Key Takeaways
- Precut baseboard heating covers are the easiest option for homeowners on a budget looking to DIY this project.
- Most baseboard heating covers cost $20–$50 per linear foot.
- Heating covers with holes, rust, yellowing, or corrosion should be replaced for better safety and energy efficiency.
If your baseboard heating cover is yellowing, rusting, or dented, consider replacing it. An old or damaged baseboard heating cover compromises your home’s energy efficiency, costing you more in energy bills. Plus, it poses a greater risk to your family and pets, as they may run into sharp edges. Age and smoke can even cause unsightly yellowing, making your baseboard heating cover an eyesore instead of a seamless part of the room.
Most homeowners can easily tackle this straightforward DIY project. Replacing a baseboard heating cover usually doesn’t require extensive work, such as removing or disconnecting the heating unit. Instead, you’ll turn the heater off and remove the baseboard heating cover, which is essentially decorative housing (although it plays a part in energy efficiency, too). We generally recommend a metal baseboard heating cover for its durability and high thermal conductivity levels.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to safely remove the old cover, choose a replacement, and install a new baseboard heating cover.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
What Is a Baseboard Heating Cover?
A baseboard heating cover protects heating elements and distributes heat and airflow evenly throughout the room. These covers are often chosen for aesthetic reasons, as they conceal unsightly heating elements with a more pleasing design.
The materials can also enhance your home’s energy efficiency. A metal baseboard heating cover is often ideal because it’s durable, attractive, and has high thermal conductivity levels, so you get the most out of your heating system. However, you can also select other materials such as plastic and wood.
Baseboard heating covers vary based on the type of baseboard heater in your home. Most homes have either electric or hydronic (hot water) baseboard heaters. Electric heaters use a heating coil to warm the surrounding air, which is then circulated with a fan or natural convection. On the other hand, hydronic baseboard water heaters warm water or oil to heat the room. After the fluid is heated, it’s distributed throughout parts of the heater, transferring heat to the surrounding space.
In this guide, we’ll primarily focus on the hydronic systems, which offer more DIY-friendly options for replacing the baseboard heating cover.
Signs It’s Time To Replace Yours
It’s time to replace your baseboard heating cover as soon as you notice visual differences or changes in heating efficiency. This may look like any of the following signs:
- Dings or dents (may seem aesthetic but can influence your heater’s effectiveness)
- Holes or broken edges (may be caused by rust)
- Rust or corrosion
- Yellowing from age or smoke
Additionally, the cover may be difficult to clean — or you may simply want a style upgrade or to increase your baseboard heater’s efficiency.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
You’ll need the following materials and tools to replace a baseboard heating cover, although some DIY kits will come with most components, outside of tools:
- Drill
- Existing back plate
- New baseboard heating cover
- Paint (if you’re planning to customize the cover)
- Panel
- Pencil
- Stud
- Tape measure
- Tool for cutting (utility knife, hacksaw, chopsaw, or carpet shears)
- Towel or protective cover for the floor
Step-by-Step Guide To Replacing a Baseboard Heating Cover
Follow these steps to replace a baseboard heating cover easily. Be careful around the sharp metal edges that many baseboard heaters have, as these can cause serious injury. We recommend wearing heavy gloves and safety glasses for your protection.
Turn off the baseboard heater and allow it time to cool before replacing the baseboard heating cover. While you won’t be working with electrical components directly, this is good practice for minimizing safety risks.
Step 1: Measure Your Heater
Start by removing existing metal end caps and discarding them before pulling out your measuring tape. Measure the baseboard heater’s enclosed length — this is the metal part attached to the wall — and double-check that this matches the baseboard heater cover you’ve purchased.
Step 2: Cut the Baseboard Heating Cover
Depending on the type of cover you purchased, you may need to trim it. After measuring the length of the baseboard heater, mark your new heating cover with a pencil to indicate where to cut. Then, cut it with a fine-tooth hacksaw, heavy-duty scissors, sheet metal snips, or another tool recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 3: Remove the Old Cover
Remove any remaining components of the old cover from your baseboard heater and double-check that your new cover covers the space sufficiently.
Step 4: Clean the Area
Take a moment to wipe the area down, including any dust or debris collected under the heater.
Check for caulking that attaches the existing metal back plate to the wall. If caulking is present, remove it so the new baseboard heating cover can seamlessly snap into place.
Step 5: Install the New Cover
Hook the bottom of the front baseboard heating cover under the bottom of the existing front cover or the bracket where it would have been. Lift it slightly while pushing the top of the cover toward the wall, snapping the back tab in place between the existing metal enclosure and the wall.
Replace the end caps and adjust them as necessary. Gently apply pressure to the bottom of the front cover and the end caps, listening for a slight click as the front cover snaps into place. Repeat this step with all end caps.
Step 6: Check Operation and Final Finishes
Turn the baseboard heater back on, checking for good air flow and heating. Then, take a moment to make final adjustments, such as painting the baseboard heating cover if you’ve selected one that can be painted (turn the heater back off for this step).
Choosing a New Cover
You can select from a variety of available baseboard heating covers. “When choosing a baseboard heating cover, homeowners should balance aesthetics with functionality, ensuring the design allows for efficient airflow while complementing their home’s decor,” said Phil Oliver, co-owner of Air Treatment Heating & Cooling, based in Virginia. “Materials like metal, wood, or even custom designs can vary widely.”
Consider the following before deciding on a baseboard cover:
- Precut versus customization options (If your baseboard heater is an odd shape or size, you may need to choose a custom-made cover.)
- Style preferences (slotted metal, modern linear, childproof designs, etc.)
- Materials (consider energy efficiency — metal is typically the best for energy efficiency.)
- Choose a style and brand based on the type of baseboard heater you have. For example, NeatHeat makes covers only for hot water (hydronic) baseboard heaters. So, if you have an electric baseboard heater, look elsewhere.
Cost To Replace Baseboard Heating Covers
Replacing baseboard heating covers costs an average of $20–$50 per linear foot, according to our experts.
“Replacement costs can range from roughly $30 to $100 or more per linear foot, depending on the material, style, and whether it’s a standard or custom-fit cover,” Oliver said.
DIY-friendly options, such as NeatHeat, retail for less. For example, a 6-foot, hydronic slip-on baseboard heater front cover costs $39.99 at Lowe’s at the time of writing this article, which breaks down to $6.66 per foot.
Next Steps
Replacing your baseboard heating cover is a straightforward, cost-effective DIY project that updates your home’s look and improves safety and energy efficiency. Before purchasing a baseboard heating cover, measure your current heater and decide between a full-length, snap-in place kit and modular parts.
For most homeowners, a snap-in place, one-piece kit will be best. Weigh the pros and cons of each baseboard material and style, such as how energy-efficient each baseboard heating cover is and whether it’ll fit your home’s aesthetic.
FAQs About Replacing Baseboard Heating Covers
Can I replace a baseboard heater cover myself?
Yes, you can replace a baseboard heater cover yourself. You can choose from many DIY-friendly baseboard heater cover options that fit most standard-sized baseboard heaters, making it a straightforward task.
Do I need to turn the heat off before replacing the cover?
Yes, you should always turn the heat off before replacing the basement cover to avoid safety hazards, such as electrical shock. Allow the heating element to completely cool before you replace the cover, and keep children and pets away from the area.
Can I use wood or plastic for a baseboard cover?
You can use multiple materials for a baseboard cover, including wood, plastic, metal, or medium-density fibreboard.
We typically recommend metal because it has high thermal conductivity levels, meaning it’s more energy-efficient, so you get the most bang for your buck with your heating system. Galvanized steel is the way to go to avoid corrosion and increase energy efficiency in your home.
