs. Radiant Heating

I really don’t compete with baseboards much, so I don’t mean to sound like I’m knocking them. The bottom line is – like milk house heaters, they work and are inexpensive to purchase and install.

However, I always tell people you’re going to pay for my system whether you buy it or not. A baseboard system will cost 3 times more to operate than our system, so eventually they will pay for our system with the operating cost of their system and then some. Not to mention eventual repair and replacement.

Lowest Life Cycle Cost

We have the Lowest Life Cycle Cost of any system on the market today.

Our systems are perfect for woodworking and painting areas simply because we have no open flame or high surface temperatures. Listed below are a few more points of interest you may want to consider:

Energy Efficient

Department of Energy in coordination with the National Association of Home Builders did a study comparing Radiant Ceiling (RC) System vs. Baseboards and vs. Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP). They found that the Radiant Ceiling System was 33% more efficient than the ASHP and 52% more efficient than Baseboards. However, in our climate baseboard heaters are 3 times more expensive to operate any of our systems.

Freedom

You don’t have to strategically place furniture or equipment around the location of baseboards.

Less Electric Capacity

You will need more electric capacity for installing baseboard. HVAC and electricians typically use a standard of 10 -12watts per Sq.Ft. Mainly because you have to heat the whole room from one side of the room. ThermaRay Systems require only 5-7 watts per Sq.Ft. because it is spread evenly across the entire room and we create a Thermal Mass in the room that in turn helps heat the room. No cold spots.

Safe & Healthy

ThermaRay systems have a low surface temperature, no open flames or carbon monoxide and don’t blow dust or other airborne contaminants.

Dangerous – Baseboards have a High Surface Temperature

Here is recommendation in their own words – “Baseboard heaters are very hot to the touch, and young children who touch baseboard heaters when they are turned on may suffer burns. Children who are just learning to crawl and stand are most at risk, as they may use the baseboard heater to pull themselves up. To prevent injury, encourage children to avoid baseboard heaters by arranging the furniture in your home to guide your children towards the interior of the room and away from baseboard heaters. Children may also get their fingers stuck inside baseboard heaters when they are turned off. Baseboard heaters can also burn pets so take caution, especially with small pets.”

Dangerous – Baseboards are a Fire Danger

Here is their recommendation in their own words – “Fire Hazards & Prevention – Like any heat source baseboard heaters present a fire risk, especially when flammable objects are close by. Prevent this fire risk by ensuring your children do not leave toys laying on baseboard heating. Never lay an electrical cord on a baseboard heater, and take care that curtains, rugs and other fabric objects do not get close to baseboard heat. In addition, hang cords from window blinds so they do not fall into baseboard heaters. To prevent the risk of fire, clean your baseboard heaters regularly. Dust, loose hair and other objects may cause fire. Always check for items that may be stuck inside baseboard heating units, including small pieces of paper or fabric. Always call a professional electrician when you encounter problems.”