How does a radiant ceiling compare with baseboard heat?

Operating cost

A study by the Department of Energy with the National Association of Home Builders found radiant ceiling heat 52% more efficient than baseboards and 33% more efficient than air-source heat pumps. In practice, in colder climates, baseboards cost about three times as much to operate as a ThermaRay radiant ceiling.

Baseboards are inexpensive to buy and install. But because they cost so much more to run, the extra operating cost ends up paying for a radiant system anyway, before counting their repairs and replacement.

How much power each needs

Electricians and HVAC contractors typically plan 10 to 12 watts per square foot for baseboards, because the heat has to reach the whole room from one side. A ThermaRay radiant ceiling usually needs 6 to 8 watts per square foot, because the heat is spread evenly over the room, and the warmed surfaces store heat as well.

Comfort

Baseboards sit on outside walls. Their hot surfaces push a current of warm air up the wall and across the ceiling, cooling as it goes. Near the baseboard you’re warm, and the rest of the room varies. A radiant ceiling covers the whole room evenly, with no cold spots.

Furniture, safety and noise

Baseboards limit where furniture, curtains and plants can go. Their own safety guidance warns that they’re hot enough to burn young children and pets, and that curtains, cords and toys near them are a fire risk.

ThermaRay ceiling panels are UL listed to be installed above drywall, steel or wood and in contact with combustible materials. They run at a low surface temperature, have no fans to blow dust, and make none of the ticking of baseboard metal heating and cooling.

Answer drawn from Premier Energy USA’s blog. Read the original post 1 · original post 2.