Hydrostatic Electric Baseboard Heaters Vs. Electric Element Baseboard Heaters

Hydrostatic

• A hydrostatic electric baseboard heater uses both water and electricity to produce heat. The heater is filled with water inside and when the unit is plugged in and turned on the water is heated by electricity. Heaters have vent-like openings on the top and bottom. They draw cold air through the bottom vents and distribute warm air through top vents. They operate differently from hydronic baseboard heaters in that they are not connected to a home’s hot water heater or furnace.

Electric Element

• Conventional electric baseboard heaters have coil heating elements encased in metal pipes inside of the heater. When the unit is turned on, cold air passes over the heating element, which then heats the air and forces it upwards and out of the vents to warm the room. Like hydrostatic baseboard heaters, units with electric heating elements draw cold air from the floor surfaces into the unit and exchange it as warm air.

Similarities

• Electric baseboard heaters are powered by electricity and not by natural gas, propane or other liquid fuels such as kerosene. Baseboard heaters were introduced during the 1940s and became a popular alternative to using radiators for heating. They are usually installed underneath windows and not on other walls of the home. Placing them under windows reduces the amount of cool air that enters rooms. Water-filled and all-electric baseboard heater units are used to create zone and room heating. Each type has its own thermostat so you can set and control the temperature for different rooms and comfort levels. Both heat relatively instantaneously and are easy to install. EnergySavers.gov recommends placing both types of baseboard heaters at least three-quarters of an inch above floor surfaces and carpeting. This makes the units more efficient at receiving cool air from the floor into the unit for heating. Installing the units snugly to the wall is also recommended to prevent warm air from collecting and convecting behind the heater and to reduce dust particles.

Differences

• Water-filled, hydrostatic baseboard heaters must have water inside to function properly. Heaters with electric heating elements do not require liquid fuels or any other type of fuel or power other than electricity. Water-filled hydronic units distribute moist air into rooms, which can be beneficial for those who suffer from allergies. Conventional baseboard heaters with heating elements circulate drier air and may circulate dust particles into the room.