Hydronic Baseboard Heating History: 1950 to Present

Hydronic baseboard heating has a history dating back several decades. It emerged as a popular heating method in the early 1950s and has since been widely used in cold climate areas of North America. It is still a well-loved method of heating today. Here's a little about its history and why it remains popular.

Beginnings

In the early 1950s, hydronic baseboard heating systems began to gain traction as an effective and efficient way to heat homes. This heating method utilizes hot water circulated through pipes and fins to provide warmth.

What Is Hydronic Baseboard Heating?

As stated, hydronic baseboard heating uses the circulation of hot water through pipes to create heat. It is rather in ingenious invention and is more clean and sustainable than many other forms of heat.Ā 

Heated pipes radiate heat into the room and create a current of rising heated air that circulates around the room.Ā 

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Baseboard heater without the cover exposing the fins and heating pipe.

Hydronic System Design

The basic design of hydronic baseboard heating systems has remained relatively consistent over the years. The key components include a boiler or water heater to heat the water, a pump to circulate the hot water, pipes to transport the water, and baseboard units with fins to distribute the heat.

Durability

Baseboard heater covers were originally made of metal, and many still are. These last a long time but can be prone to developing rust over time. The pipes, fins, and other functional elements can last for many decades.

Hydronic baseboard heating covers are prone to developing rust, which is why they end up looking less than desirable. Baseboarders are made of galvanized steel and are powder coated, both of which help to increase the cover's rust resistance.Ā 

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White hydronic baseboard heater in a bathroom next to a toilet.

Popularity Through Time

Hydronic baseboard heating quickly gained popularity due to its effectiveness in cold climates in the 1950s. It offered consistent heat distribution and was often considered more comfortable than forced-air heating systems.

Today, it is still widely used, especially in the North East of the United States. Heating is a technology that has seen little change since the 1950s so hydronic baseboard heat has continued to be a choice up to the present day.Ā 

However, many people choose other forms of heating simply because baseboard heat is very visible and, in times past, hasn't been that nice to look at. More on that in a minute.Ā 

Advantages

Hydronic baseboard heating has several advantages. It operates quietly, doesn't blow dust or allergens around the space, and allows for zoned heating, providing individual temperature control in different areas of the house.

Technological Advancements

Over time, advancements have been made to enhance the efficiency and convenience of hydronic baseboard heating systems. This includes the development of more efficient boilers and pumps, as well as improvements in insulation to reduce heat loss.

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Baseboarders cover being installed on a hydronic baseboard heating unit.

Aesthetics

As mentioned before, hydronic baseboard heat isn't known for being nice to look at.Ā Initially, the focus of hydronic baseboard heating was primarily on functionality rather than aesthetics.

The baseboard units were often made of simple, utilitarian materials like metal. However, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for more visually appealing baseboard designs that complement home interiors.

That's exactly what prompted the establishment of BaseboardersĀ®. Baseboarders was designed by an individual who was looking for an easy way to update his baseboard heaters without having to replace the entire unit. And if it could look nice, that would be a happy bonus.

When he found that no such solution existed, he went to work creating it himself. Thus Baseboarders was born. Not only was it a simple was to replace the cover only, but t comes in several different designs and colors to spruce up the look of the baseboard heater.

Today we offer four different styles of baseboard heater covers, each designed to retrofit even the oldest installations.

Basic

Simple, square design for modern and minimal design styles. Can be used for standard straight wall installations and 90 degree inside corner installations. Comes in 3'-6' panel lengths and can be custom cut.

Premium

Top to bottom perforations offer a different lighter look and slight angling offers a bit of detail in the design. Can be used for straight, 90 degree inside or outside corners and 135 degree inside and outside corners. Comes in 2'-7' panel lengths and can be custom cut.Ā 

Premium Tall

The same design and features as the Premium cover but in a taller profile. Can be used forĀ straight, 90 degree inside or outside corners and 135 degree inside and outside corners. Comes in 2'-7' panel lengths and can be custom cut.Ā 

Elliptus

A curved front with a horizontal line interrupting the perforations down the middle, Elliptus offers a solid, yet soft presence. Can be used for straight or 90 degree inside corner installations. Comes in 2'-7' panel lengths and can be custom cut.

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Though the history of baseboard heaters is short and mostly unchanged over the years, it continues to be a reliable and widely used heating method. Now with Baseboarders, you can update your baseboard heaters quickly and easily. Plus, you'll get a style update that is rarely an option with baseboard heating.

Reevaluate Your Baseboard Heating Covers

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