Baseboard Heat
- Thread starter Elmo
- Start date
Radiant1
Soul Probe
In years past I can't say I've seen a difference in the jump in electric as opposed to the added cost of fuel. (I can use both electric baseboard or propane furnace in my home). However, as Aps said, energy costs are expected to rise. Keep in mind, the electric heat is a very dry heat; it seems to suck the moisture out of everything.
DEEKAYPEE8569
Well-Known Member
MY Experience With Baseboard Heat
.....is not a good one. I used to live in a house that was built when PAX River was built. This place had baseboard heat as the sole heat source; but it had bottle gas for the hot water. So, I "T'd" off from the line to the water heater and plumbed in a propane heater. That took care of the lack of heat from the baseboards.
The baseboard heat would overload the 20 amp breakers in the house and trip them. So I would always have to re-set the breaker to get the heat working; that is until i installed a propane heater. The baseboard heat; all it was really good for was tripping the breakers and making the meter spin like a top.....very inefficient.
.....is not a good one. I used to live in a house that was built when PAX River was built. This place had baseboard heat as the sole heat source; but it had bottle gas for the hot water. So, I "T'd" off from the line to the water heater and plumbed in a propane heater. That took care of the lack of heat from the baseboards.
The baseboard heat would overload the 20 amp breakers in the house and trip them. So I would always have to re-set the breaker to get the heat working; that is until i installed a propane heater. The baseboard heat; all it was really good for was tripping the breakers and making the meter spin like a top.....very inefficient.
Radiant1
Soul Probe
Ok, but I've been in my home for 20 years keeping it at relatively the same temperature and I swear my skin and hair get drier when I use electric as opposed to the gas. ??
aps45819
24/7 Single Dad
Ok, but I've been in my home for 20 years keeping it at relatively the same temperature and I swear my skin and hair get drier when I use electric as opposed to the gas. ??
Do you occasionaly turn off your furnace and use electric heaters?
DEEKAYPEE8569
Well-Known Member
Ok, but I've been in my home for 20 years keeping it at relatively the same temperature and I swear my skin and hair get drier when I use electric as opposed to the gas. ??
Because, propane heat is a "moist heat." Baseboard heat is dry.
i used to rent a place that had baseboard heat. it costs quite a bit and does make the air drier. you can get an electrical fireplace and that helps alot and didnt cost me much on my electric. they can be expensive but they save you a lot in the long run if you get a good one. you can also use kerosene heaters just make sure to put a pot of water on the top to keep moisture in the air
aps45819
24/7 Single Dad
heat is heat and it's effect on the moisture content of the air is a matter of physics
Radiant1
Soul Probe
I use one or the other, not both.
Ok, if you say so!
red_explorer
Well-Known Member
my house
I have baseboard heat throughout my house. I've actually been really impressed with it, and my electric bills have been lower than propane plus electric where I lived before. This winter, propane and heating oil are expected to climb, but SMECO has already stated that rates shouldnt rise.
The other plus with baseboard that I love, is that I can close off certain areas of the house, and not heat them....areas where there is no plumbing. It's very handy!!!!
I have baseboard heat throughout my house. I've actually been really impressed with it, and my electric bills have been lower than propane plus electric where I lived before. This winter, propane and heating oil are expected to climb, but SMECO has already stated that rates shouldnt rise.
The other plus with baseboard that I love, is that I can close off certain areas of the house, and not heat them....areas where there is no plumbing. It's very handy!!!!
jrt_ms1995
Well-Known Member
And chemistry is chemistry, and propane combusts and produces water vapor, carbon dioxide, and heat:
C3H8 + 5 O2 → 3 CO2 + 4 H2O + heat
The relative humidity is going to rise in the area around the point of combustion (furnace in the basement, fire place in the den, Mr. Heater in the bathroom), but the forced air circulated by the furnace and throughout the house will be dryer (than before). Which will predominate? I don't care. Eventually, the entropic heat death of the universe will solve this and all other questions.
DEEKAYPEE8569
Well-Known Member
You also need to remember to leave a window "cracked" in the room where the heater is. Kerosene heaters can kill you. I know of where I speak. I had one at one time that almost did ME in.