Electric Baseboard Heater Installation Cost A 120-volt unit averages $50 to $120, depending on the wattage. A 240-volt unit ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the watts and may require an electrician's skills to install it. The cost varies depending on the number of units being installed.
How often should baseboard heaters be replaced? Baseboard heaters typically last 15-20 years. Replace them if they're inefficient, damaged, or failing to heat effectively. The covers can be replaced as often as desired.
Is it expensive to remove baseboard heating? Removing baseboard heating is pretty affordable, mostly because it doesn't require any specialty supplies or expensive tools. Booking a professional to pull out an old baseboard heating unit will usually cost between $120 and $150.
Don't take out your electric baseboard heating. Add one or more heat pumps and use that already installed electric heating as your backup heat. Then you do not need to get a heat pump that is oversized just to cover the unusually cold days. You can pay less and get a system that covers 90% or 95%.
Replacing baseboards in your home costs $1,100 on average, and most homeowners pay between $800 and $2,250. A pro will determine your final cost based on material, installation type, and size.
The average cost to install electric baseboard heaters is $973, but can vary depending on labor, if hardwiring is needed, and if you're replacing another system.
While installation of baseboard trim isn't hard, cutting and measuring the angles can be tricky. The process is similar to installing crown moulding. This is a project where "measure twice, cut once" will save you time and effort.
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to baseboard heating that can provide comfortable and even heating throughout your home. Forced air heating, radiant heating, heat pumps, and electric space heaters are just a few of the many alternatives available to homeowners.
The life expectancy of hot water baseboard heaters is about 20 years, however, with care they can last much longer. That's why you see them in older homes so often. But age doesn't mean they are defunct. The technology hasn't changed that much and there's a reason for that: it works.
Inefficient and expensive
If the thermostat senses cold nearby, such as drafts from old windows, the system works harder to keep the room warm. This constant battling of cold drafts increases utility bills, especially during the coldest months of winter.
Baseboard heating costs $300 to $1,100 per unit with installation, depending on if the system is electric or hydronic. Installing baseboard heat costs $5,400 to $7,800 for 18 to 26 units to heat a home. Electric baseboard heat costs $480 to $900 per month to run on average.
This means higher electric bills, especially in the coldest winter months when they're working overtime to keep your home warm. The placement of baseboard heaters — near windows and exterior walls — can also work against you.
Electricians generally install 240-volt heaters since they use lower amperage and are more energy-efficient than 120-volt heaters. Adding a 240-volt baseboard heater usually requires a new 20- or 30-amp double-pole circuit breaker and new circuit wiring to supply one or more heater units.
Baseboard Heater Isn't Producing Heat
Begin by checking if the thermostat is set to the desired temperature. If it is, but the heater remains cold, the heating element might need replacement. Consult the manufacturer's manual or a local wall heater repair specialist for guidance on replacing components.
Attempting to install an electric baseboard heater is NOT a DIY project. The process requires that you deal with electrical wiring, which, in turn, necessitates a specific level of expertise and knowledge to handle safely.
Essential Maintenance for Optimal Performance. Keeping your baseboard heaters well-maintained is critical to ensuring they operate efficiently and effectively, especially when the temperatures dip. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your heaters but also keeps your energy bills in check.
There are a few common reasons baseboard heaters stop working. The more difficult the repair, the more it will cost to get your home warm again. Faulty heating element: A pro will charge anywhere from $100–$300 to replace a faulty heating element in your baseboard heaters. The element costs $20–$40 before labor.
Ductless heat pumps/mini split systems are one of the top alternatives to baseboard heaters if you're looking for the energy efficiency of electric heat but want to avoid the drawbacks listed above. A ductless mini split provides all the benefits of zoned climate control, and doesn't require ductwork.
Electric baseboard heaters have an average life expectancy of about 20 years. With good maintenance, they can last even longer. Hydronic baseboard heaters, meanwhile, can also last 10–20 years. However, there's more variability in hydronic systems because of the presence of water.
Our top pick for baseboard heaters, the Cadet F Series 48-inch Electric Baseboard Heater, has a simple design, slim profile, and quiet operation, making it an inconspicuous addition to any room.
Ductless heat pump systems offer precise temperature control. Small and sleek, they don't detract from your home décor. They provide more comfortable heating, with less of the dryness and irritation caused by electric baseboard produced heat, so that you can breathe easier.
Day one will be measuring, purchasing, and painting. Day two will be cutting, installing, and caulking. Then, day three will be painting and finishing. Of course, it can take longer than this if you have a big project, but three days is a good estimate assuming you work efficiently and don't make any major mistakes.
How much baseboard do I need for a 2,000-square-foot house? In a 2,000 square-foot home, you may need around 250 to 300 linear feet of baseboard. The combined perimeter baseboard length will be about 180 linear feet. Internal walls will increase that figure by another 100 linear feet to a total of 280 linear feet.