Why Baseboard Heating Isn't Smart
The Inefficiency Of Baseboard Heating
The major problem with all baseboards, both electric and hot
water, is that they heat by convection. This means the air must
be heated before anything else which is wasteful, inefficient
and increases airborne contaminants..
Further to this, baseboards create a bellows effect - a stream of warm air that expands. This creates a high-pressure zone within a house, forcing warm air out through any cracks or crevices, resulting in significant heat loss. This bellows effect also works in reverse. As the baseboard cycles off, the air temperature falls off. This creates a low-pressure zone and draws cold air from outside the room into the room, again resulting in significant heat loss. (see figure 1)
The answer to all of these inefficiency problems is SmartRooms Thermal Comfort System. Because it works solely on radiant heat, there is no wasted energy. In fact, SmartRooms Thermal Comfort System is 100% EFFICIENT.
The Ugly Truth
With metal protrusions sticking out of walls, baseboards are aesthetically challenging. Available in a limited number of colors, baseboards hinder decorator schemes and never look satisfactory when painted. Baseboards are also easily damaged by chairs, vacuum cleaners, childrens' toys, etc. They are major dust collectors and are virtually impossible to clean between the fins and underneath. Baseboards can cause streaking on walls and can stain draperies and furniture.
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