Alternatives to Electric Ceiling Heat?

Question

Hi All,

I need some advice from the brain trust here at BP. I’m estimating repairs on a 1400 Sq Ft 3 /2 Ranch that was built back in 1968. The home has electric ceiling radiant heat that may or may not work (popcorn ceiling and all ) . This is an undesirable heating option here in the Pacific Northwest and I’m looking for the most cost efficient way to provide an alternative.

There is no gas service to the home. There is a fireplace with raggedy old pellet stove installed.A standard Electric furnace would require all new ducting to be installed under the house via a crawl space. I have heard a little about multi-unit ductless heat pumps, but have no experience with them.

Normally I would get some bids on both systems, but time is short and I can no longer get access to the home to have a contractor provide an estimate. Has anyone been faced with a similar situation? Would you have a recommendation? Possible estimated costs?

Thanks for the help!

Colleen F. · Answer

Since you have electric rerouting to electric baseboard is probably easiest.  Minisplits are also an option and more energy efficient. The upside to a minisplit is if you want AC.  In our area they reccommeded keeping some baseboard heat as backup and therefor we did not have sufficient electric service to install the minisplit without an electricc upgrade. I would talk to someone who does both systems to see what works best for your house.

I would also convert the fireplace to something else.  We put in a nice propane unit with 45 thousand BTU for the lower level but the price of propane figures into that conversion.  I am not a fan of pellet stoves but maybe in they are popular in your area.   Another thing I have seen is electric units in the fireplace, not so expensive but also not a main source of heat.

Greg Belair · Answer

Thanks Andrew, I think the Cadet units are a better alternative than ceiling heat, and probably better received from a buyers standpoint because the heat is immediate. Probably the least expensive too, which is also a nice plus....

Andrew Syrios · Answer

I really don't like radiant heat either. It doesn't get too cold int he Pacific Northwest (that's where i"m from) so you could probably get away with just electric baseboard heating or cadet heaters. Have you considered that?