How Do I Remove A Baseboard Heater From The Wall?

Baseboard heaters are electrical units that sit at the base of the wall and generate heat. They are very common in older homes, but no longer preferred in newer houses. Because they cannot monitor room temperatures, they are less efficient and more expensive to operate than most newer systems. When you are ready to make the switch, it is very easy to do this removal as a DIY project.

Turn off the baseboard heater at the circuit breaker, unscrew and remove the baseboard heater, open the wire panel box, and cut the wires. Cap the wires with wire nuts, secure them with electrical tape, and install a wall patch. Buff and sand the wall to clean the surface.

Before we delve into the detailed steps, you should understand the full plan and gather all your tools. Because the baseboard heater is connected to your electricity, this project can be dangerous. Be sure to prepare in advance and pay attention at all times in order to stay safe.

First, go to your home circuit breaker box, and flip the power to the baseboard heater to the off position. If you have an older breaker box, please do this cautiously. Not only can it be dangerous, but also it is expensive to fix breaker box switches.

When you return to the baseboard heater, be sure to test it to make sure it is no longer connected to power. You do not want to skip this step, as failure to properly turn off the system could result in electric shock.

Use an electric screwdriver or power drill to remove the screws that are holding your baseboard heater to the wall. Once it is no longer attached, you can simply take it off the wall. For longer elements, consider enlisting help so you do not damage your wall or floor in the process.

It is common for the unit to be a little stuck, especially if it has been there for decades. You can use a screwdriver or utility knife to cut away any caulk or paint holding it to the wall. Cut as close to the unit as possible and prioritize protecting your wall.

When completing this step, you will want to be as gentle as possible. Do not use a crowbar to pry it off the wall. You will risk damaging the drywall or tearing the paint from the wall. Be careful to save yourself from having to make additional repairs to the wall.

Use a screwdriver or power drill to unscrew and open the wire panel box. Again, please double-check that the power to the heater is off before moving forward.

Use a wire cutter to clip the wires connecting the baseboard heater to the wall. When you are completing this step, try to cut the wires as close as possible to the heater. This will preserve the maximum amount of wiring, in case you want to hook something else up here in the future.

Furthermore, try to cut the wires as precisely and carefully as possible. You will thank yourself for leaving behind neat wiring when you go to reuse it.

Screw wire nuts to the ends of the wires, and wind them together so they are well organized. However, make sure the tips are set apart from each other. This is the safest way to secure the wires and prevent any chance of accidents from occurring.

Finally, tape the wires in place using electrical tape. You can also use electrical tape to further secure the wire nuts to the wire. When taping them in place, it is ideal to tape them directly inside the hole in your wall. Then, you can cap off the wall until you need to use the wires again.

Related Questions

Why won’t my baseboard heater turn off?

Thermostats can suffer a number of problems and cause them, too. If your heater won’t turn off, it is likely caused by a malfunctioning thermostat. Once you replace the thermostat, your baseboard heater should turn off normally.

Should I ditch my baseboard heater?

Baseboard heaters use a lot of energy and produce inconsistent and uneven heat. They also require regular maintenance, making them costly in the long run. Other heating systems will be more costly upfront but are much better investments.

What sandpaper should I use to fix drywall?

You may need a couple of different grits for the whole project, depending on how much puttying you have to do. Medium should do the trick. We suggest using 150-grit sandpaper for finishing drywall.