How Much Does It Cost to Install a Thermostat?

Reviewed by Carol J Alexander remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

A thermostat is a device that controls your air conditioning and heating systems. Sometimes, a thermostat will go bad and need to be replaced. When preparing for this home improvement project, the type of thermostat you install and the number of zones in the home are the chief factors in pricing – and should be kept top of mind.

The average cost to replace one programmable thermostat is $68 to $384, including labor. On the low end, someone can install a manual thermostat for as little as $11, depending on the cost of the thermostat. On the high end, a professionally installed smart thermostat could cost as much as $491, depending on the cost of the thermostat and the location.

In this cost guide, we’ll look at the factors that affect replacing an existing thermostat or installing a new one in an older home.

Costs to install one thermostat

Cost factors of new thermostats

Since every home, HVAC system, and thermostat is different, multiple factors influence the installation cost. Below, we look at those factors and how they’ll impact the cost of your project.

New vs. replacement vs. moving

The cost to hire an HVAC technician typically ranges from $85 to $159 per hour, depending on your location.

Replacing an existing thermostat is pretty straightforward. Typically, you’ll pay for the thermostat and less than an hour of labor. However, if you add a new heat pump or HVAC system to an older home, pulling the wiring and cutting openings for new installation adds to the labor charges. The same applies to moving a thermostat from one location to another.

Thermostat type

Replacing a thermostat unit in your home incurs two charges–labor and materials. However, no matter which type of thermostat you choose, the work will be pretty much the same. So, the variations in cost come down to the cost of the device. There are four standard thermostat types–manual, digital non-programmable, programmable, and Smart/Wi-Fi.

Thermostat capabilities and cost by type

Manual thermostat

Manual thermostats run from $11 to $97, depending on the brand and your location.

The least expensive option is the manual, non-programmable thermostat. It looks like a box with a dial and is the least energy-efficient kind. The user sets the dial to the desired temperature. There’s nothing extra or fancy about this type of thermostat.

Digital non-programmable thermostat

The cost of a digital non-programmable thermostat runs from $15 to $240, depending on the brand and your location.

This thermostat is for the homeowner who wants a large digital display but wants to operate it manually. A digital thermostat is more accurate than a manual thermostat. Some models even have a touchscreen.

Programmable thermostat

The cost of programmable thermostats runs from $20 to $295.

An upgrade from the manual type, a programmable thermostat also has a digital display. With this type, the user can program the settings for different temperatures depending on the time of day or days of the week. It gives you more freedom than the manual thermostat. But it isn’t intuitive, like a smart thermostat.

Smart Wi-Fi thermostat

The cost of smart, Wi-Fi-compatible thermostats runs from $58 to $402.

The next step up is the ever-learning smart thermostat that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi. Digitally programmable, this type connects to an app on your phone or tablet that allows you to adjust the temperature without missing your show. Smart thermostats learn your patterns and preferences over time and adjust as needed. Other features of a smart thermostat include providing monthly energy reports, identifying cool or warm zones, and changing the settings accordingly.

Some smart thermostats take energy management to a whole new level. For example, companies like Honeywell and Nest have devices connected to your smart home hub that you adjust from an app while away from home. Some are even voice-activated and controlled with a simple “Hey, Alexa!”.

Number of units

Large homes often require multiple HVAC zones. For example, you have several thermostats if you have a second-story, a wing, or a long sprawling ranch-style home. The cost will be higher when you install more than one unit.

New wiring

If you’re replacing an existing thermostat, you shouldn’t need to replace any wiring. But, if you’re installing a new device in a new location or upgrading from an old manual thermostat to a smart thermostat that requires a C-wire, the wiring will factor into the cost. In addition, since the wire is priced by linear foot, the distance from the electrical panel and the heating unit to the thermostat will also affect the cost.

Wall repair

Sometimes, when you remove an old thermostat, the new one won’t cover the exact location. Also, if you have paint variations or holes in the drywall, you’ll need to repair the wall after installing the new thermostat. This could add to the overall cost of the project.

Labor

In some areas, a handyman license covers simple electrical jobs like this one. A handyperson earns from $40.28 to $74.96 per hour, depending on your location.

If you’re replacing one thermostat, an HVAC tech will probably charge you for about 40 minutes of labor. In some areas, they may charge a set rate for travel. Typically, HVAC technicians charge $48 to $89 to install each thermostat, depending on the region of the country. If you have several thermostats to change or more extensive work, the day rate for an HVAC tech is from $418 to $777.

Thermostat replacement costs by tiers

Most homeowners have a set budget they allot to home improvement projects. But, if you need new thermostats, you want to know what you can get for your money. Therefore, we’ve broken down the possibilities into three pricing tiers.

Budget-friendly thermostat installation

For a budget-friendly thermostat replacement, expect to pay $11 to $240 for the thermostat alone.

On the strictest budget, you can replace an existing thermostat with a non-programmable type you buy at a retailer like The Home Depot and do the work yourself. Since you won’t pay labor, the budget-friendly cost is limited to the price of the thermostat.

Mid-range thermostat installation

The mid-range thermostat pricing tier sees costs from $136 to $768, depending on where you live and how sophisticated the thermostat is.

With more money, you can install programmable thermostats for the two zones of your average-sized house. In this pricing tier, you can program the thermostats to your preferred settings for different times of the day. 

The thermostat adjusts the temp when no one is home or ensures everyone is comfortable while sleeping. And you can program each one separately. That way, your remodeled basement stays at a comfortable temperature when you use it the most. Installing a programmable thermostat takes that task of home comfort off your plate, so you don’t have to think about it. This budget tier also supports hiring an HVAC technician to do the job.

High-end thermostat installation

Installing five smart thermostats in your home ranges from $530 to $2,455.

A high-end thermostat installation will cover the cost of smart thermostats for multiple zones. With this budget, you can rest assured that your luxury home is as comfortable and as energy-efficient as possible. In addition, you can install high-end thermostats that connect to your home’s smart hub. And, on those especially hot or cold days, you can adjust the thermostat from your phone as you leave the office so you come home to comfort.

How to know I need to replace my home’s thermostat

Testing the thermostats should be part of your annual HVAC inspection. But, if the home’s temperature isn’t what you think it should be, there are a few ways to tell if the thermostat has gone bad. 

• If your home feels too hot or cold and the system doesn’t click on when you adjust the thermostat.
• The thermostat’s display isn’t working.
• A separate thermometer and your thermostat don’t match.
• You have a sudden increase in energy costs.
• You have battery corrosion in the unit.

PRO TIP: Before replacing the thermostat, use a multimeter to diagnose the problem. It can tell you if an electrical connection or the thermostat has gone bad.

DIY vs. professional installation

Skilled homeowners can DIY a thermostat installation. You can replace a thermostat if you can change a light fixture or ceiling fan. Following the manufacturer's directions, and ensuring you disconnect the power, are a must.

However, suppose you want to install a new thermostat, move one to a different location, or connect the thermostat to a new HVAC system. In that case, you’ll probably need the skill of a professional. 

PRO TIP: Make a mistake on your DIY installation, and you risk damaging the new thermostat, HVAC unit, or circuit breaker and shocking yourself. 

Paying for your thermostat installation

Since installing a thermostat is typically under $1,000, most homeowners pay for this project out of pocket. However, if necessary, there are a few ways to help you defer payment and save on the project.

• Choose a less expensive thermostat. 
• Charge the labor costs to a credit card. 
• Use funds from your HELOC.
• Ask your utility company about installation programs. For example, in some states, they’ll install a thermostat free of charge when you enroll in a program that remotely adjusts your thermostat during peak hours, increasing your overall savings.
• Ask your HVAC maintenance specialist if a thermostat repair will suffice.

Other considerations

How thermostats impact energy efficiency

For more significant energy savings, look for an ENERGY STAR-rated device. According to the ENERGY STAR website, a homeowner can reap as much as 8%, or around $50 per year, on their heating and cooling bills when using an ENERGY STAR-rated smart thermostat.

Scheduling the installation

Because you never know how long a job could take or what type of problems you’ll run into, choose a day with mild temperatures to install your thermostats. 

Warranty

Always consider the warranty period when comparing products, especially when paying for smart home-compatible devices. The warranty should cover a more extended period of time.

Save today

If you want to save on your energy bills, installing new thermostats in your home may be time. Whether you choose a budget-friendly, manually-operated one, or a smart thermostat connected to your home’s smart hub, you’re sure to see some level of savings each month.