Baseboard Heating: How Much Does It Cost? (Is It Expensive?)

Baseboard heating is a type of radiant heating that uses hot water or electric coils running through your baseboard to heat your home. It is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is an efficient way to heat your home and can be easily installed.

However, you may be curious about this heating system’s initial, operational, and installation costs. Keep reading to learn more about the upfront and ongoing cost of baseboard heating.

How Much Does Baseboard Heating Cost?

Gas or electric baseboard heating costs between $200 and $1,300 per unit, including installation. The monthly operation of these baseboard heating systems ranges between $480 and $900. However, these prices are impacted by the size of your home and the type of heating system you install.

Now let’s break down the various costs associated with baseboard heating.

Baseboard Heating Installation Costs Based on Heating Technology

You can implement radiant heating with gas, electric, or hydronic (liquid-based) technology. The technology you choose significantly impacts the cost of your baseboard heating.

For example, installing an electric baseboard heating system typically costs less than a gas or hydronic system. However, electric baseboard heaters are less efficient than others and may cost more to operate in the long run.

Gas and hydronic baseboard heating systems are more expensive to install than electric systems, but they are more efficient and can help you save money on your energy bills long term.

Electric Baseboard Heater Installation Costs

An electric baseboard heating unit costs between $50 and $130. When you factor in installation, the system will cost you between $200 and $1,100.

The exact cost will depend on several factors, such as:

• The size of the unit
• The complexity of the installation
• The labor costs in your area

An electric baseboard heater might not be the way to go if you’re looking for a more efficient and cost-effective heating solution.

Gas Baseboard Heater Installation Costs

Gas baseboard heaters use natural gas or propane gas to heat your home.

They are typically more expensive to install than electric baseboard heaters, but they are also more efficient and can save you money on your energy bills over time. The average cost to install a gas baseboard heater is between $350 and $1,200, with the unit alone costing between $100 and $500.

You can read our article, “Is It Possible To Remove Natural Gas From Your Home?” to learn more about natural gas in your home.

Hydronic Baseboard Heater Installation Costs

The national average cost for a hydronic baseboard heater installation is between $430 and $1,200, with most homeowners spending around $750 for a 1,500-square-foot (139.35 sq m) home in a moderate climate.

If you live in a cold climate or have a large home, expect your expenditure to be on the higher end of that range. In addition, the model and brand of the hydronic heater will play a role in the project’s overall cost. For example, a high-efficiency model will cost more than a standard unit.

Hydronic heaters are more efficient than other types of heaters due to their ability to hold the heat for an extended period after a running cycle. However, they heat slowly compared to other types of heating.

How Do Baseboard Heating Costs Compare To Other Heating Types?

While baseboard heaters come with low installation prices, the high operating costs are a pain in the neck for homeowners.

The table below lists various heating options and their related installation costs:

How Much Does Baseboard Heating Cost Per Month?

On average, baseboard heating in the United States costs $480-$900 per month. The exact figure varies depending on the climate, the size of the home, and the extent of use.

The cost is higher in colder climates, such as the Northeast, and lower in warmer regions, such as the Southwest. Additionally, a small home will use less electricity to run the system than a large home.

Also, the more you use your baseboard heater, the higher your monthly cost will be.

Repair and Maintenance Cost

Repairing and maintaining a baseboard heater is costly and can range from $140 to $400. However, the maintenance cost will depend on the type of heater, the room’s size, and the installation’s complexity.

Handy Tip: If your heater is low-quality or old, it gets to a point where getting a new one is less costly than fixing it frequently.

How to Reduce the Recurring Cost of Baseboard Heating

While baseboard heating is cheaper to install than other heating types, it is more expensive to operate. Still, there are several ways to reduce the running costs of a baseboard heater.

Clean Your Heater Regularly

Cleaning your baseboard heater is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your heating bill. Dust and dirt can build up on the fins of the system, reducing their efficiency and driving costs up.

To clean your heaters, vacuum them or wipe them with a cloth. Be sure to unplug the unit before you clean it.

Here’s a video showing how to clean your baseboard heater effectively:

Remove Any Obstructions Near Your Heater

You may not know this, but your baseboard heater is designed to operate with some space around it for two reasons:

• Safety – if there are too many obstructions around your baseboard heater, it can become a fire hazard. The items around may heat to the point of catching fire.
• Efficiency – the heater will have to work harder to heat the room if it is obstructed, increasing energy bills.

So, how much clearance does your baseboard heater need?

It depends on the model, but most require at least four inches (10.16 cm) of clearance on all sides. You may need six inches (15.24 cm) or more if you have a larger room. The best way to find out is to consult your owner’s manual.

Use Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are another way to reduce the cost of operating a baseboard heater. You can significantly reduce your overall energy costs by programming these thermostats to reduce heating when it’s not needed.

In addition to reducing energy costs, programmable thermostats also help extend the life of your baseboard heating system. By reducing the time your system is running, you can help it last longer and reduce the need for repairs or replacement in the future.

Choose the Lowest Temperature

Another effective way to reduce the cost of operating your baseboard heater is to choose the lowest temperature setting that still maintains a comfortable home environment. This level will minimize the time your heater is running and can significantly reduce energy costs.

Conclusion

While installation and unit costs are low, baseboard heating is expensive to operate. However, several ways to reduce operating costs include cleaning your heater regularly and using a programmable thermostat.

Additionally, the source of heat you choose for your baseboard heating system significantly affects the cost.

Electric baseboard heating is the cheapest to install. However, it’s inefficient and costly to run. While the gas and hydronic options cost more to install, they may prove more affordable in the long run.

Choosing the best option can be tricky, but we have faith you’ll make the right decision!