How Much Does Electric Baseboard Heating Cost in 2024?

When some homeowners seek attractive, low-cost heating, they may turn to electrically heated baseboards, which offer a subtle, space-saving solution. However, before you choose to go with this system, it is essential to consider the cost of electric baseboard heaters.

What are Electric Heated Baseboards? How Do They Work?

Electric baseboard heaters are hardwired into your home’s electrical system and provide heat through radiant energy. They warm the surrounding air, which circulates naturally to heat the space.

These systems are quieter and less obtrusive than portable space heaters and can be a cost-effective solution for supplemental heating. However, they are not ideal as the primary heating system in larger homes or colder climates due to their relatively high energy consumption.

Is Baseboard Heat Expensive? The Cost of Electric Baseboard Heat

The cost of electric baseboard heaters depends on various factors, including size, wattage, and labor. Prices range from $400 to $650, with an average cost of about $550 per unit. High-end models can cost up to $1,400.

3 Factors Influencing Electric Baseboard Heater Costs

Several factors determine the cost of electric baseboard heating. To make an informed decision, it’s important to understand how your home’s layout, individual room needs, and heater sizes affect pricing.

1. The Size of Your Home

The overall size of your home and the number of rooms will determine how many baseboard heaters you’ll need. Larger homes with more rooms require a higher quantity of heaters, significantly increasing costs.

So, how much does it cost to install baseboard heating throughout your home? 

For an 800 to 1,000 sqft home, you’ll need six or seven units, costing you around $2,400 to $2,800. 

Prices and the number of units steadily increase, with homes that are 2,300 to 3,000 sqft needing 18 to 20 units, with costs ranging from $6,400 to $8,000. 

These estimates do not include installation costs.

2. Room Size and Heating Requirements

Each room’s size influences the amount of power needed to heat the space effectively. Baseboard heaters work on a per-room basis, so you’ll need to calculate the wattage required for each room.

Naturally, larger rooms will require more power to heat them. For a small 64 sqft space, a 500W unit will suffice, which costs between $35 and $150 for materials. 

Larger areas, a 500 sqft space, for example, will require 4,500W, which will cost from $300 to $1,000.

Knowing the specific wattage requirements for each room ensures that you choose the right size heater for optimal performance.

3. Heater Size and Cost

Once you know the wattage needed for each room, you can select the appropriate heater size. Electric baseboards are available in various lengths and power levels, with larger units costing more.

As you’d expect, the bigger the system, the higher the cost of electric baseboard heaters. Systems range from two feet, which cost $40 to $70 to ten feet, with costs ranging from $575 to $650.

The Cost to Install Electric Baseboard Heat

New baseboard heater installation costs can be broken down in two ways: the base fee, which can range from $250 to $500 for a unit, and the thermostat. Then, you’ll pay between $100 to $300 for each additional unit. 

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. 

A single unit can take two to three hours to install, with wall-mounted thermostats adding another two hours. Additional heaters will add to the baseboard heater installation cost, each taking another two to three hours.

Another factor to consider when looking at baseboard heater installation cost is if you’re replacing a different heat source. This means the installer and electrician will have more work, as the old heat source will need to be removed and the electrical panel will need to be updated. This can cost $2 to $4 per square foot.

Cost to Replace Baseboard Heating

Fortunately, the cost of replacing baseboard heating is often much less than the cost of installing them completely new. Of course, you still need to hire an electrician or HVAC company, and those costs will reflect the cost of the unit, labor and permit fees, and thermostat replacement fees, if necessary.

Generally, a one-for-one replacement will take less time, making the cost to install baseboard heater replacements much lower – around $287 on average. 

Another Floor-Level Heating Alternative

https://www.warmup.com/blog/radiant-floor-heating-vs-baseboard-heating

Is baseboard heat expensive? Based on the factors above, the cost can certainly add up, especially for large homes. Fortunately, another heating option is available that is so out of sight that you’ll almost forget it’s there: electric underfloor heating.

4 Reasons to Consider Underfloor Heating

Here are four key reasons why underfloor heating is a smart, modern choice for your home:

1. Design Freedom

Hidden beneath the floor, underfloor heating doesn’t interfere with furniture placement or interior design.

2. Low Maintenance

Once installed, Warmup systems require no ongoing maintenance, unlike baseboard heaters that may need periodic repairs.

3. Smart Technology

Warmup’s Smart Thermostats enable zoning, scheduling, and energy monitoring, offering superior control over your home’s heating.

4. Energy Efficiency

Operates at lower temperatures while delivering better comfort, leading to significant long-term energy savings. By switching to underfloor heating, homeowners can save up to 25% on energy bills.

Effective Heating That’s Out of Sight

Baseboard heating is a viable option for smaller spaces or as supplemental heating. However, it has drawbacks, including visual bulk, limited coverage, and higher energy costs for larger homes. Electric underfloor heating offers a more efficient, maintenance-free alternative that blends seamlessly into your home.

Warmup’s underfloor systems provide reliable, energy-efficient heating tailored to your needs. Contact Warmup for more information or get an instant price quote and explore options for upgrading your home’s comfort and energy efficiency today!