How much does it cost to replace a home radiator?
How much does it cost to replace a home radiator?
$700 – $1,300 cost per unit installed
$7,000 – $15,000 cost to replace 10 to 15 units in a house
$2,100 – $5,000 cost to replace 3 to 5 units in an apartment
Home radiator replacement cost
Radiator replacement costs $700 to $1,300 per unit on average, depending on the size, type, style, and fuel source. Radiator installation costs $7,000 to $15,000 to replace 10 to 15 units in a home. New radiator prices are $150 to $1,000 each, plus $200 to $800 for labor.
| National average cost | $1,000 |
| Minimum cost | $300 |
| Maximum cost | $2,500 |
| Average cost range | $700 to $1,300 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Radiator installation cost
Radiator installation costs range from $300 to $2,500 for the unit and labor, depending on the fuel source. Electric radiators are cheaper to install but cost more to run. Hot water and steam units cost more upfront but keep warming after the heating cycle ends, resulting in energy savings.
| Heat source | Cost per unit installed |
|---|---|
| Electric radiator | $300 – $1,600 |
| Hot water / hydronic radiator | $350 – $1,700 |
| Steam radiator | $300 – $2,500 |
Hot water or steam radiator system cost
Hydronic or steam radiators cost $180 to $1,200 for the unit alone, depending on their size in British Thermal Units (BTUs). In a hydronic heating system, the hot water or steam from a boiler is sent through pipes into a radiator that diffuses heat and warms the room.
| Size | Average cost per unit (plumbed)* |
|---|---|
| Less than 2,000 BTUs | $180 – $670 |
| 2,000 – 4,000 BTUs | $200 – $720 |
| 4,000 – 6,000 BTUs | $220 – $760 |
| 6,000 – 8,000 BTUs | $300 – $800 |
| 8,000 – 10,000 BTUs | $400 – $900 |
| 10,000 – 12,000+ BTUs | $400 – $1,200 |
*Not including installation.
Water-based systems often require additional valve replacements and pipe upgrades during retrofitting. A radiator valve replacement costs $100 to $350, and pipe replacement costs $200 to $700.
Electric radiator installation cost
An electric radiator costs $100 to $1,500 for the unit alone, depending on the watt size. Electric units attach to a wall or baseboard and typically combine a fan and heating element to circulate heated air around the room. Electric units are easier to install, reducing labor costs.
| Watts | Average costs per unit* |
|---|---|
| 400 – 600 Watts | $100 – $600 |
| 600 – 800 Watts | $200 – $900 |
| 800 –1000 Watts | $450 – $1,200 |
| 1000+ Watts | $500 – $1,500 |
*Not including installation.
New radiators cost for a whole house
Replacing radiators in a house costs $7,000 to $15,000 for 10 to 15 radiators, depending on the home's size. New radiators for an apartment cost $2,100 to $5,000 for 3 to 5 radiators.
| Home type | Radiators | Total cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| One room | 1 | $700 – $1,300 |
| Apartments and smaller houses | 3 to 5 | $2,100 – $5,000 |
| 3- to 4-bedroom house | 10 to 15 | $7,000 – $15,000 |
Most homes have multiple radiators of the same age. Consider replacing all the radiators in the central heating system at the same time to save on labor costs.
Home radiator prices
Home radiator prices range from $300 to $2,700 for the unit alone, depending on the brand, type, and heat source. When replacing a radiator, save money by matching the current fuel source (plumbed or electric) and boiler type (hot water or steam).
Radiator costs by type
| Type | Price per unit (plumbed)* | Price per unit (electric)* |
|---|---|---|
| Baseboard | $100 – $1,500 | $100 – $1,200 |
| Column | $500 – $1,200 | $300 – $1,400 |
| Single panel | $100 – $300 | $100 – $450 |
| Dual panel | $300 – $500 | $300 – $1,500 |
| Flat panel | $200 – $1,200 | $300 – $900 |
| Freestanding | $200 – $500 | $300 – $1,600 |
| Towel | $250 – $1,400 | $200 – $1,400 |
*Not including installation.
Baseboard radiators cost $300 to $1,100 per unit with installation and provide low-profile, quiet heating. Baseboard units are low-maintenance but require a clear space for safety.
Column radiators have rows of cast iron hollow tubes or fins that radiate heat. Column radiators may be wall-mounted, floor-mounted, or freestanding.
Single panel radiators are used in smaller spaces or spaces that need less heat output.
Dual panel radiators are best for standard or large rooms. The increased surface area of the fins allows double panel radiators to emit more heat to warm a larger space.
Flat panel radiators are thin, wall-mounted units that operate at lower temperatures than traditional fin radiators, offering energy-efficient, silent heating with a modern esthetic.
Freestanding or floor-standing radiators are built on a pedestal rather than mounted to a wall, making installation cheaper and easier.
Towel radiators do not heat the room but warm the objects placed on the rails. Heated towel rails are used in bathrooms to dry towels quickly.
Home radiator prices by brand
| Brand | Price per unit (plumbed)* | Price per unit (electric)* |
|---|---|---|
| Amaze Heater | – | $100 – $150 |
| Pensotti | $200 – $700 | – |
| Buderus | $200 – $600 | $500 – $1,100 |
| Ecostyle | $300 – $1,000 | – |
| Hudson Reed | $300 – $1,900 | $500 – $1,100 |
| Runtal | $500 – $1,300 | $600 – $1,000 |
*Not including installation.
Cost factors to replace radiator heat
Radiator replacement cost factors include:
Type – Replacing an electric unit is typically faster and cheaper than a plumbed hot water or steam unit.
Size – Radiators are sized by heat output measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The more BTUs, the higher the unit cost.
Material – Cast iron radiators are more expensive and slower to heat, but they radiate heat for hours after the heating cycle, making them more energy-efficient. Steel and aluminum radiators are cheaper and offer fast heating.
Horizontal vs. vertical installation – Traditional horizontal radiators are cheaper. Vertical radiators cost more but save valuable wall space and offer a modern style.
Warranty – Budget radiator brands offer a 1- to 3-year warranty, while high-end manufacturers provide a 5- to 10-year warranty.
Radiator covers cost $100 to $900, depending on the size, material, and custom features.
Thermostat installation costs $140 to $350 and provides zoned temperature control for better comfort and energy efficiency.
Central heating inhibitors – Adding a liquid chemical solution to the heating system inhibits rust and internal corrosion to improve radiator performance.
Decorative valves – Adding simple, modern, or ornate decorative valves costs $100 to $350 and is a way to personalize the radiator style.
Painting a radiator costs $200 to $900, depending on if the unit is painted in place or fully refurbished in a workshop.
Labor cost to fit a radiator
The labor cost to fit a radiator is $200 to $800, depending on the unit type and retrofitting required. Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour, and HVAC specialists charge $75 to $150 per hour. Multi-unit installation saves on labor costs.
Replacing a radiator with a similar unit is the least expensive option and takes 1 to 2 hours.
Changing the radiator style requires new fittings and other updates, increasing costs.
Working in confined spaces increases the labor hours.
Electric radiator installation does not require plumbing work, resulting in lower labor costs.
Hot water or steam units often require plumbing modifications at a higher cost.
Boiler and radiator replacement cost
Boiler replacement costs $2,200 to $7,000 for the unit and labor. Replacing the boiler and radiator at the same time reduces labor costs because draining the system is necessary for both tasks. A new boiler improves energy efficiency, decreasing utility bills.
Old radiator removal cost
Old radiator removal and disposal costs $75 to $400 when added to a radiator replacement estimate. Follow-up repairs like refinishing damaged floors or walls and capping or removing old pipework cost extra.
Underfloor heating vs. radiators cost
Radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot installed and is also called underfloor heating. Electrical wiring or warm water pipes beneath the floor provide energy-efficient heating. The low running costs offset the high upfront costs, making underfloor heating cheaper than radiator heat over time.
| Heating system | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Radiant underfloor heating |
|
|
| Radiator |
|
|
Home radiator replacement FAQs
How does a home radiator work?
A home radiator draws heat from the water or steam produced by the boiler. Hot water travels through the pipes, heating the radiator's metal fins and warming the surrounding air. The hot air rises and is replaced by cool air from below, circulating the air to heat the entire room.
How long do home radiators last?
Home radiators last 10 to 20 years or more, depending on the type and maintenance. Cast iron radiators are among the oldest types, with many in use for more than a century.
Is it worth replacing radiators?
It is worth replacing a radiator that needs frequent or costly repairs, especially if the unit is more than 10 years old. Over time, erosion causes rust to collect in the boiler, and the resulting sludge prevents the system from heating effectively. A new radiator provides better heating and energy savings.
What size radiator to heat a room?
Hot water and steam radiators come in various sizes measured in BTUs. Several factors determine the BTUs needed to heat a space adequately, including climate, amount of insulation, and room size. To estimate the number of BTUs needed:
Calculate each room's cubic volume in feet by multiplying the room length x height x width.
Multiply the cubic feet by the multiplier shown in the table below for each room type.
Factor in the heat loss or gain percentages, as shown in the table below.
| Room | Multiplication factor |
|---|---|
| Common areas (family room, living room, dining room) | 5 |
| Bedroom | 4 |
| Home office | 4 |
| Kitchen | 3 |
| Other areas | 3 |
| North-facing and heavily-shaded rooms | Add 15% |
| Inadequate insulation | Add 15% |
| French doors | Add 20% |
| Double-glazed windows | Deduct 10% |
Home much water is in a home radiator?
A home radiator does not store water; instead, water passes through the system. To approximate the radiator volume, drain the system and read the home's water meter. Refill the system and take another water meter reading. The difference between the readings is an estimate of the radiator's volume.
How hot do home radiators get?
A steam radiator reaches a maximum temperature of 229° F, and a hot-water radiator reaches 180° F. Electric wall panels reach 160° to 170° F.
Finding a radiator installer
When hiring a plumber or HVAC specialist for a radiator installation, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates that include comparable equipment to compare.
Look for licensed contractors with radiator experience.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select insured and bonded companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
How many radiator installations have you completed in the last year?
Do you charge an hourly rate or flat-rate fee to install a radiator?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide a list of references with contact information?
What radiator type and brand does the estimate include?
Will my current system need to be retrofitted, and in what way?
Do you recommend replacing some or all of the radiators at the same time?
Should I replace the boiler at the same time I replace the radiators?
Is there a warranty? If yes, how long is it and what does it include?