Upgrading old electric baseboard heaters is highly worthwhile for aesthetics, safety, and better temperature control, but it won't lower your base electricity usage unless you switch to a different heating technology, like a ductless mini-split heat pump. Replacing a whole unit typically costs about $973 on average.
Even if you enjoy your baseboard heaters, you should still consider talking to an HVAC specialist about upgrading to a more modern heating and cooling system. An HVAC system will not only provide you with a reliable heating and cooling system but also give your home a modern upgrade you can appreciate.
Upgrading baseboard heating averages $400 to $1,500 per unit installed, or $650 to $1,200 per room. The total price depends on whether you are replacing units, upgrading the system type, or simply installing aesthetic covers.
If your baseboard heaters are more than a decade old, they are likely less energy-efficient than newer models. Consider replacing them with newer, energy-efficient units. Look for heaters with Energy Star certification, as these are designed to be more efficient.
Ductless mini-splits and electric wall heaters are the best alternatives to baseboards. They free up wall space, provide faster heating, and are generally more energy-efficient.
Typically, a well-maintained baseboard heater lasts 15-20 years before decline. However, several factors will reduce its life expectancy. Unsurprisingly, the more a heater is used, the more wear and tear it experiences, decreasing its lifespan.
Heat pumps, which use electricity to transfer heat from outside the home into it, rather than heating up like a toaster oven, are 3 times more efficient than electric furnaces and baseboard heating systems. That inefficiency means electric heating uses more electricity, which translates to higher utility bills.
When it comes to pure energy conversion, all standard electric baseboard heaters are 100% efficient. However, the most efficient baseboard heaters are hydronic (liquid-filled) electric baseboards. They use electricity to heat a sealed fluid (like mineral oil) inside the unit rather than heating the air directly.
Before you install a baseboard heater, you need to know what size you'll need for the room it'll heat. You should calculate 10 watts per square foot of room area, according to The Spruce, a home DIY website.
The Cost to Install Electric Baseboard Heat
Then, there is the hourly rate of hiring an electrician to do the wiring for the system. While these rates vary depending on where you live and the company, you can generally expect to pay around $60 to $90 an hour.
The safest baseboard heaters are electric hydronic (liquid-filled) heaters, as they use a sealed fluid element that stays much cooler to the touch than standard exposed-element models. For standard installations, hardwired convective heaters from highly vetted brands like Cadet or King Electric are top picks, as they include mandatory built-in high-temperature safety shutoffs.
By far the most expensive is the use of an electric boiler, which is due to the high price of electricity. It works best as an additional source of heat, which is used only occasionally. The cheapest heating is the use of a heat pump.
Baseboard Heater Isn't Producing Heat
This could be due to a malfunctioning heating element or a faulty thermostat. 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.
Replacing a baseboard heater involves either swapping the entire unit or, if the heating element still works, simply upgrading the covers for a fresh look. Electric models typically cost $50 to $130 per unit, while hydronic (hot water) versions are higher. For full replacements, turning off the power, disconnecting the wiring, and securing the new unit to the studs are required.
Baseboard heaters
A 6-foot baseboard heater draws about 1,500 watts of power. Running it for six hours a day would cost more than $30 in a typical month. Depending on the age and efficiency of the unit, it could cost more than $100 in a single month.
Minimalist and flat baseboards are currently the most popular. The contemporary design focus is on clean lines and subtle elegance rather than ornate millwork.
For a 2,000-square-foot house, you will typically need between 450 and 600 linear feet of baseboard. Because baseboard requirements rely on wall perimeter rather than floor area, this range varies based on your home's layout, the number of rooms, and the number of doorways.
Newer standard baseboard heaters are not inherently more efficient at converting electricity to heat; all baseboard heaters are 100% efficient at this task. However, newer models, especially hydronic (fluid-filled) heaters and those paired with line-voltage smart thermostats, provide better comfort and can significantly reduce energy waste.
Ductless mini-split heat pumps are the best overall replacement for electric baseboard heaters, offering up to 3x higher efficiency and providing both heating and cooling without ductwork. Other top, highly efficient options include hydronic baseboards for consistent heat and electric radiant floor heating for zone-controlled comfort.
The ability of a 1500-watt heater to heat a room depends on factors such as insulation, ceiling height, and climate. Generally, a 1500-watt heater can effectively heat a well-insulated room of about 150 square feet (approximately 14 square meters) in moderate climates.
Most baseboard heater problems fall into predictable categories. Electric baseboard heaters can last over 20 years but are prone to dust buildup and electrical failures. Hydronic systems, which use hot water from a boiler, face challenges like trapped air and leaks.
Top Rated Electric Baseboard Heaters
Natural gas is usually the cheapest way. Even with higher gas prices, a heating system fueled by natural gas is typically less than electricity, propane, or heating oil. Energy efficiency is another way to assess the cost of a heating system. An energy-efficient heating system saves you money on your heating bill.
The 30,000 BTU blue flame propane garage heater model heats up to 1000 square feet and has a metal heat shield for added durability.