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How Much Does Baseboard Heater Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $416 - $1,531
Baseboard heater installation costs average $973, depending on heater type, size, and labor
How we get this data
Photo: Maridav / Adobe Stock
Photo: Maridav / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Baseboard heater installation costs vary depending on heater type, room size, and labor rates.
Baseboard heater installation is a straightforward way to add efficient heating and lower your energy bills.
Upgrading electrical systems or removing old heaters can increase costs.
Professional installation ensures safety and code compliance.
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 projects ranging from $416 to $1,531 on average. Homeowners pay $300 to $1,100 per unit, plus labor. Factors like heater type, room size, and electrical upgrades can affect your total cost.
Baseboard Heater Installation Cost Factors
Understanding what shapes your baseboard heater installation cost helps you budget and prioritize. Let’s break down the main influences, from heater types and sizes to labor and prep work.
Types
Baseboard heaters come in two main varieties: electric and hydronic. Electric baseboard heaters are more affordable to install, as they connect directly to your home’s electrical system. Hydronic heaters, which use hot water from a boiler, cost more due to the need for plumbing and specialized installation. Standard models are the most budget-friendly, while high-efficiency and premium models add extra features and cost. Wall-mounted heaters can be slightly more expensive than floor-mounted versions due to added installation complexity.
| Heater Type | Cost Range per Unit |
|---|---|
| Electric | $200–$1,100 |
| Hydronic | $430–$1,200 |
| Wall-mounted | $420–$1,300 |
Wattage
The size of your heater, measured in wattage, directly impacts installation cost. Larger rooms demand longer or higher-wattage heaters, which means higher material and labor costs. Installers recommend 10 watts per square foot for electric heaters, but poorly insulated homes may need 15 watts per square foot. Choosing the right size ensures even, efficient heating and avoids unnecessary expenses.
| Home Size (Sq. Ft.) | Units | Cost (Without Installation) | Total Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800–1,000 | 6–7 | $2,400–$2,800 | 8,000–15,000 |
| 1,200–1,400 | 8–10 | $3,200–$4,000 | 12,000–21,000 |
| 1,500–1,700 | 10–12 | $4,000–$4,800 | 15,000–25,500 |
| 1,800–2,200 | 12–15 | $4,800–$6,000 | 18,000–33,000 |
| 2,300–3,000 | 16–20 | $6,400–$8,000 | 23,000–45,000 |
Materials
Material costs include the heater unit itself, thermostats, wiring, and mounting hardware. Higher-quality brands and energy-efficient features increase costs. Upgrading to a smart thermostat or advanced controls adds to your budget but can improve comfort and efficiency.
Labor
Professional labor is a significant part of your baseboard heater installation cost. Licensed electricians or HVAC pros charge $60 to $250 per hour, or offer flat rates for straightforward installations. Rates are higher in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living. Labor costs rise if the job requires complex wiring, installing in multiple rooms, or removing old heating systems.
Prep
Preparing for installation may require moving furniture, clearing baseboards, or repairing walls and floors. If your home’s electrical panel needs upgrading or you need new circuits, expect extra charges. Prep work helps ensure a smooth, safe installation but can add to your total cost, depending on the work involved.
Additional Cost Factors
Several other factors can influence your total baseboard heater installation cost:
Removing and disposing of old heaters: $50–$200 per unit
Cleanup services: $50–$150.
Permits and inspection fees: $50–$200.
Smart home integration: $200–$500
Baseboard Heater Installation Ongoing Costs
Baseboard heater installation is just the first step—ongoing costs are important to consider for your home’s comfort and budget.
Maintenance
Routine cleaning and annual inspections help prolong your heater’s lifespan. For electric baseboard heaters, maintenance is as simple as cleaning dust and checking for proper operation, costing little to nothing if done yourself.
Operating Costs
Monthly or annual energy costs depend on your heater type, local energy rates, and how often you use the system. Electric baseboard heaters may add $50 to $60 per month each to your energy bill during cold seasons, while hydronic models are more efficient but require a boiler. Well-insulated homes and programmable thermostats help control ongoing expenses.
Repairs
Common repairs include replacing faulty thermostats, fixing wiring issues, or addressing leaks in hydronic systems. Emergency or after-hours repairs can cost 20% to 50% more. Regular upkeep helps prevent expensive problems and keeps your system running safely.
DIY Baseboard Heater Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY installation can save you on labor, with total out-of-pocket costs for tools, materials, and permits ranging from $200 to $1,100 for a single unit. However, you’ll need the right tools, a solid understanding of electrical work, and willingness to pull permits yourself. Equipment rental or correcting mistakes can quickly add to your cost. Improper installation can void warranties, create fire hazards, and lead to costly corrections.
Hiring a local baseboard technician adds labor charges but guarantees code compliance, safety, and faster completion. Professionals handle electrical upgrades, troubleshooting, and required inspections, reducing your risk of fire hazards or failed inspections. Time investment for DIYers is 6 to 12 hours, while pros can finish in 2 to 4 hours per room.
Tips to Reduce Baseboard Heater Installation Cost
Keeping your baseboard heater installation cost in check is possible with a few smart strategies:
Get multiple quotes from licensed professionals.
Choose standard models over premium options.
Size your heaters properly to your space to optimize energy efficiency.
Bundle installation with other electrical or HVAC projects.
Schedule installation during off-peak seasons for potential discounts.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baseboard heaters are relatively safe, but there are some safety measures that you should keep in mind. In addition to having them professionally tested for safety, the baseboard heaters should not be blocked by open doors, drapes, or furniture, they should have clear space surrounding them, and an automatic shut-off feature to promote the safest experience. If you have kids or pets, make sure they steer clear of hot heaters to avoid burns.
Most manufacturers recommend that you have at least 12 inches of clearance in front of your baseboard heater. You can put furniture in front of the heater, but it must be 1 foot away. Anything less is a fire hazard.
You can replace an electric baseboard heater by turning off all the power to the heater at your fuse box. Remove the old unit, which can be a bit tricky depending on the original installation. Set the baseboard heater on the floor in front of where you want it installed. Wire the new unit the same way the old unit was wired and mount it to the wall. To save you a few headaches and ensure all safety precautions are taken, you may want to hire a professional to install your new unit(s).
Yes. Electric baseboard heaters can save on your energy costs. Some systems, like forced air systems, are less expensive than electric baseboard heat. A 2000-watt baseboard heater can warm 200 square feet of space in about 15 minutes.
As an example, the current electric heat cost in the mid-Atlantic area (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware) is about 15 cents per kWh. So, for a 2,200-square-foot house, electric baseboard heat will cost $2,485 a year.
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