Washington D.C. Homeowners: How To Heat Your Home With Baseboards

If you're thinking of installing a new heating system, baseboard heating is possibly a good way to go. It's affordable to install and easy to control, making it a favorite for homeowners in Washington D.C.

As it turns out, there are two different kinds of baseboard heaters. Electric is the most common, and it heats homes by individual room. The second option is hot water baseboard heaters, or hydronic baseboard heaters. These systems use central heating that channels hot water through pipes to baseboard heating units throughout your home.

Here's the difference in how these two options work.

Electric Baseboard Heaters

This popular system uses electric resistance to provide baseboard heating in individual rooms. Cables inside the unit warm the air and push it outward. Meanwhile, cold air enters the bottom of the unit to be warmed. Homes with baseboard heating will have thermostats in each room.

Overall, electric baseboard heaters are less efficient than most central heating systems. However, this room-by-room control allows homeowners to only heat certain zones as needed. However, the method requires no expensive duct work, so the initial installation won’t cost an arm and a leg.

Hot Water Baseboard Heaters

Unlike electric baseboard systems, hot water heaters work from one central system. A boiler heats water and sends it through pipes from heater to heater. These systems tend to be more efficient than most alternatives. Installation can range in price, depending on your home. A low-end installation will mean units further away from the boiler get less heat. To avoid this problem, you’ll need to install flow control valves, which can be adjusted so smaller rooms receive less heat than larger ones.

Other Considerations

Baseboard heating, while not unsightly, is visible in your interior design. Take care not to hang curtains or other wall hangings too close to your heater.

Additionally, another option for hydronic heating is to be used with radiant heat systems, where heating pipes run under the floor. But unlike baseboard heating, this will require an invasive, expensive installation.

If you’re considering a new heating system, meet with a professional contractor to talk about the most affordable, efficient and safe system for your home.

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