How to Change Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard heaters are a popular, easy to use and relatively inexpensive home heating option. They allow for greater home efficiency than some other heating types by making it possible to control heating in different rooms at different levels as needed. Ideal for apartments, offices, small homes or add-on rooms in a home, they are not always the best solution for larger homes with a lot of square footage to heat. Baseboard heaters are generally easy to install, but safety and patience are very important when dealing with these.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pry bar
• Screwdriver
• Voltage meter
• Drill and bits
• Wire nuts
• Electrical tape

Instructions

1. Verify that the room is properly wired for the voltage needs of the new baseboard heater. Older units may not have been wired correctly and an electrician may need to run new wiring for the newer unit. Some heaters plug into wall outlets now, so that is an option for replacement as well.

2. Buy a new heater the same size as the old one. This will make it easier for the new heater to fit in with present baseboard molding and wiring position.

3. Turn off the power to the line where the new baseboard unit will be placed. Use a voltage meter to verify it is off. To be certain, power can be turned off to the whole house to guarantee safety.

4. Unscrew the mounting screws for the old unit and use a pry bar to pull it free if it doesn't immediately come away from the wall. Disconnect the wiring and prepare the wall by cleaning any dust and debris, or mending any broken areas of drywall.

5. Position the new heater in place of the old, using the old mounting holes if possible. If it is not possible to do this, make sure to attach it to wall studs in various places.

6. Connect the wiring, following the manufacturer's instructions closely. Secure the wire tightly with wire nuts and wrap it with electrical tape to make sure it is secure and all the wire is covered.

7. Turn the power back on and test the new heater for proper operation. It should heat quickly and evenly across the entire unit if connected properly.

Tips & Warnings

• If replacing a heater connected to a wall thermostat, replace the thermostat with a new one at the same time to improve the efficiency of the heater.

• New heaters have protective oils and some internal dust inside. Slight smoke or odor is common on first use.

• Baseboard heaters use high voltage, so be sure the power is off to the heater before working with it or wall wires.

References

• "Home Improvement for Dummies;" Gene Hamilton and Katie Hamilton; 1998
• "Black & Decker Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair: with 350 Projects and 2000 Photos;" Editors of Creative Publishing; 2008