- On average, baseboard radiators cost between $200 and $1,200 per unit with installation.
- The heating type, room size, unit length, and labor can all affect the total installation cost.
- Ask for offseason discounts and search for local rebates to save money on your radiator.
Baseboard radiators are low-profile, zoned heating solutions that offer an affordable upfront cost. With professional installation, baseboard radiators cost between $200 and $1,200 per unit. Exact prices depend on the home and room sizes, whether it’s a new installation or replacement, and whether you opt for an electric or hydronic model.
Baseboard radiators have several advantages over other types of heating systems, such as forced-air systems with central HVAC or ductless mini-splits. They’re quiet, provide reliable zoned heating in cold climates, require little maintenance, and are a more affordable HVAC option if you don’t have existing ductwork. However, baseboard heaters aren’t the best option for everyone — they tend to have higher long-term energy costs than other systems and can’t provide air conditioning.
“People tend to ignore them, but baseboard radiators are one of the most effective ways to heat a home,” said Mitch Rosa, owner of Hudson Valley HVAC in Orange County, New York. “But, they use up a lot of space and homeowners don’t always like to lose that.”
In this article, we discuss the factors that impact baseboard radiator costs, explain why you should work with a professional HVAC contractor, and provide tips to help you lower the installation price.
Cost data in this article is sourced from estimates used by HomeGuide.
HVAC Installation
In general, you’ll pay between $5,540 and $10,980 for an HVAC unit, installation costs, and removal of your old unit.
Furnace Replacement
You can expect to pay between $4,000 and $7,000, including installation, old furnace removal, and labor.
Heat Pump Installation
You’ll likely pay between $3,000 and $35,000, but most homeowners spend between $5,800 and $7,500.
Average Baseboard Radiator Costs
On average, baseboard radiators cost between $200 and $1,200 per unit with professional installation. Each unit usually measures 2 to 6 linear feet, with some exceptions. Homeowners with larger homes pay more for installation than those with smaller homes due to the higher heating demand.
The heating type — electric or hydronic — plays a major role in the total price. Electric radiators are the more affordable of the two, ranging from $50 to $130 per unit without installation. By comparison, hydronic systems often cost between $180 and $320 per unit.
Local labor costs, home accessibility, and other factors also impact the final installation bill.
What Impacts Baseboard Radiator Installation Cost?
Upfront, baseboard radiator installation is an affordable heating option for many homeowners. However, some factors — such as required electrical or plumbing work, larger rooms, and advanced features — can increase the total price.
Electric Vs. Hydronic
You can choose from two heating types for baseboard radiators: electric or hydronic. Unlike other types of radiators, baseboard heating systems don’t use steam.
Electric baseboard heaters range from $50 to $130 per unit, or $200 to $1,100 with installation. They draw in air, heating it with interior coils. You’ll need an HVAC professional to add electric heaters, but the system doesn’t require separate ductwork or pipes — the technician simply has to add it to your existing electrical system.
Hydronic baseboard radiators, also known as hot water baseboard radiators, average between $180 and $320 per unit ($430 to $1,200 per unit with installation). They use hot water or oil to heat the space, either by connecting to the central boiler with a closed loop or using electric heating elements within the radiator to warm the water.
| Heating Type | Cost per Unit | Cost Including Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | $50–$130 | $200–$1,100 |
| Hydronic | $180–$320 | $430–$1,200 |
While electric baseboard radiators are less expensive upfront, they’re less energy-efficient than hydronic systems. Liquid retains heat more effectively than electric coils, so the hydronic radiator turns on and off less frequently. With lower energy costs over time, hydronic models are ideal for whole-home heating.
Room Size and System Length
Larger rooms require more watts or British thermal units (BTUs) per radiator unit, longer systems, or more units to meet heating demands. Baseboard radiator units often measure 2 to 6 linear feet, but you can find much longer units, including ones up to 14 feet. The longer the unit, the higher the cost.
Electric and electric hydronic systems produce around 250 watts per linear foot. You typically need 10 watts per square foot, but you’ll need more if you live in certain climate zones or if the room has poor insulation.
For example, a 200-square-foot room with good insulation requires 2,000 watts. Therefore, the space requires 8 linear feet of 250-watt electric heaters. If you opt for a single 8-foot unit, you can expect to pay between $100 and $480 per unit without installation.
Each hydronic radiator linear foot produces around 600 BTUs. Rooms with solid insulation need about 34 BTUs per square foot. A 200-square-foot room requires 6,800 BTUs for consistent heating — or 12 linear feet of 600-BTU hydronic units.
This idea extends to the overall size of your home, too. A larger house requires more radiator units (and results in higher energy bills). Rosa said, “The bigger the space, the more complex the installation.”
You should carefully consider how much heating you need to properly serve your home to avoid overloading the system. “Every home is like a body, in my opinion,” Rosa added. “It needs to breathe.” If you run undersize heating solutions, “it’s like running with cotton in your nose. You’re going to be working harder and cause a heart attack.”
Today’s Homeowner Tip
If you’re installing multiple radiator units in one room, ask the HVAC technician about discounts. Many professionals offer deals if you purchase more than one.
Labor
Homeowners often pay between $75 and $150 per hour for HVAC contractors to install electric or hydronic baseboard radiators, but labor may cost more in areas with higher costs of living.
Professionals need two to three hours to install electric units. While the unit itself might cost as little as $50, you could end up spending $200 or more with installation. You’ll also pay around $50 to $130 per hour for an electrician if you need a dedicated circuit for a new electric system.
Hydronic radiators take more time to install — often between three to four hours. Professional installation tends to add $200 to $900 to the bill.
You might find labor prices are higher if the job is complex or within a confined space. Older homes also often make installation more difficult. You can save by hiring HVAC contractors during the offseason or reusing older infrastructure.
Other Baseboard Radiator Cost Factors
Other factors that could impact the total cost of baseboard radiator installation include:
- Permits: You’ll likely need a permit if you’re changing the structure of your home or extending your current electrical or plumbing systems. Your HVAC company should include relevant charges in the bill and obtain the permits for you.
- Quality: High-quality baseboard heating units with longer warranties are going to cost more than budget-friendly options.
- Features: You’ll pay more for systems that have advanced safety features and smart controls, such as programmable thermostats.
- Additions: Adding a new zone to your existing system is much more affordable than installing a new system.
Baseboard Radiator Replacement Cost
Generally, replacing a baseboard radiator is more affordable than installing a new system. You won’t need to pay for additional electrical or plumbing work to support the new units — it’ll already be there. As a result, you’ll likely only have to pay for the cost of the units plus labor.
For example, if you purchase a $100 electric radiator unit that takes two hours to install, you’ll pay around $250 to $400.
Homeowners who convert from forced-air or other heating systems to baseboard radiators will pay higher costs than the average. Installation requires extensive plumbing or electrical work. If you’re using a hydronic system, you also need a boiler upgrade.
Can You Install a Baseboard Radiator Yourself?
We recommend hiring a professional for baseboard radiator installation rather than taking on this home improvement task yourself. Only install electric systems yourself if you have extensive prior experience. In general, we recommend not attempting a DIY installation of hydronic units due to the risks associated with pipe pressure and boiler integration. Mistakes can be costly and dangerous.
Rosa also recommends hiring a professional. “There are high-voltage electrical circuits directly from the panel. Most homeowners aren’t qualified to do it. With hydronic baseboard radiators, it all ties back to the hydronic boiler, which needs to be set up properly to code and vented. There’s a lot involved in setting that up,” he added.
Today’s Homeowner Tip
Improper installation can also void warranties and insurance policies.
How To Save Money on Baseboard Heating
Baseboard heating installation costs go up if you’re adding or replacing several units in your home. These tips can help you keep costs down:
- Prioritize replacements. With zoned heating, you don’t have to replace baseboard radiators throughout the entire house at the same time. Instead, buy what you need for the immediate future, prioritizing rooms based on need and usage.
- Install the system during the offseason. Many HVAC contractors offer deals for offseason installations. Prices may be higher during the winter due to demand.
- Bundle purchases. Installing more than one radiator unit or opting for other heating upgrades, such as smart thermostats or programmable zoning, can result in discounts.
- Look for rebates. Use the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to search for local rebates on electric or energy-efficient systems. Some HVAC systems also qualify for federal tax credits.
- Choose midrange models. Midrange models won’t have all the bells and whistles that come with top-of-the-line units, but they’ll do the job well. They’ll also be less noisy and more efficient than low-end products.
- Reuse older infrastructure where possible. By reusing older infrastructure, you can save hundreds in labor and installation costs.
If you’re installing a new boiler for a hydronic system, “Don’t put it in the same room as your washer and dryer,” Rosa stated. “The laundry room lint gets sucked into the boiler system, causing major problems and clogs down the road.”
He added, “Keep your furniture at least 3 inches away from the radiators, so the system can breathe and provide the heat it’s supposed to.”
Next Steps
Baseboard radiators are a highly cost-effective heating solution when set up correctly. However, installation costs can vary depending on the system type and home conditions.
“The best system depends on the home’s construction,” Rosa said. However, he explained that baseboard radiators have advantages over other systems. “With forced air, it’s challenging to add AC and have heating be effective through the same ductwork. Plus, it’s pushing out dry air, so homeowners have to have a humidification system, which also needs maintenance annually.”
To determine the best heating solution for your home, measure your rooms and estimate the length of radiator needed. Review electric and hydronic radiator options with your heating goals, existing plumbing and electric systems, and budget in mind. You can also talk to an HVAC or plumbing professional about their recommendations. When you’re ready to install your new baseboard radiators, collect at least three quotes from qualified, licensed technicians.
FAQs About Baseboard Radiator Cost
What’s the difference between electric and hydronic baseboard heaters?
Electric baseboard heaters use electric coils to heat a room. Connected directly to your electrical system, they’re easier to install, have lower upfront costs, and require less maintenance than hydronic radiators. Homeowners should keep items and children away from electric radiators to reduce fire and burn risks.
Hydronic baseboard heaters warm water or oil through a hot water system and a central boiler. While they cost more to install than their electric counterparts, they’re more energy-efficient. Water and oil stay heated for longer than electric heating elements, so you’ll spend less on energy bills. However, initial heating can be slow, as liquid takes longer to heat than coils.
Electric hydronic baseboard heaters are a mix of both — they contain water or oil that’s heated with electric coils, but they have more parts. As a result, they require more maintenance and come with higher repair costs than other options.
Are baseboard radiators energy-efficient?
Yes, baseboard radiators are very energy-efficient in the right homes. They’re able to convert all of the energy into heat. Since a hydronic system uses hot water from a central boiler, it’s more efficient for whole-house heating than electric models. It also retains heat longer and distributes it evenly throughout the room.
Baseboard radiators are also energy-efficient thanks to their zoning capabilities. You can control each room’s temperature individually, so you’re able to heat only the rooms you’re using rather than the whole house.
However, electric and electric hydronic baseboard heating costs tend to be more expensive than other heating systems, as electricity costs are generally higher than other fuel sources. In addition, poor insulation and maintenance can lower the radiators’ overall efficiency, driving up utility bills and wearing the system down faster.
How long do baseboard heaters last?
Baseboard heaters tend to last around 20 years. While baseboard radiators require little maintenance, care can help extend the system’s lifespan.
If you’re using an electric model, turn off the breakers before maintaining the system. Vacuum dust and debris from the units once every six months. Regularly check for frayed or damaged wires and loose connections.
For hydronic systems, bleed the pipes once a year to remove air pockets. If you notice any problems with either type, contact an HVAC professional right away.
How can I improve the efficiency of my baseboard radiator?
Regular maintenance can improve your baseboard radiator’s efficiency. Every six months, vacuum any dust and debris from the radiator, checking for frayed wires or damaged plumbing. If you have a hydronic model, air gets into the water loop, which lowers its efficiency. Once a year, open the system’s valve to let the air escape, closing it once only water is coming through.
In addition, you need to have clearance between your radiator and any items to improve its efficiency. Furniture too close to the radiator obstructs the heated airflow, preventing it from properly dispersing throughout the room. Keep drapes and curtains at least 6 to 12 inches above the radiator to reduce the risk of a fire.
Low efficiency could also mean the flappers, or louvers, are closed. “If they’re mostly white, they’re closed,” Rosa said. “Open them to allow the heat to get out.” You can further improve a baseboard radiator’s efficiency by placing it under a window and using a programmable thermostat to control zone heating and related energy costs.
