Baseboard Heat or Central Heat: Which is Better?

The people of Florida are used to installing HVAC systems in their homes. Central HVAC systems provide year-round AC and heat for homes where the AC is the most critical portion. However, did you know there’s an option? There is a newer technology in-floor heat call baseboard heat. So, which is better, baseboard heat or central heat?

In Florida, we rarely need to turn on our heaters. The temperatures here infrequently require us to turn on our heaters. That is why the baseboard system might just come in handy. However, you’ll still need a Central AC. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both baseboard heat and central heat and decide what might be best for citizens of Florida and the Tampa Bay area.

What is Baseboard Heat?

Before deciding the pros and cons of baseboard heating, you may want to learn more about the system itself. Many people who have baseboard heating don’t even know what it is and how it works. And so you know, electric baseboard heating systems are also called electric resistance heating.

Baseboard heating is a form of zone heating where each room is under its individual control. There is no furnace, boiler unit, heating ducts, vents, or blowers to distribute the heat. Instead, each home utilizing this technology has a heating element generating heat and releasing it into the room.

These heaters are located … you guessed it, in the baseboards. And honestly, it makes sense because heat rises. This way, you are getting the heat on the ground where you most need it.

Pros

If you are in a home with a mini-split system AC unit, this is a great way to heat the house. This way, you do not have the expense of installing central heat since you are not using central AC. So, when you do not want central AC, this is the most efficient and cost-effective way to heat your home.

Here are a few more reasons you may choose baseboard heat:

• Baseboard heaters are very quiet; in fact, you may not even notice they turn on at all.
• This system allows you to control the temperature room by room. Where daddy sleeps like a furnace, baby girl is likely to freeze in the night. Fix that by controlling each room on its own.
• The installation is easy. There are no ducts for electric baseboard heating. So, it is easier to install.
• Likewise, with no ductwork, it is cheaper to install.
• It is a sound backup heating system. For those who live in icy areas of the country, it is a great way to add more heat and not tax the central system. That said, if you live in Florida, you may not need a secondary heating option.

Cons

Baseboard heat is not as energy efficient as central heat and AC systems. And those who install central HVAC see a nearly 50% decrease in their electricity bill when they stop using the baseboard heat system.

1. So, it is more expensive to run baseboard heating.
2. Furniture and drapes must be kept away from the heaters. You see, they are usually placed along exterior walls and under windows to keep outside air from passing into the room. Not good placement! That is not great for the flow of your interior design.
3. There is no way to block or cover these units from the wandering fingers of little ones and the dog’s tail. If you have pets or small children, these units get extremely hot and can be a safety hazard.
4. The heat produced by baseboard heaters is dry heat. So if that is a problem for you, you may need an additional humidifier to compensate. That will only add to your energy bill.
5. They do need to be vacuumed, so they do not collect dust.

What is Central Heat?

Central heat is what most Floridians have in their homes. It warms and cools the house and is energy efficient too. And with a central heat system, there are two options for power; Either electric or gas. These systems work with a central heating boiler, the thermostat, the condenser coil, the furnace coil, the heat exchanger, the AC, and ductwork. It’s quite a system.

Here are the pros and cons of having a central HVAC system installed in your home.

Pros

These pros may seem evident, but if we compare them to the baseboard heat system, they are worth noting individually.

• Central HVAC cools and heats the home all in one unit.
• Central heating systems have a very long lifespan. When installed properly, they work efficiently and run off the primary energy source.
• With the increased comfort level in your home, you will also see reduced energy bills. Energy efficiency has come so far in the past few years to reduce our energy use and our outgoing expenditures.
• Central heat provides warm temperatures in the entire home. The high technology along with the high efficiency is superior.
• The entire unit is controlled from one location. Going from room to room, the temperature will be the same as long as the unit is working as it should.
• Smaller homes to greater homes, the temperature can be easily regulated.
• Central heat does not rely on sunshine for its energy source. On a cold and cloudy day, you will still have your heat.
• These systems come with safety features like thermostat controls, automatic shutoff, emergency shutoff, and more.
• Set your central heating system on a timer to warm the place when needed and allow the system to rest while you’re not home.

Cons

• Central heating systems are more complex, no doubt. Therefore, they take more to maintain.
• If you like being able to have each room at a different temperature, this is not the system for you.
• When you already utilize a mini-split system AC, the central heat I not an option. Otherwise, you would need to remove the mini-split since central heat comes with central AC.
• Installation is much more expensive and intrusive.

However, most homes these days already have central heat and air in Florida.

Which is Best: Baseboard Heat or Central Heat?

There is no denying that baseboard heat systems have made significant advances in the past few years. If you are in a smaller home or a home with no central AC system, this may be the best option for you. However, if you have a home that can take a central system, we recommend central heat and air for your Florida home.

Therefore, it really depends on your needs and the type of home you are currently in. The general rule is that if you can install central, do so. But if you have to use a mini-split cooling unit, baseboard heat is a great option.

Veterans AC & Heat Installs for Floridians

Veterans AC & Heat’s certified technicians are skilled professionals who pride themselves on industry-leading expertise and professionalism. Each time we pull up for a job, we come with a fully stocked truck for efficiency and quick work. For top-notch Central AC & Heat installation, contact the staff at Veterans Heating and Air to schedule your consultation.

In addition, when you have the Veterans install your central HVAC system, you would do your best to enroll in regular maintenance for your heater. Care benefits your HVAC system in three ways.

1. Maintenance extends the life of the system.
2. Servicing the system ensures energy efficiency.
3. It reduces the cost of running the system and costly repairs.

Our technicians at Veterans AC and Heat do their part to ensure your heater will work year after year. You can count on our team to thoroughly inspect your Central HVAC system, repair and replace any parts needing attention.

We want to be your number one Central Heat and Air Installers and Repair Professionals!