Smart, Wi-Fi, Digital Programmable, Electronic Non-Programmable, Mechanical/Manual
Primary Cost Factors
Unit type, labor, additional accessories, and installation complexity
New Digital Thermostat Installed | How Much Does a Thermostat Cost to Install or Replace in Home?
Understanding the key factors impacting thermostat costs to install or replace in your home is essential for budgeting and ensuring optimal climate control. We will break down the various expenses associated with thermostat installation and replacement, including labor costs and the price of new units, to help you make an informed decision.
Thermostat Replacement Cost
Labor Cost Only
The cost for labor alone to install or repair a unit typically ranges from $80 to $200. This price covers the expertise and time required by a professional to ensure proper installation and functionality.
New Unit + Installation Cost
The total cost for purchasing a new unit and having it professionally installed ranges from $140 to $350. This includes both the price of the unit itself and the labor costs associated with the installation process.
Thermostat Replacement Cost
Type
Thermostat Cost
Install Labor
Total Cost To Replace
Smart
$100 – $250
$100 – $200
$200 – $450
Wi-Fi
$70 – $200
$100 – $200
$170 – $400
Digital Programmable
$80 – $140
$80 – $200
$160 – $340
Electronic Non-Programmable
$20 – $50
$80 – $150
$100 – $200
Manual / Mechanical
$15 – $40
$65 – $150
$80 – $190
Average Cost To Install A Thermostat
Cost Category
Price
National Average Cost
$229
Minimum Cost
$80
Maximum Cost
$450
Average Range
$142 to $346
Thermostat Unit Cost
Type
Cost
Features
Smart
$150 – $320
Control remotely, learns automatically, energy savings
Wi-Fi
$70 – $200
Digital, control remotely, programmable
Digital Programmable
$60 – $140
Digital touch-screen, programmable, auto-adjusts
Electronic Non-Programmable
$20 – $50
Digital display, manually controlled
Mechanical / Manual
$15 – $40
Lowest cost, non-programmable
Cost To Install Smart Thermostat
Brand
Thermostat Unit
Unit + Installation Cost
Ecobee
$170 – $240
$270 – $440
Hive
$120
$220 – $320
Honeywell
$99 – $229
$200 – $430
Lux / Kono
$103 – $149
$200 – $350
Google Nest
$150 – $249
$250 – $450
Emerson Sensi
$95 – $128
$200 – $330
Smart Thermostat Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Saves up to 15% or $180 per year on energy bills
Higher upfront cost and professional installation needed
Remote management over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
May not be compatible with older HVAC systems
Automatically learns preferences and adjusts temperature
Takes time to learn heating and cooling patterns
User-friendly interface
Frequent disconnection if far from router
Compatible with voice-command apps
Can be tricky to learn for non-tech-savvy users
Syncs with home security systems
Software and app can be complex to navigate
Controls fans, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers
Sends alerts if power goes out or system is down
Installing a thermostat | How Much Does a Thermostat Cost to Install or Replace in Home?
Wi-Fi Thermostat Cost to Install
Wi-Fi Thermostat Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Remote access for temperature adjustments
Extra expense unnecessary if you have a predictable schedule
Saves energy if your schedule is unpredictable
Older homes may require installing a C-wire
Digital Programmable Thermostat Cost To Install
Programmable Thermostat Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Digital touch screen display
Older models simply turn on/off at set times
Programmable for 7-day schedules
Deferred savings if not programmed
Automatically switches from heating to cooling
Limited flexibility in programming for all days
Can run on batteries or circuits with backup
Temperature variance may occur
Saves at least $9 per month in energy costs
Lighted display visible in the dark
Electronic Non-Programmable Thermostat Cost
Electronic Thermostat Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Faster heating/cooling than mechanical models
Must be turned on/off manually
Adjusts based on default temperature settings
Only sets to heat or cool with manual adjustment
Accurate room temperature readings
Can adjust temperature to a one-degree difference
Some models feature touchscreens with night illumination
Mechanical, Manual, Analog, or Non-Programmable Thermostats
Mechanical Thermostats Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Most affordable type of thermostat
Manual adjustment required for temperature changes
Uses lever or dial to set temperature
Minimal features, no display panel
Unaffected by power surges
Contains mercury vial in some models
Simple On/Off switch
Longer time to heat/cool
Thermostat Cost to Install Factors
Item
Average Cost
Thermostat Unit
$15 – $250
Labor
$65 – $200
Drywall Repair
$75 – $150
Wiring Repair
$6 – $10 per foot
Moving Unit
$135 – $450
Smart Hub
$70 – $230
Accessories
$20 – $150
Thermostat Labor Cost
Type
Labor Cost
Smart
$100 – $200
Wi-Fi
$100 – $200
Digital Programmable
$80 – $200
Electronic Non-Programmable
$80 – $150
Manual / Mechanical
$65 – $150
Number of Thermostats
The number of thermostats in a home can impact overall costs. If you have multiple zones, you may require additional units, which increases both the equipment and labor costs.
Cost To Run New Thermostat Wire
Running new thermostat wiring can range between $6 and $10 per foot. This is essential in older homes where the existing wiring may not support newer models, especially smart or Wi-Fi thermostats that require a C-wire.
Cost To Move A Thermostat
Labor
Average Cost
Moving 10 Feet
$135 – $250
Moving 20 Feet
$195 – $350
Moving 30 Feet
$255 – $450
Digital thermostat | How Much Does a Thermostat Cost to Install or Replace in Home?
Thermostat Accessories
Accessory
Average Cost
Use
Cover
$20 – $40
Prevents unauthorized adjustments, locks with a key or combination
Wall Plates
$6 – $20
Hides holes in drywall, typically included with thermostats
Cost to Change Furnace, Refrigerator, & Oven Thermostats
Appliance
Thermostat
Labor
Total Replacement Cost
Furnace
$40 – $80
$150 – $400
$190 – $480
Wall or Floor Heater
$30 – $85
$200 – $400
$230 – $485
Refrigerator
$10 – $40
$200 – $400
$210 – $440
Electric Water Heater
$30 – $70
$100 – $150
$130 – $220
Gas Water Heater
$90 – $140
$100 – $150
$210 – $340
Oven
$30 – $140
$50 – $100
$80 – $240
Boiler
$160 – $280
$120 – $200
$280 – $480
Dryer
$10 – $35
$200 – $400
$210 – $435
Air Conditioner
$30 – $80
$90 – $120
$120 – $200
Hot Water Heater Thermostat Replacement Cost
Type
Average Cost
Electric Water Heater
$130 – $220
Gas Water Heater
$210 – $340
Thermostat Energy Cost Savings
Are Smart Thermostats Worth The Cost?
Smart thermostats can provide considerable energy savings, potentially reducing your annual heating and cooling costs by up to 15% or $180. They offer advanced features like learning your schedule and preferences, remote control, and integration with other smart home devices, making them a valuable investment for most homeowners.
Cost of Raising or Lowering Thermostat 1 Degree
Adjusting your thermostat by just one degree can save you as much as 1% on your energy bill annually. This seemingly small change can add up significantly over time.
Considerations When Replacing a Thermostat
Thermostat Compatibility and Staging
When considering a new thermostat, ensure compatibility with your HVAC system. Some systems are single-stage, while others are multi-stage. Incompatible thermostats can cause inefficiencies or fail to work correctly.
New Digital Thermostat Installed | How Much Does a Thermostat Cost to Install or Replace in Home?
Thermostat Replacement FAQs
When Should I Replace My Thermostat?
Consider replacing your thermostat if it’s over 10 years old, if your HVAC system shows irregular performance, or if there are no energy-saving features.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Thermostat?
Symptoms include constant running of the HVAC system, inaccurate temperature readings, frequent temperature shifts, and an unresponsive thermostat interface.
How Long Does a Home Thermostat Last?
A home thermostat typically lasts around 10 to 15 years. However, new technologies and energy-saving features might prompt an earlier upgrade.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Thermostat?
Replacing a thermostat generally takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity and type of thermostat being installed.
How to Replace a Thermostat?
Replacing a thermostat involves turning off the power, removing the old unit, addressing any wiring needs, mounting the new thermostat, and configuring it.
What’s the Best Setting for My Thermostat?
For energy savings, set your thermostat to 68°F in the winter and 78°F in the summer when you are at home and awake. Lower the setting by 7-10°F at night or when away.
Hiring a Thermostat Installer
When hiring a thermostat installer, ensure they are licensed, insured, and have good reviews. Get multiple quotes and inquire about warranties for both the thermostat and installation services.
