Both heating methods are popular on the market and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Based on your needs, different criteria can come into play. What is the best heating system for different situations? Our experts provide answers below.
Baseboard Heater and Convection Heater: a Common Heating System
Before we distinguish between these two heating systems, we must first note their main point in common: convection.
How does convection work? Cold air is drawn into the heater and passes through the heating elements before exiting at the top of the heater. Because warm air is lighter than cold air, it moves faster, which creates air movement.
This movement of the warm air caused by different temperatures is called the chimney effect. When it comes to heating appliances, the challenge is to work with this air movement to distribute warm air as evenly as possible throughout the space.
What Are the Differences between Baseboard and Convection Heaters?
Let's get to the heart of the matter! Each type of appliance has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Baseboard Heaters
The main advantage of baseboard heaters is that they are affordable. In addition, they are a space-saving device that can be easily installed under windows.
Because of their low height, however, the chimney effect they generate is greatly reduced. Baseboard heaters therefore perform less well in distributing warm air evenly in the room. Electric baseboard heaters compensate for their low height by their large width, which can complicate the choice of their location.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Convection Heaters
The convection heater’s design is based on a clear objective: to have the best possible chimney effect. Its exit point is optimized so that warm air flows towards the centre of the room and promotes good heat distribution. The convection heater is therefore more efficient and is characterized by faster and more effective heating than the baseboard heater.
Their main disadvantage? Their size. More imposing and taller, convection heaters are much more difficult to place under a window than baseboard heaters.
A Common Disadvantage
Both baseboard and convection heaters have a common disadvantage: because they operate via convection mode, they generate air movement. This can be problematic for people with allergies, as it can spread hair, dust and other allergens.
For those with high sensitivity to allergens, radiant heaters are an ideal choice.
Baseboard vs Convection Heater: Which is the More Economical Choice?
Baseboard heaters are definitely the more affordable choice at the outset. However, because they are less efficient at heating rooms evenly, they require a longer heating period to obtain the same comfort level as convection heaters. This can result in higher heating costs. In the long term, economic arguments in favour of baseboard heating are less clear.
An increasing number of convection heaters can also be found on the market with prices close to baseboard heaters. But be cautious! Despite having a similar housing to baseboard heaters, these entry-level heaters do not include all the features of quality convection heaters, such as improved heating elements and a directional air vent.
Baseboard vs Convection Heater: Which is Quieter?
Both baseboard and convection heaters have a common advantage: they’re quiet. Because no moving parts like motors are required for their operation, they’re ideal for rooms like bedrooms and common areas.
However, they may be less suitable for rooms that you want to heat quickly, such as bathrooms. For rooms where rapid heating is desired, a fan heater is a more appropriate option.
What Baseboard Heaters Are Recommended on the Market?
Among the baseboard heaters on the market, two models are recommended by our experts:
- The OFM baseboard heater is a classic among baseboard heaters. Made of steel with curved corners, it can be found in many Canadian homes.
- The ODL baseboard is a high-end extruded aluminum baseboard. With a modern look and choice of standard colours (white and metallic charcoal), it restores the baseboard heater’s high-quality reputation.
These two products are made in Quebec, produced with quality materials by a family business.
What Are the Recommended Convection Heaters on the Market?
Among the wide range of convection heaters on the market, several models are recommended by our experts. In particular, we recommend Convectair heaters, whose reputation is well established. As the pioneer of convection heaters and leaders in the field, Convectair offers high-quality products. Some products known for their quality are as listed below:
- The Convector APERO 750W 240V white: a quality device that’s contractor grade, this heater offers all the advantages of a high-end product at a contractor price.
- The Convector ALLEGRO II 26 2000W 240V white: this flagship device is the reference on the market. Elegant and high-end, it offers all the advantages you’ll want in a convection heater.
- The Convector 3000/2250W 240/208V wall thermostat white: the OCE series is a classic unit from Ouellet. Available in a wide range of wattages, it will meet all your heating needs and comes with a built-in thermostat or wall thermostat.
- The Convector 1000/750W 240/208V white: the OCT convection heater offers a modern look. It’s available in two standard colours – white and metallic charcoal. It comes with a built-in thermostat and wall thermostat, and is an affordable and stylish choice.
We hope to have guided you in your choice between baseboard and convection heaters. Still not sure which solution is best for your project? Our experts are happy to help!