How Much Does It Cost to Repair Baseboard Heaters? [2025 Data]

Baseboard Heater Repair Costs 

Baseboard heaters are relatively low-maintenance but occasionally need repairs as they age. The cost of these repairs depends on several factors, including the type of unit, location, and labor.

Type of Repair

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.

• Broken thermostat: It costs $100–$250 to repair or replace the thermostat for your baseboard heating system. A standard thermostat costs $15–$25, but you could spend as much as $500 for a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat.

• Shorted limiter switch: If the thermal limiter switch inside your baseboard heating system malfunctions, you may need to replace the entire system, which runs from $380–$1,000.

• Circuit breaker repairs: If your heating trips the circuit, you can switch the circuit breaker to solve the issue. If your circuit breaker regularly trips when your heating turns on, you may need more extensive repairs, which could cost around $100–$250.

• Other electrical wiring repairs: If your baseboard heating needs electrical repairs, you’ll spend $6–$8 per linear foot. Keep in mind that contractors charge a minimum trip fee for their time.

• Leaky or burst pipe repair: Hydronic baseboard heating systems can occasionally spring a leak. Water can freeze inside piping during extremely cold temperatures, causing the pipe to burst. Leaky or burst pipe repair costs $150–$275 per linear foot, excluding the cost of water damage repair, which can soar into the thousands.

• Cleaning: Debris and corrosion can build up inside your baseboard heaters over time. You can clean your baseboard heaters or hire an HVAC technician for $75 to $150 per hour.

Type of Baseboard Heater 

The type of baseboard heater will impact the cost of repairs, and there are two types:

• Convection baseboard heaters: Commonly called electric baseboard heaters, convection baseboard heaters use electricity to warm air over heated coils or metal fins. The air rises and heats the room.

• Hydronic baseboard heaters: Most hydronic baseboard heaters, also known as hot water baseboard heaters, heat your home using hot water (though some systems use oil). This type of heating connects to the home’s central boiler, which heats water using gas, oil, or electricity. The hot water runs through the pipes and into your heating unit, warming the room like a radiator.

Convection heaters require less maintenance, and the repairs are more affordable because they contain fewer components than hydronic heaters.

Number of Units 

The number of baseboard heating units in your home can impact the cost of repairs. It depends on whether the repair extends to multiple units. For example, cleaning your system will cost more if it’s large. 

Labor 

Most common repairs are relatively straightforward jobs that will take a professional a couple of hours. You will pay more in labor costs for large-scale repairs. At the same time, if the job is small, your contractor may charge a minimum fee for their visit. Budget $75 to $150 per hour for an HVAC technician or electrician. 

Location 

Certain portions of your baseboard heating system are concealed behind walls or flooring. If your contractor needs to make repairs in these difficult-to-reach places, you can expect higher costs. The less accessible the component, the more it will cost. You’ll also have potential add-on costs like drywall or flooring repair.

Repair vs. Replace Baseboard Heaters 

Baseboard heaters may require small repairs, like replacing a heating element or faulty thermostat. This is part of regular maintenance, but there is a point at which replacing your heaters may become more economical. Consider replacing baseboard heaters if:

• Your heating system is nearing the end of its lifespan

• Your system starts needing frequent repairs

• The repair cost exceeds 50% of the cost of a replacement

Remember that while the average life expectancy of a baseboard heater is 15 to 20 years, a well-maintained system can last even longer.

DIY Baseboard Heater Repair vs. Hiring a Pro

Besides the cost of labor, baseboard heater repair can cost as little as $50 or as much as $800. However, you’ll have to hire a local licensed electrician to ensure the work is compliant with building codes (and make sure the project is safe for everyone involved).

Ways to Save on Baseboard Heater Repairs or Replacement

Most of the time, you’ll need to hire a professional to repair or replace your baseboard heaters because it requires electrical work. There are still a few things you can do to save on the cost:

• Clean your baseboard heaters yourself: Dust and debris can clog your baseboard heaters and block the vents. You can clean them yourself (ideally, once or twice per year) by turning off the system, vacuuming the dust, and cleaning the fins.

• Inspect your heaters annually: Inspect your heating system annually so small issues don’t evolve into costly replacements. Check for obstructions, loose or worn-out wiring, and rust or corrosion during the inspection.

• Make prompt repairs: Putting off repairs can stress or damage your system. Addressing minor issues before they become big issues can save you money.

• Up your heating efficiency: Before you replace your baseboard heater, it may be worth asking your contractor about heat pumps. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, swapping to a heat pump system can reduce energy usage by 30% to 60%, saving an average of $500 per year. If you live in the right type of climate, you could save serious money in the long run.

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. 

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