Baseboard Heater Covers: Plastic Options And Costs

Plastic baseboard heater covers can be an affordable way to update the look of your heaters, but the cost of installation can be high. Dummy covers are a popular option, but they don't include the heating elements, so they are purely cosmetic. The cost of these covers varies, but they typically range from $9 to $25.67 per linear foot. Installation can be time-consuming and expensive, with some sources estimating labour costs of $20 to $40 per linear foot. However, there are also DIY options available that can help reduce costs.

Dummy cover solutions: $25.67 per linear foot installed

Dummy cover solutions are a great way to update your baseboard heaters without breaking the bank. These kits include a new front and back panel and sometimes end caps, but they don't include the heating elements – they're purely cosmetic. You can pick them up fairly cheaply at big box stores, but the installation process can be time-consuming and expensive.

The average hourly labour rate for semi-skilled labour in the US northeast is $50, and it can take a master plumber a full 20 minutes to remove the old covers, patch the wall, and install the new dummy covers. This works out to about $20-$40 per linear foot in labour costs alone. So, while the dummy covers themselves might be inexpensive, the installation process can quickly drive up the overall cost.

However, there are some easy slip-on installation options available that can reduce the overall cost. For example, Baseboarders offer an easy slip-on solution that costs $23 per linear foot installed. This involves removing the existing endcaps and front plate and then dropping the Baseboarders into place. EZ Snap Covers also offer a similar solution, with covers that snap directly over your old existing baseboard heater wall plate. These come in a maximum length of 7 feet, so for longer baseboards, you'll need to use a coupler to connect them together.

Overall, while dummy cover solutions can be a great way to update your baseboard heaters, the installation process can be a significant factor in the overall cost. So, if you're looking for a cost-effective solution, it's important to consider the installation process and compare the different options available.

Slip-on installation: $0 per linear foot

Slip-on installation is a great option for those looking to save money. The upfront costs of baseboard heater covers may seem high, but the slip-on installation method is free, saving you money in the long run.

Slip-on installation is a DIY solution that is easy to do yourself. It involves snapping new covers directly over your old existing baseboard heater wall plate. This method is a quick and easy way to update the look of your baseboard heaters without having to remove the old covers or patch the wall.

The EZ Snap Covers website offers a product that snaps directly over your old baseboard heater wall plate. These covers come in a maximum length of 7 feet, and for longer lengths, a coupler is required every 7 feet to connect them together.

The Baseboarders website also offers an easy slip-on solution with a total cost of $23 per linear foot installed. This involves removing the existing endcaps and front plate and then dropping the new baseboarders into place.

If you're looking for an even cheaper option, you can find dummy covers at big box stores for around $9 per linear foot. However, keep in mind that these covers don't include the actual heating elements, just the cosmetic parts. Installing these covers can also be time-consuming and expensive, as it involves removing the old covers, patching the wall, and installing the new ones.

Retail price per linear foot: $9

The retail price per linear foot for plastic baseboard heater covers is $9. This is a relatively cheap option for updating your baseboard heaters, although the installation process can be time-consuming and expensive. It will take a minimum of 20 minutes per foot to replace the old covers, including removal, patching the wall, and installing the new ones.

If you're looking for an even more affordable option, consider the Baseboarders easy slip-on solution, which costs $23 per linear foot installed. This involves removing the existing endcaps and front plate, then dropping the Baseboarders into place.

Another cost-effective solution is to rejuvenate your existing hot water baseboard heaters. While the upfront costs may seem higher, you'll end up saving in the long run.

Finally, if you're handy and want to save on labour costs, you can opt for a DIY solution. EZ Snap Covers, for example, snap directly over your old existing baseboard heater wall plate and can be coupled together for lengths over 7 feet.

Metal baseboard cover options: prices vary

Metal baseboard cover options vary in price. The Basic Series is the most cost-effective option, with a clean, minimalistic aesthetic and a 2-year warranty against rust. The panels are made from 24-gauge galvanised steel, while the end caps are made from 22-gauge galvanised steel. The Basic Series panels are 3' to 6' in length and are designed to be easily installed by the end user without the need for tools.

The Premium Series is a more expensive option, with a 7' length and a white, galvanised steel finish. This series also offers an easy slip-on installation, with local store prices varying.

Dummy covers are another option, which typically cost $25.67 per linear foot installed. These kits include a new front and back panel and sometimes end caps, but do not include the heating elements themselves. They can be purchased at big box stores for around $9 per linear foot, but the installation process can be time-consuming and expensive, requiring the removal of existing end caps and the front plate.

Labour costs for a master plumber can add up quickly, with an average hourly rate of $50 in the US northeast and an estimated 20 minutes per linear foot needed to remove old covers, patch the wall, and install new ones. This translates to about $20-$40 per linear foot in labour costs alone.

EZ Snap Covers: prices vary

EZ Snap Covers offers 9 1/2" white baseboard heater covers that snap directly over existing baseboard heater wall plates. These covers are a convenient and cost-effective way to update the look of your baseboard heaters without having to replace the entire unit.

The EZ Snap Covers website does not list the price of their covers, but they do provide some information on the length and installation process. The covers come in a maximum length of 7 feet, and for longer installations, a coupler is required every 7 feet to connect the covers together. This means that the total cost of EZ Snap Covers will depend on the length of cover needed and the number of couplers required.

While the upfront cost of EZ Snap Covers may be higher than other options, they offer a quick and easy installation process that can save time and money in the long run. Unlike dummy covers, which require removal of the existing covers and patching of the wall, EZ Snap Covers simply snap into place over the existing wall plate. This can significantly reduce the labour costs associated with installing baseboard heater covers.

Overall, the price of EZ Snap Covers varies depending on the specific needs of the customer. The length of the cover and the number of couplers required will impact the total cost. However, EZ Snap Covers offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for updating the look of baseboard heaters without the hassle and expense of a full replacement.

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