Baseboard heating is an innovative system that uses the baseboard as a tool to heat the walls and radiate heat into various environments.
In addition to traditional heating systems, some alternative systems are gaining ground, known for offering greater efficiency, a more uniform heat distribution, and significant energy savings.
Among these, baseboard heating stands out, which involves using the baseboard not only as a decorative element but also as a tool for heating the walls through a radiant mechanism.
To model the pipes of a baseboard radiant system in a BIM environment, you can get support from specific thermal system modeling software. Let’s analyze in detail how does baseboard heat work, the different types available on the market, and the pros and cons of this system.
Contents
- What is baseboard heating
- How does the baseboard heating system work
- Types of baseboard heating systems
- Water-based baseboard heating
- Electric baseboard heating
- Baseboard heating: pros and cons
- Baseboard heating: cost
What is baseboard heating
The baseboard heating system, also known as radiant baseboard, represents a modern solution for heating indoor environments.
This system not only serves the classic function of protecting the lower part of the walls but also offers the benefit of discreetly and aesthetically pleasing heating during the winter months.
Baseboard heating uses small radiant panels hidden within the baseboard, which diffuse heat from the bottom to the top, ensuring a uniform temperature distribution throughout the environment.
It is a healthy system as it does not generate air movement, thus reducing dust dispersion and provides about 80% of the heat in the form of radiation. Moreover, it does not alter the humidity level present in the environment, ensuring a pleasant feeling of warmth without causing discomfort to the respiratory tract, as can happen with some convection systems.
How does the baseboard heating system work
Modern radiator baseboards consist of two copper pipes that, inserted into a system of metal fins, distribute heat uniformly within the environments. All components are enclosed in a compact casing, approximately 3 cm thick and about 15 cm high, thus offering a discreet and functional design.
The radiant baseboard heating system is based on a simple principle: distributing heat to the coldest points of an environment. Heat is generated at the base of the cold walls, which are thus heated uniformly. Once heated, the wall itself becomes a source of radiation, returning heat uniformly to the surrounding environment.
Heat gradually spreads upwards along the wall thanks to the Coandă effect, a phenomenon that creates a constant flow of warm air along the surface, heating it uniformly. This process prevents the formation of convective currents towards the center of the room, typical of traditional radiator heating systems.
The heating effect of the baseboard starts to decrease from 2 meters in height, almost vanishing beyond 6 meters. This allows for heating very high environments with significant energy savings, preventing damage to structures and decorations due to overheating near the ceiling.
Supply water temperature
Radiant baseboard heating systems offer the advantage of being able to operate at different temperatures. The supply water temperature is chosen based on the type of heat generator used. If a traditional gas or solid fuel boiler is used, it is advisable to design the system to operate with a supply temperature of about 60°C.
In the case of a condensing boiler, a temperature of 55°C is preferred, adjustable based on external climatic conditions. If opting for a heat pump or solar panels, the system will be sized to operate with a supply temperature of about 40°C.
It is important to note that a decrease in supply temperature requires an increase in the overall length of the baseboard, which results in a higher cost for the system. The system operates with pressurized circuits, therefore the use with open vessel heat generators is not recommended.
Types of baseboard heating systems
There are 2 main types of baseboard heating:
- water-based: with copper pipes running inside the baseboard (two pipes spaced about one centimeter apart);
- electric: powered by electricity.
Water-based baseboard heating
In water-based baseboard heating, heat is produced by the passage of hot water through pipes integrated into the baseboard. The water temperature can vary depending on the heat generator used (boilers, heat pumps, solar panels), but generally ranges between 40°C and 60°C. This system is particularly suitable for environments with centralized systems or high-efficiency heat pumps. Additionally, this type:
- allows for temperature diversification for each room;
- does not require invasive masonry work;
- can replace or integrate existing systems.
Electric baseboard heating
This type of system uses electric resistances integrated into the baseboard, which convert electrical energy into heat. It is a simpler and more immediate solution compared to the hydronic version, as it does not require a hydraulic system and is particularly suitable for renovations or environments where it is not possible to connect the system to a boiler or other hydronic heat sources.
The operation of electric radiant baseboard heating is regulated via a thermostat or programmable thermostat, or, if it is not possible or desired to lay electrical cables, via remote control using radio frequency.
Electric baseboard heaters, although generally less economical than water or gas systems, still represent an ideal solution for second homes or commercial environments.
Baseboard heating: pros and cons
Baseboard heating offers a number of significant advantages in terms of thermal efficiency and aesthetic integration. Thanks to its particular configuration, this system allows for effective heating of the home without occupying useful space, as it perfectly blends along the walls, adapting to any style of decor.
Unlike radiators or air conditioners, it does not require visible and bulky installations.
The main benefit is its high energy efficiency. The system significantly reduces water consumption compared to traditional radiators: for a home of about 100 square meters, it is estimated to use just 20 liters. This water saving is accompanied by the speed with which baseboard heating reaches the desired temperature, allowing for a comfortable environment in very short times. This results in a significant reduction in consumption, as the system operates for shorter periods compared to traditional systems, while still maintaining thermal comfort.
Thus, in addition to offering an aesthetic advantage by eliminating the need for radiators or bulky elements, baseboard heating stands out for its energy efficiency, proving particularly cost-effective in terms of consumption.
Finally, the uniformity of heat distribution is an additional advantage. Baseboard heating ensures homogeneous diffusion in all environments, eliminating temperature differences that are often felt when moving from one room to another with less powerful systems. The environment is thus pleasantly heated, without annoying thermal fluctuations or cold spots.
As for the disadvantages, although baseboard heating can be installed in any domestic environment, it performs best in smaller rooms. In larger environments, the time required to reach the desired temperature in the center of the room will be longer.
Another disadvantage may be related to the high initial costs for the installation of the devices required for the system.
Baseboard heating: cost
The costs associated with this solution include several components. It starts with the purchase of the baseboard, the price of which varies based on the material, to which are added the pipes, electric resistances, and necessary supports. Additionally, labor costs must be considered, which depend on the square footage of the building, as well as expenses related to the installation of the devices necessary for the operation of the system, such as the thermostat, collector, and control unit.
Although the initial investment may seem high, it is largely compensated by the significant energy savings and high efficiency that this heating system offers.