Choosing the right style of heating system for your home can be tricky because there are so many options and fuel sources to choose from, but if your home doesn’t have pre-existing ductwork, you’ll likely need to choose between baseboard or ductless heating. Both heating methods can be used as a primary or supplemental heat source, but beyond that, they have their own specific pros and cons.
Baseboard Heating
Baseboard heaters are a form of radiant heating, and they can be fuelled by electricity or hot water from a boiler. Regardless of their fuel source, they are usually installed underneath windows to combat the cold air that enters from the windows before it spreads throughout the rest of your home. They need to be fitted to your walls properly to avoid a loss of heat, and because they run across large portions of your walls, they can make placing furniture difficult. You should never place anything on or against baseboard heaters because the heat radiates it will dry out or melt objects, which creates a potential fire hazard. Baseboard heaters can effectively heat your home when properly installed, but it should be noted that they act slowly and tend to make the air in your home extremely dry.
Ductless Heating
Ductless Heating systems are relatively new technology, but they are an effective way to get the home comfort benefits of a traditional HVAC system without ductwork or extensive renovations. One of the main reasons homeowners choose ductless systems over baseboard heaters is because they can also act as air conditioners. Ductless systems run off of electricity and use heat pumps to move and exchange heat rather than produce it, which makes them extremely energy-efficient and cost-effective to run. Ductless heaters have a central outdoor unit, which can support multiple indoor units, so you can place your ductless HVAC units strategically throughout your home for optimal home comfort. Another nice thing about ductless systems is that although they have to be placed on the wall like baseboard heaters, they are placed close to the ceiling so they won’t disrupt your floor-plan or impede where you place your furniture. A ductless heating system will cost more upfront than baseboard heaters, but because they’re more efficient, they’ll save you money in the long run.
Interested in installing a ductless system in your home?
Spring Home has the systems and expertise for you!
Spring Home has been servicing the HVAC needs of the GTA for over 15 years. Our award-winning team of licensed technicians is committed to providing our clients with dependable service and reliable equipment.
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