Most efficient/practical heat for loft?

[tundradude]

I have a 530 square foot loft above my garage. I'm looking at heating it independent from the garage area. The garage itself has in floor heat. What are the best heat sources from electricity? I was going to go baseboard but was told they were not very efficient.

Any ideas?

 

[PAToyota]

I have tubing in the concrete floor of the first floor of my shop and since all of that system was already in place I plumbed in radiant baseboard heat for the second floor woodworking shop. The system is valved so that I can run one or the other or both systems.

 

[72Tunaboat]

I have tubing in the concrete floor of the first floor of my shop and since all of that system was already in place I plumbed in radiant baseboard heat for the second floor woodworking shop. The system is valved so that I can run one or the other or both systems.

Co Signed.

Good idea. Or you could look into climate panel or something similar to have radiant floors in your loft. Here is link for you http://www.viega.net/4733.htm#Product_4735. Uponor has a similar product. I have used both and they are good products.

 

[russlaferrera]

Electric baseboard is 100% efficient.

 

[stitch]

Electric heat is 100% efficient; power in = heat out (forced air electric heaters are slightly less than 100% because they use some energy to move the air instead of warming it) .

Even though electric is 100% efficient, it may not be as cost effective to run as a different energy source like natural gas or wood if your electricity rates are high. That may be what you heard.

As far as electric heat goes, you have 3 choices:

1. Electric radiant - typically used in large open spaces with occasional use or spot heating needs - heats objects directly, and heat is felt instantly. Air temperature can be kept lower while still maintaining comfort. Quiet, no moving parts.

2. Electric convection - baseboard or wall convectors. Electric elements warm the air, which rises naturally (no fan). Quiet, no moving parts, but slow distribution of heat due to lack of a fan.

3. Electric forced air - wall, ceiling, floor heaters. Electric elements warm air which is moved past and distributed by a fan. Quick heat distribution due to fan, but can be noisy.

Kevin
H-Mac