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Electric baseboard heaters are designed to look like large, decorative baseboards and are installed along the bottom of the wall. They take up very little space, are relatively inconspicuous, and don't require ducts or other major installation work. Of the home heating options, electric baseboard heaters are the cheapest and easiest to install and the most expensive to operate, according to the US Department of Energy
Typical costs: |
- An electric baseboard heater costs $25-$200 per unit, depending on options such as a programmable thermostat or hydronics (running the heating element through a closed-loop heat-transfer liquid for a more lasting warmth). An electric baseboard heater can be installed by any electrician for $125-$300, depending on the complexity of the project. Adding three baseboard heaters in three rooms to supplement an heating system could run $400-$1,500.
Related articles: Hot Water Baseboard Heater, Radiant Floor Heating, Central Heating
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What should be included: |
- Electric baseboard heaters provide warmth relatively quickly and evenly, and can be used in just one room at a time. They're best in warmer climates or where electricity rates are lower than the national average, such as the South or the Pacific Northwest. The US Department of Energy gives an overview of electric heating systems.
- Modern electric baseboard heaters are usually 3-10 feet long, generally extend only about 3-4 inches into the room, come in a variety of neutral colors but can be painted to match any room decor, operate at relatively low temperatures (avoiding wall discoloration) and can be mounted over any flooring, including carpeting. They're often used as a supplement to a central furnace or boiler (keeping one or more rooms warmer than others) or to heat new room additions. House-Energy.com provides an overview[1]
Shopping for an electric baseboard heater: |
- Manufacturers include Cadet[2] , King, Markel[3] , Raywall[4] and TPI Corp.[5]
- Get several estimates, making clear what is (and isn't) included in each quote. Request and check references; ask about the contractor's length and type of experience; and be sure they're properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state[6] . See if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau[7] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Marty d in Hampton bays, NY. | Posted: November 9th, 2015 05:11PM |
| Number of Rooms: 10 |
We are buying a 2500 SF home in hampton bays long island. Has 10 zone elect baseboard heat. What will it cost to run in the winter?? |
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| Posted by: Franky Torres in vallejo, CA. | Posted: January 25th, 2010 02:01PM |
i would like to mention something that is missing in this article, most heaters in the 1500w range need 240 volts to operate so you are gonna have to run from the main service panel 240 volt line with its dedicated 20amp circuit breaker and that will add another $300-$800 to the bill. |
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External Resources: |
- www.house-energy.com/Heaters/Electric-Baseboard.htm
- www.cadetco.com/show_cat.php?catid=2
- www.markel-products.com/
- raywall.com/
- www.tpicorp.com/
- www.contractors-license.org/
- search.bbb.org/
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