Hey everyone! I'm in the process of buying a home in New England that currently has gas baseboard heat. Since I've got a few months before I move in, I'm planning some renovations and I'm really unsure about the heating system. I've lived with forced air before and I'm looking for something better. I've never used baseboard heating and I'm curious: should I go for mini splits? Will I need to keep the baseboard heat for those super cold days, or can mini splits handle it? I also plan to add extra insulation before moving in. What do people generally think about baseboard heat? Thanks for your help!
5 Answers
I've got gas hot water baseboard heating on my first floor and honestly, I prefer it over my heat pump, even though it's rated really high for efficiency. The warmth is just more reliable — cleaner and quieter too!
I wouldn't recommend going for mini splits in New England. They're known to be pricey, especially if you aim for the 'Hyper Heat' versions, and honestly, their performance in very low temperatures can be questionable. I'd suggest sticking with the baseboard system you already have.
Before making a decision, it’s smart to run heat load calculations. If the house has ducts, a tankless hot water system with a hydronic heat exchanger could work well. But ensure your heat pump can cope with snowy weather, or you might face high heating bills. Using baseboard or cadet heaters as a secondary option for temperatures below 40°F can also be beneficial.
I’d keep the baseboards and add the mini splits as a supplement. They definitely have their place, but the baseboards really work well in cold weather.
Switching from baseboard to mini splits is like trading a Cadillac for a Prius in a cold climate. Mini splits can be noisy and don't always heat as evenly as the quieter and more consistent hydronic systems.