Ductless heating and cooling system costs vary depending on size, type, and energy efficiency. Their installation is likely to lower your energy bills.
How Much Does Baseboard Heater Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $416 - $1,531
The average baseboard heater installation cost is $973, with most homeowners paying between $416 and $1,531, depending on heater type, size, and labor.
How we get this data
Photo: Maridav / Adobe Stock
Photo: Maridav / Adobe Stock
Cost Insights
Baseboard heater installation involves mounting electric or hydronic units along walls to deliver efficient room-by-room heating.
Labor, materials, heater type, and project prep work are the main cost drivers for this project, with pros charging between $50 and $120 per hour.
Choosing energy-efficient models and proper sizing can increase comfort and long-term savings on utility bills.
Completing this installation can improve home comfort, add value, and help lower overall heating costs.
Upgrades like programmable thermostats or smart-home integration can increase costs by $100 to $300 per unit.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Baseboard heater installation cost averages $973, with most homeowners spending between $416 and $1,531. This project’s cost depends on factors like heater type, size, material, and labor. Homeowners pay $200 to $1,100 per unit, plus additional labor and any upgrades or add-ons.
Understanding these costs helps you plan for a more comfortable and energy-efficient home. Expect to pay $40 to $60 per linear foot for electric units, with labor averaging $50 to $120 per hour for licensed pros.
Baseboard Heater Installation Cost Factors
Several factors determine your total baseboard heater installation cost. Let’s break down the major drivers, so you can budget with confidence.
Type
The type of baseboard heater you select—electric or hydronic—has a significant impact on installation cost:
Electric heaters are often more affordable to install.
Hydronic (hot water) heaters cost more upfront but may offer greater efficiency and comfort over time.
Standard units are the most budget-friendly.
High-efficiency or smart-enabled models can raise costs due to their advanced features.
Smart-enabled and high-efficiency heaters often require extra wiring or integration, which increases both material and labor expenses. While these upgrades lead to higher upfront costs, they can result in lower energy bills and greater control for homeowners.
| Heater Type | Average Installation Cost per Unit | Average Range |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | $200 | $150–$400 |
| Hydronic | $500 | $400–$1,100 |
| High-efficiency | $600 | $500–$1,200 |
| Smart-enabled | $700 | $600–$1,500 |
Size
Heater size, measured by length and wattage (or BTU output), is another key factor. Larger units, or those designed to heat bigger spaces, cost more to purchase and install. For single-room use, a small unit may be all you need, but whole-home installations require multiple heaters and higher wattage, raising your total project cost.
A standard electric baseboard heater is 3 to 8 feet long and ranges from 500 to 2,000 watts. Costs increase as you add length or power, and multi-unit setups for larger homes will multiply both material and labor costs.
| Heater Size (Length/Wattage) | Average Cost per Unit | Average Range |
|---|---|---|
| 3 ft./500 watts | $150 | $100–$250 |
| 6 ft./1,000 watts | $250 | $200–$400 |
| 8 ft./2,000 watts | $350 | $300–$600 |
Materials
Material costs vary depending on whether you choose electric or hydronic units. Electric heaters consist of metal casings and fins with basic wiring, whereas hydronic models require heat-retaining elements and plumbing for hot water. Brands, energy efficiency ratings, and advanced features like programmable thermostats or smart controls can all add to your total.
Finishes, colors, and custom covers will also bump up the price, especially if you want to match your interior decor or add upscale details.
Labor
Labor is a major part of your baseboard heater installation cost. Licensed electricians handle most electric baseboard installs, while hydronic units require both a plumber and an HVAC technician.
Labor rates vary. Electricians charge $50 to $120 per hour, while plumbers and HVAC pros may charge $75 to $150 per hour. Some companies offer flat rates per unit, especially for straightforward jobs.
Your region and local demand also affect labor costs. Complex projects—such as retrofitting old homes, installing multi-zone systems, or upgrading electrical panels—can significantly increase labor time and expenses. Permits and code compliance are critical, as they may add both time and cost, but they help ensure your system is safe and legal.
Prep
Preparation tasks can add to your installation cost, especially in older homes. Common prep includes removing old heaters, repairing or patching walls, upgrading electrical service, and cleaning up the site after work. Moving furniture or prepping the area yourself can help lower labor time.
If your home has old paint or materials, you may need professional asbestos or lead paint remediation. This can add several hundred dollars to your project, but it is necessary for safety and code compliance.
Additional Cost Factors
Beyond the basics, several other factors can affect your total baseboard heater installation cost:
Demolition and removal of old heating units, which can add $50 to $200 per unit
Post-construction cleanup and debris disposal fees
Permit and inspection costs, costing $50 to $200, depending on your municipality
Foundation or wall modifications, framing, or finishing work, which can add $100 to $500 or more
Upgrades to your electrical panel (for electric heaters) or plumbing (for hydronic), which may cost $500 to $1,500
Decorative add-ons such as custom covers, trim, or integrated thermostats
Additional features like smart home integration, privacy screens, or advanced controls, which can add $100 to $300 per unit
Baseboard Heater Ongoing Costs
Installing baseboard heaters is just the first step. Let’s look at what it takes to keep them running smoothly and efficiently.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance for baseboard heaters includes dusting the fins, cleaning the casing, and inspecting wiring or plumbing connections once a year.
Electric units are low-maintenance, with most costs limited to occasional cleaning. Hydronic systems require more frequent professional checks to prevent leaks or ensure proper operation. Expect to spend $20 to $50 per year for electric units and $50 to $150 per year for hydronic systems.
Professional servicing is especially important for hydronic heaters, as leaks or air in the system can affect performance and cause water damage.
Operating Costs
Operating costs for baseboard heaters depend on energy type, home insulation, and usage patterns. Electric baseboard heaters draw $0.10 to $0.30 per hour per unit, depending on wattage and local electricity rates. For a standard 150-square-foot room, this can mean $30 to $75 per month in colder months.
Hydronic heaters, powered by a boiler, are more energy-efficient but have higher upfront installation and maintenance costs. Whole-home operating costs can range from $100 to $300 per month, depending on the size of your home and local energy prices. Using programmable thermostats and keeping up with maintenance can help lower monthly bills.
Repairs
Common baseboard heater repairs include:
Thermostat replacement costs: $75 to $200
Fixing wiring issues in electric units: $100 to $300
Repairing leaks in hydronic systems: $150 to $400
Replacing damaged fins or covers: $50 to $150
Emergency repairs cost more, especially if you need service after hours or on weekends, so scheduling regular inspections is a smart move. Timely repairs help extend your heater’s lifespan and keep your system running efficiently.
DIY Baseboard Heater Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Many homeowners wonder whether to install baseboard heaters themselves or hire a professional. DIY baseboard heater installation can save on labor, but it requires electrical or plumbing skills, specialized tools, and a strong understanding of safety codes.
DIYers need basic hand tools, a voltage tester, wire cutters, and, for hydronic systems, plumbing tools and leak detection equipment. Skipping professional labor can save $200 to $600 per unit, but mistakes can risk electrical hazards, void warranties, or violate code.
A straightforward electric heater replacement is the most DIY-friendly project, but new installs or hydronic systems are best left to licensed pros for safety and compliance. DIY installation can take 2 to 6 hours per unit, whereas professionals often complete the process faster and handle permits.
| Scenario | Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY (Electric) | $200–$400 |
| Pro (Electric) | $400–$800 |
| Pro (Hydronic) | $600–$1,200 |
We recommend hiring a licensed local baseboard installer for any installation involving new wiring, electrical panels, or hydronic plumbing to ensure your system is safe and up to code.
Cost of Common Baseboard Heater Add-Ons
Homeowners often choose to enhance their baseboard heater installation with add-ons and upgrades. Popular options include:
Programmable thermostats cost $50 to $150 each.
Smart controls or smart thermostats cost $100 to $300 per unit.
Upgraded covers or trim kits cost $50 to $200 per unit.
Electrical panel upgrades or the addition of dedicated circuits may cost $500 to $1,500.
Removing and disposing of old units adds $50 to $200 per heater.
After installation services, such as wall repair, painting, or finishing, can add $100 to $400 per room.
Integration with smart home systems, such as Alexa or Google Home, requires compatible models and may increase costs by $100 to $300 per unit.
Tips to Reduce Baseboard Heater Installation Costs
Consider the following tips to keep your baseboard heater installation costs within budget:
Get multiple quotes from licensed professionals to compare services and pricing.
Choose standard models instead of custom or premium finishes to keep material costs down.
Bundle baseboard heater installation with other electrical or HVAC projects for potential discounts.
Prepare the installation area yourself by moving furniture and clearing space to reduce labor time.
Opt for energy-efficient units to save on long-term operating costs.
Schedule installation during off-peak seasons when contractors may offer lower rates.
Consider DIY installation for simple electric heater replacements if you have experience with electrical work.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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