A heated guard for rain gutters includes a cap which deflects debris from the interior of the gutter. A plurality of mounting brackets are positioned within the interior of the gutter in a laterally spaced apart relationship, and are connected with an associated roof fascia. Each of the mounting brackets has an upper portion supporting the cap, and a forward portion with a horizontal slot. A hat-shaped channel extends between the mounting brackets, has a U-shaped base received in the slot of the mounting brackets, and is attached to the mounting brackets and positioned under the cap. An elongate electric heater element is positioned in the base portion of the channel, and is positively retained therein and covered by the cap. The heater element is connected with a source of electrical power to heat the heater element, the channel and the cap to melt snow and ice thereon.