How Much Does It Cost To Install An Electric Wall Heater?

Electric wall heater cost

The cost to install an electric wall heater can vary depending on the size of your home, the brand name of the heater, and more. The national average to install an electric wall heater costs approximately $782. On the low end, you could pay as little as $400 or as much as $1,800 or more on the higher end. The heater itself can be inexpensive and range from $60 to $120 for the unit. However, if you're purchasing a high-quality brand name heater or a unit that requires more heat output, your cost will be higher. Homes with 1,500 square feet or more will require a larger heater which typically costs approximately $600 not including the cost of installation.

Electric wall heater installation cost and heating systems cost factors

You'll need to hire a licensed electrician to install your new electric wall heater. Using a professional will keep your warranty intact and will ensure that everything is installed safely and correctly to prevent fires or other issues. Always get at least three to five estimates before you decide who you want to hire to install your new electric wall heater. This will give you a better idea of what to expect as well as your total installation costs. Some companies will provide you with the heating unit at a discounted cost, while others require you to have the unit readily available on the day of installation.

There are several factors involved in determining your total electric heater installation cost, including:

• The number of units: If you want to install an electric wall heater in different parts of your home, your cost will be higher since you'll need to pay for each unit as well as for the labor to install them.
• Time of year: Costs to install an electric wall furnace will be higher in the winter since the demand is higher, causing many contractors and electricians to raise their rates.
• Size of your home: If you have a large home, you'll either need a larger electric wall heater or several to heat your home efficiently.
• Operating costs: Since these heaters use electricity to heat your home, you'll want to factor this into your total monthly operating costs. These costs will vary depending on your local utility rates, the heater's efficiency, and how often you leave it running.

Electric wall heater installation labor cost

The current national average to install an electric wall heater or electric baseboard heaters are between $75 and $250 per hour. If a new electrical line must be added, expect to pay closer to the higher range in terms of labor. It should not take more than a few hours to install your new heater unless the electrician runs into complications. Always make sure you hire a licensed professional, so you know that your new heater will be safe to use. Since there is no ductwork required to operate an electric wall heater, your costs will be much lower than if you choose a whole-home furnace. Labor to install new ductwork can cost several thousand dollars.

Electric wall heater replacement cost

If you're having an old wall heater replaced, your electrician will charge extra to disconnect, remove, and dispose of the old heater. This cost can vary depending on whether they charge by the hour or if they charge a flat rate for removal and disposal. Some electricians will tack on an additional disposal fee, but the convenience is worth it if you need to have the old heater removed from your home. Replacing a furnace can range from $2,000 to $7,000, but an electric wall heater replacement cost will be lower since these units are smaller and easier to install than a large, whole-home furnace. Budget for approximately $600-$800 per unit including the cost of installation unless you're planning to purchase a high-end model. If so, your cost per unit will be higher but the labor rates should remain the same. Read your estimate carefully to ensure that it covers the entire process of removal, disposal, installation, and cleanup.

Electric heater cost estimator by brand

One of the biggest factors in determining your cost to install a new electric wall heater will be the brand that you choose. Some brands offer extended warranties, while others include new features that make operating the heater easy and efficient. Shop all of the available brands so you can determine which one will best suit your heating needs and fit within your budget. If you live in a very cold climate or a region with harsh winters, you'll need a more powerful electric wall heater than if you live in a warmer part of the country such as the South or Southeastern part of the United States. In areas with mild winters, you may be able to install a smaller or a lower-end model.

To gauge your cost of a new electric heater by brand, here are some estimates based on the cost to heat an average 1,500 square foot home:

• Payne: The average cost is $450 per heater and $1,900 including installation
• Goodman: The average cost is $400 per heater and $1,850 including installation
• Coleman: The average cost is $500 per heater and $2,100 including installation
• York: The average cost is $600 per heater and $2,300 including installation
• Hell: The average cost is $450 per heater and $1,700 including installation
• Carrier: The average cost is $750 per heater and $2,400 including installation
• Trane: The average cost is $1,100 per heater and $2,650 including installation
• Lennox: The average cost is $1,150 per heater and $2,700 including installation
• American Standard: The average cost is $1,150 per heater and $2,750 including installation

These costs are based on a full-sized furnace and for installation in regions with mild to average winters. For a wall heater unit, the cost will likely be lower, however, it could also be higher if you live in a harsh winter climate. Always do your research and investigate the costs for different brands to gauge what your expected budget will be.

Electric wall heater efficiency

If you're looking for an efficient way to heat your home, electric wall heaters can be an excellent choice. These heaters don't produce any emissions and are safe to use. They also don't emit dangerous carbon monoxide which means you won't have to worry about any deadly gases getting inside your home. Thanks to the use of zonal heating, you can save money with an electric wall heater. Simply install them in the areas of your home that need to be heated most such as a master bedroom or living area. You can even add one to a garage or work area to keep it warm, then turn it off when not in use. Since these heaters are designed to heat small or specific parts of your home, they don't require as much energy to keep interior temperatures comfortable. You can turn each unit on or off as you need to, or you may connect the heater to a programmable thermostat for maximum efficiency.

Types of wall furnaces

Wall furnaces can be powered by several different sources, depending on your needs and your preference. Here are the three most common wall furnaces and how they operate:

Gas wall furnace

A gas wall furnace uses either natural gas or propane to keep your home warm and comfortable. This option is preferred by people who live in extremely cold climates since gas heats up quickly and can produce warm temperatures in both small and large spaces. Prepare to pay 50-100% more for a high-efficiency model. The cost is worth it if you're worried about keeping your home warm through extremely cold winters and freezing temperatures.

Oil wall furnace

These types of heaters require an exterior tank that contains oil to keep your heater operating. Once the most popular choice for many homes, today oil heaters are becoming obsolete due to rising oil prices. You'll need to have your oil tank refilled to ensure that the heater is working correctly. These heaters are most commonly found in very cold regions like the Northeast, but they're quickly being replaced by gas and electric heaters.

Electric wall furnace

An electric wall heater is the most efficient option however it can also cost more to operate than a gas wall heater. These heaters take some time to heat a home, so they're most often found in regions with warmer or milder winters. Look for high-quality brands that offer maximum efficiency to keep your operating costs low.

Gas vs electric wall heaters

If you're still not sure whether a gas or electric wall heater is right for you, let's take a closer look at each to compare:

• You'll need to have a natural gas line connected to your home to run a gas wall heater. An electric wall heater only needs an electrical line to power the unit.
• It costs more to run an electric wall heater during the winter since rates are higher for electricity than they are for natural gas.
• A gas wall heater may emit dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, while electric wall heaters produce zero emissions, making them a safer choice.
• Electric wall heaters are ideal for small spaces and regions with mild winters. If you live in a harsh, cold climate, gas wall heaters might be the better option.

Electric heater installation pros and cons

Here are some pros and cons of choosing an electric wall heater to keep your home warm:

Electric heater installation pros

• Installing an electric wall heater is fairly simple and involves cutting a hole in the wall and running wiring to the unit. The heater is secured to the wall and turned on to heat your home.
• You can install electric wall heaters in parts of your home that need extra heat without taking up too much space or heating areas that may not need as much heat.
• There's no ductwork required to run an electric wall heater, so they cost less than a whole-home HVAC system.
• You can supplement the heat in your home by adding electric baseboard heaters.

Electric heater installation cons

• Wall heaters push warm air into the home using fans, which makes them a bit noisy compared to other options.
• If you're planning to sell your home, electric wall heaters are less appealing to potential buyers than a whole-home heating and cooling system.
• An electric wall heater uses a heating element that can ignite flammable items. They can also pose a risk to children, so always monitor your children and make sure that little fingers aren't tempted to prod around the inside of the heater.