How Much Does Electric Baseboard Heater Repair Cost in 2025?
You’ll pay an average of $287 for electric baseboard heater repair
The average cost to repair an electric baseboard or wall heater is $287.
Most repair projects range between $139 and $440, with costs as low as $50 and as high as $800.
Common issues include faulty heating elements, broken thermostats, and electrical wiring problems.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning vents, can help extend the heater's lifespan and reduce repair expenses.
Hiring a licensed baseboard technician keeps your electrical system safe and helps your heater last longer.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost to repair a baseboard heater is $287, with most repairs ranging between $139 and $440. While some fixes can be as low as $50 or as high as $800, your total costs will depend on factors such as location, unit size, and material quality. Proper budgeting and hiring a professional ensure safety, reliable results, and peace of mind.
Electric Baseboard Heater Repair Cost by Type
When your baseboard or wall heater isn't working correctly, you may notice a lack of heat, inconsistent temperatures, or unusual odors such as burning or smoke. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more costly repairs down the line. Your exact repair costs will depend on the unit's size and the specific problem.
| Repair Job | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Faulty heating element | $100–$300 |
| Broken thermostat | $100–$250 |
| Shorted limiter switch | $380–$1,000 |
| Circuit breaker repair | $100–$250 |
| Professional cleaning | $75–$150 per hr. |
| Other electrical repairs | $6–$8 per lin. ft. |
| Leaky or burst pipe | $150–$275 per lin. ft. |
Faulty Heating Element
Repairing a faulty heating element costs between $100 and $300, with the part ranging from $20 to $40 before labor costs are factored in. Because replacing the heating element involves live wiring, you’ll need a licensed electrician to handle the work safely.
Broken Thermostat
If your thermostat is malfunctioning, repairing or replacing it costs between $100 and $250. A basic thermostat costs $15 to $25, while high-tech, Wi-Fi-enabled models can range in price from $100 to $500. Because thermostat installation involves electrical components, hire a licensed pro to handle the job safely and correctly.
Shorted Limiter Switch
If your thermal limit switch is shorted, you might need to pay for the cost of baseboard heater replacement, which ranges between $380 and $1,000. The cost of replacing a wall heater can be high and may take several hours or even days to complete. Have a licensed HVAC pro assess the unit and recommend the most cost-effective fix.
Circuit Breaker Repairs
Frequent tripping of your circuit breaker when the heater is on could indicate electrical issues, with repair costs ranging from $100 to $250. Address the problem promptly to prevent safety hazards and ensure your heater operates as it should.
Blocked Vents
You can address blocked vents yourself by clearing debris from the vents and moving furniture or drapes that block the intake.
Dirty Hardware and Cleaning
Keeping your heater clean can improve its efficiency. While you can wipe down the interior with a soft cloth, hiring a professional for a thorough cleaning ensures that every component remains in good shape. Professional cleaning services charge between $75 and $150 per hour.
Other Electrical Wiring Repairs
The average cost of other electrical wiring repairs ranges between $6 and $8 per linear foot.
Leaky or Burst Pipe
For hydronic baseboard systems, repairs cost $150 to $275 per linear foot. Additional costs for water damage repair, ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, may apply.
Electric Baseboard Heater Repair Labor Cost
Most baseboard heater repairs take just a few hours, with HVAC technicians and electricians charging between $75 and $150 per hour. In some cases, especially when multiple components are failing, replacing the entire unit for $380 to $1,000 may be more cost-effective than making individual repairs. A local electrician can help you determine the best solution for your home and budget.
What Part Is Malfunctioning?
Understanding which part of your baseboard heater is malfunctioning can help you communicate more effectively with a professional. Here's a quick overview of the key components in your baseboard heater and how they function.
Snap-In Brackets: These are supports designed to hold the front panel and the heating element in place.
Front Panel: This protective panel snaps onto brackets, providing access to the unit's interior for cleaning and repairs.
Air Intake: These vents provide airflow into the unit, helping to facilitate its cleaning.
Heating Element: This is a piece of metal that uses electricity or liquid to create heat. Most elements are made from copper.
Thermostat: Your thermostat enables you to adjust the temperature up or down. This is usually located on the outside of the unit.
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
Regularly cleaning the vents and openings of your heater helps it run efficiently and prolongs its lifespan. Ensure that furniture and other items are kept away from the heater to prevent blocking airflow. For larger issues, such as a failing heating element, it's essential to call a professional to handle the repair.
Replacing vs. Repairing an Electric Baseboard Heater
When facing issues with your electric baseboard heater, you'll need to decide whether to repair or replace it. For units less than 10 years old with minor issues, such as thermostat problems or dirty components, repairs costing $50 to $300 are worthwhile. However, if your heater is over 15 years old, shows signs of corrosion, or requires multiple repairs exceeding $400, replacement may be a more cost-effective option.
New electric baseboard heaters cost between $380 and $1,000 to install and offer improved energy efficiency, which can lower your monthly heating bills. Consult with a licensed electrician who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most economical long-term solution.
DIY Electric Baseboard Heater Repair vs. Hiring a Pro
While you can handle simple tasks like cleaning vents yourself, major issues—like a faulty heating element—should be left to the professionals. Attempting complex repairs on your own can pose a risk of electrical shocks or even fires. Hiring a local licensed HVAC technician ensures the job meets code and keeps your home safe.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Electric baseboard heating costs an average of $400 per month for a 1,200-square-foot house. Your monthly cost can vary depending on factors such as regional climate, energy usage, and the efficiency of your system. Improving insulation and using zone heating can help manage operational expenses. Local electricity rates have a significant impact on costs, with some areas experiencing rates that are up to 50% higher than the national average. Older units are less efficient, resulting in higher monthly heating costs.
Electric convection baseboard heaters are less energy-efficient because they lose heat rapidly after being in active operation. Their design causes rapid heat dissipation, which forces the heater to consume extra energy to maintain the desired temperature. This increased energy consumption is a direct result of the rapid loss of stored heat, reducing overall energy efficiency. Despite this drawback, these heaters are designed for longevity and can operate effectively for over 20 years, making them a durable and long-term option for providing warmth in your home.
Baseboard heaters offer precise room-by-room temperature control, and their installation costs $100 to $150 per room. In contrast, forced-air systems cost $5,000 for a moderately sized house but include features like dehumidifiers and central air conditioning. While baseboard heaters convert energy directly into heat, forced-air systems can increase your home's resale value and adaptability. When deciding between the two, consider both the installation costs and monthly energy expenses to determine which option best fits your long-term needs.
Electric baseboard heaters should be replaced when they no longer provide consistent and steady warmth and when repair costs continually outweigh the benefits of keeping the current unit. They need to be replaced as soon as persistent issues occur that indicate the unit's degradation. Clear signs for replacement include visible corrosion, slow heating response, and diminished heat output. Allowing these problems to persist not only increases energy consumption but also poses safety risks. Upgrading to a modern heating system ensures improved energy efficiency and reliability, providing a safer and more reliable heating solution for your home.