How Much Does It Cost to Install an Electric Wall Heater?

Electric wall heaters could be worth considering if you need to install a heating system on a budget.

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These heating devices are relatively unusual in the U.S. but are also budget-friendly and quick to install.

According to data from HomeGuide, electric wall heaters typically cost between $100 and $1,500 (CAD 134 and CAD 2,003) each, excluding installation labor. Generally, how much you'll pay for a wall heater depends on the wattage. Small 400-to-600-watt units are the most affordable option, costing between $100 and $600 (CAD 134 and CAD 801) on average. Meanwhile, 1,000-watt units often cost between $500 and $1,500 (CAD 668 and CAD 2,003) per unit.

How Much Does Wall Heater Installation Cost?

Installing a wall heater is usually significantly cheaper than adding a hot water or steam radiator because you won't need to adapt your plumbing system to accommodate the unit. Bankrate says electricians typically charge between $200 and $450 (CAD 267 and CAD 601) for wall heater system installation. You should expect to pay an hourly rate of between $50 and $130 (CAD 67 and CAD 174), according to HomeGuide.

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What Factors Affect the Cost of Wall Heater Installation?

How much electric wall heater installation costs depends on the brand and manufacturer. The warranty length can also affect the price — units with longer warranties typically cost more than models with short (or no) warranties.

Installing a wall heater could be more expensive if you need to adapt your electrical system to accommodate the unit. For example, adding a new electrical circuit typically costs between $250 and $900 (CAD 334 and CAD 1,202), including installation labor and materials.

Bear in mind that an electric wall heater may cost more to run than other heating methods. How much it costs to run a wall heater depends on the cost of electricity in your area.

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Is an Electric Wall Heater Right for Me?

Wall heaters are common in the United Kingdom but are a relatively unusual heating option in the U.S. However, electric wall heater installation offers certain advantages. Wall heaters are cheap to install and maintain and allow precise temperature control. These units also warm up quickly and are an affordable way to create heating zones.

However, wall heaters aren't suitable for every household. Installing electric heaters throughout your home can significantly strain your electrical system, so it's worth consulting an electrician to check whether your system can handle the increased load. If it can't, upgrading your electrics could be prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, wall heaters are usually unsuitable in areas with frequent power outages unless you have a reliable backup generator to power your electric heating system until regular service resumes.

In some ways, electric wall heaters are safer than hot water or steam radiators because they don't require a boiler. Therefore, there's no risk of a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning. However, installing your wall heater away from bedding, curtains and other soft furnishings is essential to prevent fires. You should also avoid covering your wall heater with a radiator cover or using it to dry clothes.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.