How to Upgrade Your Baseboard Heater with Slip-On Covers

This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey reveals a quick, easy way to replace a damaged baseboard heater.

by Richard Trethewey

Skill

Easyno plumbing skills needed

Cost

$30 to $50 for a 6- to 8-foot long section of baseboard heater

Estimated Time

10 to 20 minutes for a 6- to 8-foot long section of baseboard heater

In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey reveals a quick, easy way to replace a damaged baseboard heater—with a slip-on cover.

Steps for Installing a Slip-On Baseboard Heater Cover

Slide off the end caps from the ends of the baseboard heater.
Unclip and remove the front cover from the heater.
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean all dust, dirt, and pet hair from underneath, above, and between the aluminum heat-transfer fins.
Slip the perforated replacement cover over the existing back plate of the heater. If necessary, trim the cover to fit using aviation snips.
Slide the metal end caps back onto the ends of the heater.

Tools

Aviation snips