- 1). Consider electric rates in the area where you live. While hydronic baseboard heating is very efficient, it is driven by electricity to initially heat the water. If electric rates are high and natural gas rates are low where you live, get comparisons of what the cost of heating your home under different systems would be from your local utility or heating contractor.
- 2). Check with your general contractor if you are planning new home construction or a room addition to make sure pipes and electricity are placed properly to service the hydronic baseboard heating system. Radiant floors are also often used in conjunction with hydronic systems to maximize the heating benefit. Make sure the contractor's overall design plan makes use of building materials that will support hydronic baseboard heating.
- 3). Get estimates on the cost of installation if you plan to install hydronic baseboard heating into existing construction. These systems are usually installed during construction of a new home or an addition to an existing home. If you plan to replace another form of heating on an existing home with hydronic baseboard heating, you need the actual cost of the system along with any plumbing and electrical alterations needed to install the system into a particular room. Weigh that cost against expected annual energy savings from using the system.
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