How Much Does It Cost To Repair An Electric Baseboard Or Wall Heater?

Electric Baseboard Heater Repair Labor Cost Factors

Most repairs should only take a matter of hours. You can expect your pro to charge around $65 and $85 per hour.

Baseboard heaters are simple systems. This can make replacing the entire unit easier than repairing broken components. The installation of a new heater can cost between $350 and $1,100. Your local electrician will be able to help you choose the best solution for your home and budget.

Why Is Your Baseboard or Wall Heater Not Working? - Common Problems

Most homeowners pay between $130 and $450 to hire a furnace pro. Your costs will vary based on the size of the unit and the nature of the problem.

The root of your heater's malfunction can vary. A lack of heat is the most common sign of a faulty unit. Inconsistent temperatures can also signal a problem. Not all issues affect your heater's air temperature. Burning smells and smoke are also cause for concern.

• Faulty Heating Element: $20 - $40 per element. Replacements will require working with live wires. Be sure to hire a pro.

• Broken Thermostat: $14 - $25 per unit. This job will require working with electricity. It costs most homeowners between $100 - $250 for a thermostat replacement or repair. Installation mistakes can result in shocks, fire, and damage to your home, so it's best to hire a thermostat professional.

• Shorted Limiter Switch: $380 - $1,000. You'll likely need to replace the entire unit if your thermal limit switch doesn't work. The cost of wall heater replacements can be expensive and take contractors several hours or days to complete.

• Blown Fuse: $0 - $40 for a new breaker. Flipping the breaker manually should fix most issues. If you need to replace your breaker, you can expect to pay between $5 - $40.

• Blocked vents. You can DIY this repair by clearing debris from the vents and moving furniture or drapes that block the intake.

• Dirty hardware. Use a rag to clean the inside of your heater before cold weather arrives.

What Part Is Malfunctioning?

To understand which part of your heating isn't working, it's important to know a little more about how the unit works. Here's a breakdown of your heater's anatomy and functionality.

1. Snap-In Brackets. These are supports designed to hold the front panel and the heating element in some designs.

2. Front Panel. This protective panel snaps onto brackets and provides access to the unit's interior for cleaning and repairs.

3. Air Intake. These vents provide circulation into the unit and help with cleaning.

4. Heating Element. This is a piece of metal that uses electricity or liquid to create heat. Most elements are made from copper.

5. Thermostat. Your thermostat allows you to raise and lower the temperature. This is usually located on the outside of the unit.

6. Thermal Limit Switch. The thermal switch helps prevent overheating. If your unit exceeds safe temperatures, your switch will cut power.

Maintaining Your Electric Baseboard Heater

Cleaning the vents and openings of your heater will ensure its long-lasting health. Keeping furniture and other air-blocking items away from its intake will improve its efficiency and keep it in great shape for years to come. Bigger issues like heat element failure will require the help of a pro.

Factoring the Cost of Electric Heat vs. Gas Baseboard Heating

It used to be that electricity was the most expensive way to heat your home. This is no longer the case. It never hurts to reassess your home's heating costs - especially if you have a broken heater. Use this comparison of gas and electric heat to determine which is right for your home.

Utility Prices:

• Gas: $14 per million BTUs of heat.

• Electric: $34 per million BTUs of heat.

Installation:

• Gas: Installing gas lines will cost $260 - $760.

• Electric: Electrical installations are simple and DIY-able. If you have to install wiring, expect to pay $160 - $500.

Life Span:

• Gas: 15 - 20 years.

• Electric: 15 - 20 years.

Safety:

• Gas can cause carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and gas leaks. Keep a CO detector near your heater and have a pro perform regular maintenance to avoid both problems.

• Electric can start fires. Proper use and regular maintenance will prevent problems.

Maintenance:

• Gas: It's best to hire a pro once a year to inspect your unit to ensure it's in good shape.

• Electric: You can DIY most upkeep (cleaning vents, blown fuse). You'll only need to hire a technician in the event of a major problem.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Simple repairs like cleaning out vents are DIY-able. If you notice major malfunctions like heat element failure, it's best to hire a pro. Mistakes with DIY repairs can result in fires and shock.