In this guide

Thermostat Cost by Type

Thermostats have one job: control the heating and cooling systems. They do this in several ways, mostly dependent on the thermostat type. All get the job done, but some may be better than others. There are four common types of thermostats: manual, programmable, Wi-Fi, and Smart. Each has its own costs and method of use.

Manual Thermostat Price

This used to be the thermostat standby. It is available in various sizes and shapes, depending on the brand. This thermostat is great for anyone who spends most of their time at home. The thermostat is very basic. It does not allow you to manage the temperature in your home remotely or on a schedule. You set it to a temperature, and it stays there. If you want to change the temperature, you must manually reset the thermostat. A quality manual thermostat saves energy if you take the time to adjust the settings. These thermostats are inexpensive, between $20 and $40 each.

Programmable Thermostat Price

A programmable thermostat can lower the heat when you are away or asleep. It is a great way to save money on your power bill. The decrease in constant use also helps your HVAC system last longer. Programmable thermostats are ideal if you live in a location that suffers chilly nights and warm days because you can program the thermostat accordingly. They cost between $20 and $150, depending on the features.

Wi-Fi Thermostat Price

A Wi-Fi thermostat connects wirelessly via your tablet, computer, or smartphone. You can effortlessly adjust the temperature on a whim. A Wi-Fi thermostat is also programmable. It gives full control of your home’s thermostat settings even when you are away. Wi-Fi thermostats can be Smart or just programmable, depending on the type you purchase. Some learn your habits, but most rely on you making the adjustments. Prices range from $80 to $150 on average, depending on how they operate.

Smart Thermostat Cost

A smart thermostat can work with all your home automation tools. It can learn and adjust the heat or air conditioning to meet your needs. It notes patterns like when you arrive home and makes key adjustments to maximize energy efficiency. Smart thermostats have voice controls and work with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. They come in several types, from tying to your phone’s location to basic programming capabilities. They cost between $100 and $400 each, depending on the functions involved.

Thermostat Price by Mode of Operation

Thermostats need to be connected with your system to work. Most people have low-voltage thermostats in their homes. These control your main heating and cooling systems and use very little voltage. With a stand-alone appliance, like a baseboard heater, you need a line-voltage thermostat that operates only this appliance. They have some cost overlap, but they install and work differently.

Line-Voltage Thermostat

Line-voltage thermostats are only for stand-alone appliances. You use them for electric radiant heat mats, electric baseboard heaters, and panel heaters. They install nearby or on the appliance and are wired individually. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and manual. They are rarely programmable and need to be turned on and set manually. Costs range from $20 to $100, depending on the model.

Low-Voltage Thermostat

Most thermostats that control whole-house heating and cooling systems are low-voltage. This includes manual, programmable, and smart thermostats. They use little electricity to operate, 24v on average. They are more difficult to install than a line-voltage thermostat and require specific wiring. They cost between $20 and $400, depending on the thermostat type.

How Many Thermostats Do I Need?

Your thermostat controls the heating and cooling of your home. In many homes, your heating is set to be one “zone.” The furnace heats and cools the entire house at once. In this situation, you need one thermostat. But if you have two zones, you may need two separate thermostats or a single thermostat designed to handle two zones.

Some homes may heat or cool most of the home with one system, such as a furnace, but may heat or cool a smaller section differently like radiant heating. In this case, you need a thermostat for each system.

While most homes only require one, there are situations where you may need two or more.

How Many Wires Does a Thermostat Need?

The wiring that a thermostat needs changes slightly, depending on several factors. Older and manual thermostats only need four wires. Newer programmable and smart thermostats need a minimum of 5 wires to work. This extra wire is the C wire, and it is necessary for a newer thermostat to operate.

This setup assumes a typical HVAC heating and cooling system. Most new thermostat installations automatically wire for 5 wires to handle the load.

Thermostat Installation Cost

Normally an HVAC service technician installs thermostats, but you can also have an electrician do it. Installing a thermostat requires basic electrical knowledge, so always hire a professional. An electrician can be hired for $40-$120 per hour. The cost to have an HVAC service tech install a thermostat runs from $90-$250 per hour for labor. When replacing an existing thermostat, it can take one or two hours to install, depending on if it is manual, programmable, Wi-Fi, or Smart. A new thermostat installed with an HVAC installation takes up to 3 hours because the wires must be run from the unit to the thermostat. New installation entails drilling holes into the wall to run the wires to the air handler. The air handler is usually located nearby, such as in a closet.

The average cost to install a thermostat ranges from $80 to $200, but some complex installations cost up to $500.

Cost to Install a C Wire

Installing a C wire is integral to any new thermostat installation, except some manual models. It is particularly important for smart thermostats. When upgrading from an older model to a newer one, you probably need to have a C wire run. This is a simple job that does not take much time. It can be installed with your thermostat. Average installation costs are around $85 to $100 for the wire.

Thermostat Installation Price by Brand

There are many brands and manufacturers of thermostats. Some specialize in one specific type, while others provide a full range of products. Since the thermostat type you choose influences the price and installation, it helps to understand costs based on the more popular brands.

Honeywell Evohome Installation Cost

Honeywell is a well-known brand in thermostats. They make a very wide range of products, including Evohome, a Smart thermostat model. Their features include Wi-Fi capability and programmable settings. Their Smart thermostat uses geofencing technology to determine how close or far you are from home. Their units cost $100 to $300 or $180 to $500 installed.

Trane Thermostat Price

Trane is probably best known for its air conditioning and HVAC systems, but they also make thermostats. They have a set range of options, including some Wi-Fi-capable programmable options with touch screens. Their thermostats tend to be easy to use and install but less stylish than other brands. Prices range from $100 to $300 on average or $180 to $500 installed.

Nest Thermostat Installation Cost

The Nest makes a range of smart thermostats. These are known as “learning” thermostats that use algorithms to determine your behavior. Over time, these algorithms adjust the thermostat automatically. These units cost around $200 to $250, depending on the model. Installed, they cost $280 to $450.

Ecobee Installation Cost

Ecobee is considered a high-end thermostat. They are more stylish than many brands, and their units are all Smart with several features. They use geofencing to determine your location and habits. They also work with Apple Home and other home automation hubs. They cost between $300 and $400 on average or $380 to $600 installed.

New Thermostat Cost by Appliance

Most people associate thermostats with the controller operating the HVAC system, but many appliances can also have a thermostat. Each appliance may need its own brand of thermostat if you need to replace it. Always check the appliance’s manual before purchasing:

Oven Thermostat Cost

Your oven needs a thermostat to heat to the correct temperature. The thermostat is what you program to heat the oven to a specific temperature. When the oven reaches that temperature, the thermostat keeps it there. Without it, your oven would no longer reach or maintain the desired temperatures. Your oven’s thermostat is dictated by your oven type, fuel, and style. They cost between $20 and $40 on average.

Thermostat for Dryer Price

Dryers use thermostats to reach the correct temperature when drying clothes. Most are simpler than those used for ovens because many dryers can only be programmed broadly at low, medium, and high temps. Like ovens, the dryer’s thermostat is dictated by the dryer. This varies by model, brand, and layout. They cost between $20 and $60 on average.

Refrigerator Thermostat Price

Your refrigerator’s thermostat is installed just inside the door. You can set the precise interior temperature that you want to keep. Without it, your refrigerator could freeze, or it may not keep food cold. This small thermostat changes based on the refrigerator brand and style. They cost between $20 and $60 on average.

Thermostat for Water Heater Price

Your water heater also has a thermostat. This is usually located on the water heater’s exterior. It serves two purposes: to control and set the water’s temperature and instantly see the temperature. This is a simple manual thermostat, and your water heater determines its exact position, shape, and style. Always check with the brand to determine which thermostat to install. Water heater thermostats prices range from $20 to $80 on average.

Boiler Thermostat Cost

If you use a boiler to heat your home, you will probably use the same type of wall thermostat as any other heating system. This is a low-voltage thermostat of your choosing. This may mean a manual, programmable, Wi-Fi, or Smart thermostat that controls your heating system. Since boilers may operate with radiant heating, the exact model you choose should keep with the heating system for the best results. Thermostats for this purpose cost $20 to $400, depending on the type and style.

Furnace Thermostat Cost

If you use a forced hot air furnace to heat your home, you can use any type of wall thermostat. This is any style of low-voltage thermostat. Install it wherever you spend most of your time where it can accurately gauge the temperature. Any type of thermostat from manual to Smart works. Prices range from $20 to $400 on average.

AC Thermostat Price

Central air conditioning uses the same thermostat as a boiler or furnace. It installs on the wall of the main room in your home and allows you to control the unit from there. They can be manual, programmable, Wi-Fi, or Smart, depending on your preferences. If you have both heating and cooling systems, the same thermostat works for both. They cost between $20 and $400 on average.

Cost to Move a Thermostat

The vast majority of the time, the thermostat is installed in the home’s main room, where it is easily seen and reached. Sometimes, it is necessary to relocate it, with the most common being on the same wall in a new location or an adjacent wall. In both these instances, you can move the thermostat DIY by removing the unit, cutting a new hole, and fishing the wires to their new location.

If you want to move the thermostat to an entirely new room, you pay as if this is a brand new installation because the wires need to be run from the HVAC to the new location. This takes about 3 hours at a rate of $90 to $250 an hour, or $270 to $750.

An alternative to moving your thermostat is a wireless thermostat extension. This gives you control of your thermostat from anywhere in the home, essentially adding a second thermostat. This costs around $50 on average.

Cost to Replace a Thermostat in a Home

Most wall thermostats for an HVAC system are quickly and easily replaced. It takes roughly 1 hour for most replacements unless you are upgrading to a unit that needs a C wire, in which case it can take 2 hours. This makes the labor cost of replacing a thermostat roughly $80 to $200, depending on labor rates and whether you are upgrading or not. The total cost to replace a thermostat is roughly $180 to $300 on average. This assumes that the thermostat remains where it was originally and not moving to a new wall.

Lacking responsiveness, not powering up, or incorrect temperatures are common signs that your thermostat might need replacing. If you have a programmable thermostat and it starts to lose settings, then it could be failing. Short cycling, which is when the HVAC unit shuts off too early, is another bad sign. If you replace your thermostat, the old thermostat’s removal is included with the replacement cost.

Fridge Thermostat Replacement Cost

If the thermostat on your refrigerator breaks, your fridge might become too cold or not cold enough. Replacing it can save the food inside and costs significantly less than a new fridge. The average cost to install a new thermostat in a refrigerator is around $100, including the parts. If you have difficulty reaching the thermostat or the brand requires special parts, this cost can go to $200 or more.

Oven Thermostat Replacement Cost

Replacing the oven thermostat can be a more significant repair. This thermostat is more difficult to reach, meaning that the oven needs to be removed and disassembled. Once the thermostat is replaced, you need to reassemble and return the oven. This costs between $260 and $295, with labor driving most of the cost. If you have a high-end brand, costs could be even higher because the parts may cost more.

Hot Water Heater Thermostat Replacement Cost

While the parts for a hot water heater thermostat replacement are inexpensive, the labor is time-consuming. The tank must be drained to work on it properly, which adds to the time and cost. Expect labor costs of around $200. With the thermostat’s price, the total cost can be $220 to $280. If the thermostat is located in a hard-to-reach area, costs could be higher.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Additional Remote

Smart thermostats have additional remote sensors that make the thermostat completely hands-off. You can use your tablet, smartphone, or computer to control and view your home’s temperature remotely. Thermostats with additional remote sensors let you view your thermostat remotely, and you can purchase extra remotes for a thermostat. A programmable or Wi-Fi remote runs about $38. The voice-activated remote/sensor for a Smart thermostat costs around $100 for a three-pack.

Wiring

If you replace your thermostat or install a new one, you might need new wiring to install a Smart model. An HVAC service tech charges $90-$250 for labor, and an electrician charges $40-$120 per hour to install additional wiring.

Wall Repair

If you replace an older thermostat with a newer one, the new model might be smaller or shaped differently, so you need wall repair. A handyman charges $60-$90 per hour to repair a wall.

Thermostat Cover

If you want to lock your thermostat so that it cannot be tampered with, you can purchase a plastic cover for around $10. These vary by size and shape and screw into the wall over the thermostat so that no one can change the temperature. Unless you have wireless control or a Smart model, you need to unscrew the box to make any adjustments.

Wall Plate

Your thermostat sits on top of a wall plate, which screws to the wall. New thermostats come with their own wall plate ready for installation. If this becomes damaged, the thermostat can no longer be installed on the wall. Replace the wall plate if this happens. They cost around $5 to $10 each.

Temperature Sensors

If your thermostat no longer works properly, it could be a faulty temperature sensor. When it gets too hot or too cold in the room, the sensor triggers the thermostat to turn on the HVAC system. When the room reaches the desired temperature, the sensor turns it off again. A temperature sensor costs around $10 to $20.

Batteries

Many thermostats need batteries. This is true if it has Wi-Fi or any type of digital display. Most thermostats take AA batteries, but some take AAA. This costs $2 to $16 for a 24 pack. Your thermostat may take 2-4 batteries at a time, depending on the model.