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Exposed ductwork can be a smart choice even beyond aesthetics. Fortunately, exposed ductwork costs are relatively low, and easy access keeps repair costs to a minimum.
Dave D.
He was very personable and punctual.
How to Replace a Baseboard Heater in 7 Steps
Learn the basic steps for how to replace a baseboard heater
Photo: Douglas Rissing / iStock / Getty Images
Photo: Douglas Rissing / iStock / Getty Images
SKILL LEVEL
Challenging
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
$500–$1,000
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Screwdriver
- Electrical tape
- Wire cutters or strippers
SUPPLIES
- Baseboard heater
- Wire nuts
- Grounding screw
Whether you’re swapping out an outdated unit or upgrading to a more energy-efficient model, learning how to replace a baseboard heater is possible for the advanced-level DIYer. However, this project can be hazardous due to the required electrical work, so it’s best to hire a local baseboard installer. This guide will walk you through the basic removal and replacement process for baseboard heaters.
Photo: Catherine Ledner / DigitalVision / Getty Images
How to Replace a Baseboard Heater
Photo: Douglas Rissing / iStock / Getty Images
If you’re up for the DIY, carefully follow these steps to replace a baseboard heater.
Shut Off the Power at the Breaker
Ensure your safety by switching off the circuit breaker for the baseboard heater at the main electrical panel. Tape over the breaker to prevent accidental reactivation. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off before moving on to the next step.
Remove the Existing Heater
Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws securing the old heater to the wall, which are located at the sides or top of the heater. Before touching the heater, make sure it has cooled down completely.
Disconnect the Wiring
Carefully remove the baseboard heater from the wall to expose the wiring. Locate the metal cable entering the back of the heater. Unscrew the metal plate holding the wiring in place. Disconnect the wire nuts joining the heater's wires to the home's electrical wiring, and release the ground wire from the grounding screw.
Put the New Heater Into Position
Position the new heater on the floor near where it will be installed. Find the wire box on the unit closest to the wall wires and remove the cover plate using a screwdriver. Pull the wires from inside the new unit to prepare for connection.
Wire the New Heater
Following the same method as the old unit, connect the heater to the home’s wiring. Match black to black (or red) and white to white, securing the connections with wire nuts and electrical tape. Attach the ground wire to the grounding screw on the new heater and replace the metal plate.
Mount the New Heater
Position the new heater on the wall and secure it using screws. Align the screws with the existing wall anchors for a snug fit.
Test the New Heater
Once everything is secure, turn the power back on at the breaker and turn on the baseboard heater to make sure it’s functioning properly.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’re not comfortable with learning how to replace a baseboard heater, it’s highly advisable to seek out a pro rather than attempting the DIY. The cost of installing a baseboard heater professionally is between $75 and $250 per hour for labor, plus the cost of the unit. Baseboard heater prices vary significantly, with costs ranging anywhere from $50 to $1,300. While you can save on labor by replacing a baseboard heater yourself, hiring a pro will ensure it’s installed safely and properly for maximum efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heating and air conditioning services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Council Bluffs, IA
4.5★ avg. • 95 total reviews
- Jon H.
I had Elite out to quote installing an inline duct booster since our upstairs had low airflow and I was pretty sure I'd tried everything on the dampers downstairs to balance it out. Turns out I'm not as clever as I thought—Trevor went through and figured out that the line I thought was the...
- Kevin H.
They did an excellent job! Every single worker was very friendly and professional, very careful with our plants in the yard. Did a great and safe job removing dead and dangerous branches and even cleaned up after themselves. Price was very reasonable as well; we'd hire them again in a heartbeat!
- Wayne R.
they replaced individual shingles that were damaged by hail. house approx 8 yrsold, roof in good condition. they did not try to sell whole new roof. good people.
- Michael H.
My back yard slopes considerably down and away from the back of the house and an unsightly/unstable retention mound of rubble and soil left the area close to the back of the house and under the 2nd story high deck pretty much unusable. Jeremy removed the rubble, reshaped the nondescript...
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