How to Remove Baseboard Heating
Radiant baseboard units are metal fixtures located at the base of your wall that contain electrical elements to provide heat. They have been used for years and many older homes are equipped with them. If your home has a radiant baseboard heater, you may be ready to remove it.
Many of these units are outdated and don’t utilize the sensors to monitor room temperature that more modern units provide. They are also more expensive to operate than newer systems. Many older homes used radiant baseboard heaters as their sole heat source. Remove baseboard heating on your own without the expense of hiring a professional to do so. You may want to save your money and let the professional install your new system instead.
Things You Will Need
- Power drill and screwdriver bits or screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Wire cutters
- Wire nuts
Tip
Many older homes function on 220-volt current, where both the black and white wires emit electricity.
Warning
Only remove the baseboard heating when the electricity is turned off or you may get shocked.
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Turn the power off to your baseboard heaters by flipping the corresponding switch to the “OFF” position in your home’s circuit breaker box.
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Unscrew the retaining screws in the baseboard heater, using a screwdriver or power drill with screwdriver bits.
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Lift away the heater from the wall. Use a utility knife to cut away any paint or caulk that has sealed the heater to the wall so you don’t tear the drywall.
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Cut the wires connecting the heater to the wiring in the wall with wire cutters. Carefully cut them as close to the baseboard heater as possible. Screw wire nuts on the ends of the wires.
The Drip Cap
- Radiant baseboard units are metal fixtures located at the base of your wall that contain electrical elements to provide heat.
- If your home has a radiant baseboard heater, you may be ready to remove it.
- Many of these units are outdated and don’t utilize the sensors to monitor room temperature that more modern units provide.
- Cut the wires connecting the heater to the wiring in the wall with wire cutters.
Writer Bio
JIm Cooper is an attorney and business consultant. He serves on the board of many corporations. He is also a published writer with more than 30 years of experience. Cooper's articles have been published in "American Executive," "Men's Health" magazine, "Newsweek," "Marie Claire" and "Mademoiselle" magazines.
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