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  • In compliance with Gov. Polis' Safer at Home Order

    our lobby is open and we encourage members to wear masks or face coverings and to maintain a 6 foot separation. If you are sick please stay home! Members can accomplish most tasks on line or over the phone. We have a payment kiosk that accepts cash and credit/debit cards inside the first set of doors at our 801 N Broadway office. Cash and check payments are still accepted in the night drop vault.

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OUTAGES: 970-565-4444 | CONTACT: 970-565-4444

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Furnaces, Boilers and Baseboard Electric

What is the difference between a furnace and a boiler? The major difference is the medium used to distribute heat. Boilers use water or steam and furnaces use air. Furnaces can heat the air with any number of sources and the most common ones are electricity, gas and oil. There are two primary types of hot air systems; gravity systems which move the hot air naturally upward through ducts in the home and forced air systems that push the hot air using a fan. 

Forced air systems allow for more flexibility than other systems by allowing integration of humidifiers, dual use of ductwork for cooling and a limited ability to control heat in individual rooms. Care is required when closing ductwork, as closing too many registers can damage system components. 

Heat pumps are another option, see the Heat Pump section for details. 

Conventional gas furnaces come in many sizes (measured in BTUH) and they can be installed or mounted in many locations if there is enough room for venting the products of combustion outside. The most common spots are the attic, crawlspace, basement or utility closet. 

Boilers frequently use baseboard or radiator distribution systems.  In these heating arrangements, hot water or steam is pumped throughout the home. As it enters the baseboard units or radiators, fins or ribs allow the heat to radiate into the room, warming the air. A less common method of distribution is through tubing in the floor. 

Baseboard systems are not a flexible as forced air as it is difficult to turn off sections of radiators. 

BASEBOARD ELECTRIC

Baseboard electric is commonly used in locations with milder winters and lower electric rates. It can be the least expensive system to install, but a consideration should be taken with the cost of operation. The advantage of baseboard electric is the ability to use it in areas without ductwork or hot water/steam piping.  Another advantage is the ability to control the heat in each room individually. 

Baseboard%20Unit.jpg
Baseboard Unit

 

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Contact Us:

Empire Electric Association, Inc

Outages: 970-565-4444

Office: 970-565-4444

801 North Broadway,

Cortez, Colorado 81321

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©2021 Empire Electric Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • Account
    • Account Login
    • Payment Options and Assistance Programs
    • Rates
    • Start or Change Service
    • Understanding Your Bill
  • Energy Programs/Services
    • DER, DG, Net Metering and More
      • Green Power Program
      • Renewable Energy Programs
      • Questions to Ask a Solar Contractor
    • Energy Efficiency Products Program (Rebates)
    • Low Income Weatherization
    • Meter Information
    • Programs to Help You Save Energy
    • Energy Saving Tools
      • Together We Save
      • Home Energy - Ways to Save
    • Energy Education for Youngsters
    • Electric Vehicle Information
  • Community
    • Empire Electric
      • Co-op Careers
      • Cooperative Difference
      • Governing Documents and Policies
      • Historical Timeline
      • Touchstone Energy
    • Membership Info
      • Annual Meeting
      • Benefits of Membership
      • Board Meetings and Minutes
      • Board of Directors
      • Capital Credits
      • Member Newsletter
      • Press Releases
      • Scams
    • Community
      • Community Room
      • Community Resources
      • Donation and Sponsorship
      • Photo Contest
      • Scholarships
      • Youth Trips
  • Safety
    • Electrical Safety
      • Electrical Safety Information
      • Safety Demos
      • Safety Quiz
    • Outage Center
      • Prepare for an Outage
        • Outage FAQ
      • Storm Center