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anomalyofnature t1_j7ho04b wrote

In the process of looking for a new place right now and came across a super cute one with heating described as "baseboard: hot water." Looks like the place is heated with gas. Any input on what I might be looking at with regard to efficiency? I know lots of folks consider steam radiators to be fairly efficient, but I've never come across hot water baseboard heaters before. Just want to know what I'm getting into before I sign myself up for being at PGW's mercy.

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smug_masshole t1_j7i5wbc wrote

As far as I know a gas-powered forced hot water baseboard system is at least as efficient as a comparable furnace system. The most annoying thing about them is that the location along the bottom of the wall of every room is exactly where you want to shove your furniture. Avoid electric baseboard head like the plague.

When it comes to checking for efficiency, it's pretty simple: you want the covers and fins to be in good shape. Other than that, I think the biggest things would be the same as any other system-- how efficient is the thing heating that water up?

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