Replacing baseboard heater - Do it yourself or call an electrician

[queenofthehivemomof5]

We have a baseboard heater in our dinning area that is not working (probably due to it being old/and or the crud that gets in there from the messy kids) so we need to get it replaced because lets be frank...its freeking cold here!

So I am wondering do you think this is a do-it-yourself type job or do you think it best to call an electrician?

I would rate my DH's skill level on the DIY scale of a 6-7 out of 10. He can do most fixits we have needed, he has replaced ceiling fans and light fixtures and knows how to turn off the power before working on electrical stuff.

Anyone know how hard putting in a new baseboard heater is?

[mom2lucas]

DH has removed some old ones here because our house was converted to central heat/air just before we bought it. Not a hard job at all. I don't imagine it would be that much harder to put one back in. If your DH can replace a light fixture, I would think that he could replace a baseboard heater.

[FunnyFace]

We have never replaced one ourselves, but I think I would try it. My husband is probably a 6-7 also okay I'm not sure he is even a 6-7, but has replaced switches, outlets, fixtures and wiring on the dryer. He's more of a computer guy than a handyman. ;)

The one thing I would highly recommend that you may have not used when replacing switches is a voltage meter. My husband uses his everytime especially since our wiring in the house is tricky. One breaker box switch turns off a couple power supplies in the living room but not all and the same with the kitchen and ... LOL.

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Good idea on the voltage meter. In the past I just make him turn off the whole houses power breaker so there is no risk. LOL

[momabrown3]

I voted DIY. I am a diy person.My brother's taught me, how to do alot of stuff.I have put in ceiling fans,done plummers jobs,did a little electrical work.Even put silver coating on the top of my mom's tralior roof.I hated that becauce I'm scared of hights.
That what I learned becauce I have NO sisters.LOL

[JrandMdB]

My hubby has replaced baseboard heaters in my house in different rooms a few times... if your hubby can replace a ceiling fan he can replace the heater.

[FunnyFace]

Originally Posted by queenofthehivemomof5 Good idea on the voltage meter. In the past I just make him turn off the whole houses power breaker so there is no risk. LOL

I totally understand. I am often uneasy when he is working with electricity even with the voltage meter. It does help comfort the soul though and easy to do double, triple checks with.

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Sounds like this is a DIY project. Guess what DH will be doing this weekend? LOL

I wonder how many trips to Home Depot it will take him too. Whenever he has a project he spends half of his time running to Home Depot for parts and tools. I think it more procrastination than anything. LOL

[MrsPinecone]

I think he could handle it.

Is this the baseboard heater that had that Hot Wheels track melted into it, lo those many moons ago? LOL

[WifeofBath]

Are you replacing the entire unit, including the elements? Or just the cover?
I found this video from "This Old House"
How to Replace a Baseboard Heating Cover | Video | Heating | This Old House

As long as your DH has the necessary tools, or can borrow them from someone, he should be able to do it himself.
HTH!