How Much Does It Cost To Install Electric Radiant Ceiling Heating?
$2,062
Electric Radiant Ceiling Heating Costs
Electric heating can be a low-cost installation choice for adding heating at distributed points of a home without requiring special ventilation. Electric heating can be expensive considering electricity prices.
You will find that the cost to install average electric radiant ceiling heating depends upon the unit power rating, electric circuit availability and length, preparation and special requirements, and the labor rate.
In the following table the Labor Cost figure is what the able DIY person should expect to save by performing the installation.
Electric radiant ceiling heating: install surface mounted 1" thick radiant ceiling panels on a wood frame ceiling. Provide all related materials, supplies, transport, and equipment. Provide all trim, final adjustments and clean-up.
| Item | Unit Cost | Quantity | Line Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic: install and connect five units of 310 watts each (1,054 Btu/h, 24" x 24") to existing circuit outlet, include one thermostat. | $217 | each | 5 | $1,084 |
| Upgrade Moderate: additional to Basic for cold climate, install and connect five units of 625 watts each (2,200 Btu/h, 24" x 48") to existing circuit outlet. | $131 | each | 5 | $656 |
| Upgrade Deluxe: additional to Moderate, install new circuit to existing breakers using 30 amp 600V THHN cable in surface mounted 1/2" EMT metallic conduit. | $3.84 | per foot | 40 | $154 |
| Material Cost | $1,894 | each | 1 | $1,894 |
| + Labor Cost (Basic) | $38 | per hour | 6 | $228 |
| + Labor Cost (Moderate) | $38 | per hour | 3 | $95 |
| + Labor Cost (Deluxe) | $42 | per hour | 3 | $126 |
| Total Cost | $2,343 | each | 1 | $2,343 |
Typical capacity unit conversions are:
1 Ton = 12,000 BTU/h = 3.5 kW = 4.6 BHP
Other considerations and costs
- Heating system size depends upon regional climate zone conditions, building zone conditions, windows, insulation, and fan usage.
- Heating system sizing per square foot of well-insulated and sealed building zones follows regional climate zones ranging from coldest (50 BTU/h/sq.ft. = 15 watts/sq.ft.) to moderate (25 BTU/h/sq.ft. = 7 watts/sq.ft.) to the few regions where no heating is necessary.
- For units of greater than 12,000 BTU/h (or 3.5 kilowatts, or 1 ton) a 240V or multi-phase electrical circuit is generally required.
- Forced-air electric heating will additionally require fan equipment power.
- Not-forced-air electric heating has less heat projection not suitable for larger areas, like baseboard electric and other radiant heaters.
- Labor cost will rise with a “hidden” installation in a finished environment.
- These prices are for service in the immediate area of the provider.
- Taxes and permit fees are not included.
Check out our guide if you need a loan for your home improvement project.
DIY considerations
- This project is somewhat suitable for DIY with good electrical skills and tools.
- Electrical circuits and installations must comply with codes to reduce fire-risk.
References
- Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2015.
- Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
- Literature review of DIY Web sites.
Enter your zip code to get estimates
Cost by city
- New York, NY$3,312
- Bronx, NY$2,722
- Brooklyn, NY$2,269
- Philadelphia, PA$2,830
- Washington, DC$2,456
- Atlanta, GA$2,222
- Miami, FL$2,021
- Fort Lauderdale, FL$2,117
- Minneapolis, MN$2,483
- Chicago, IL$2,893
- Houston, TX$2,984
- San Antonio, TX$2,003
- Austin, TX$2,268
- Denver, CO$1,916
- Phoenix, AZ$2,022
- Las Vegas, NV$2,219
- Los Angeles, CA$2,501
- San Diego, CA$2,269
- San Jose, CA$2,741
- Seattle, WA$2,007
Local costs have been calculated by accounting for labor and material cost differences across different cities. To get accurate cost estimates, indicate yours: