Runtal Baseboard: Radiant or Convective?

Scott_V

I'm deciding between Runtal UF baseboard (with the fins) and Runtal Wall Panel (also with fins). In certain rooms, baseboard would be more desirable but would be partially blocked by a piano, book case, a few chairs/tables etc....typical living room furniture (No sofa). Runtal's website says their UF baseboard radiators are both radiant and convective. Should I believe them?



Background: I've been told numerous times over the years that RADIANT heating is extremely inefficient when blocked by furniture. If Runtal falls into this category then I would instead go with one of their rectangular wall panels, although less desirable from a design perspective for our tastes.



I'm hoping this question launches a robust debate on convection vs radiant and the effects of furniture on their efficiencies.

jumper

doesn't matter in some ways

Radiant makes you feel warm. Convection under windows keeps you from feeling cold. Aren't you glad you asked?

Jean-David Beyer

partially blocked by a piano

If it is a real piano (one with strings in it), you do not want a heat source under it or even too near it. You would be better off heating a room with a real piano in it with a radiant panel setup either on the walls or the ceiling. And use outdoor reset too. And a constant humidity setup. Pianos HATE temperature changes, especially short-term ones such as a week or faster. And they hate humidity changes as well.



If you have an electronic, digital, etc., you can ignore everything I just said.

Tim_Hodgson

Both

Nuff said.



Tim