Electric Resistance

Electric resistance heat works by directly converting electric current into heat. Virtually all of the energy in the electricity ends up as usable heat, but this system is still pretty inefficient when you consider the inefficiency of electric generation and additional losses during transmission.

Electric resistance heat is usually the most expensive form of heat and isn't recommended much anymore. However, because electric resistance heating equipment doesn't cost much, it tends to be popular where first cost is an issue, but operating costs are not.

This is true when heating is rarely needed as in a seasonal residence, or when the person who is having the equipment installed is not the one who will pay the utility bills. This is especially true in spec buildings and rental property.

Resistance heat uses a metal element to convert electricity into heat. This element has a high resistance to the passage of electricity, and when it is forced to conduct electricity, it heats up in the same way a light bulb filament heats when an electric current passes through it.

Heat produced by electric resistance units can be distributed to and throughout the living areas of the home in a number of ways. Perhaps the simplest method of distribution is to locate the resistance heating elements themselves within the room to be heated. Units can be installed on a baseboard or wall, or can be portable.

The resistance element heats the air around it, which then becomes warmer and less dense, and thus rises, creating a convection current, which carries the heated air away and circulates colder air to the unit.

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