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 type. All get the job done, but some may be better than others. There are four common types: manual, programmable, Wi-Fi, and Smart. Each has its own costs and method of use.

Manual

Manual thermostats are the least expensive and simplest type, running an average of $20 to $40. This used to be the usual choice. It is available in various sizes and shapes, depending on the brand. This type is great for anyone who spends most of their time at home. It is very basic and 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 it. A quality manual model saves energy if you take the time to adjust the settings.

Digital Thermostat Cost

Digital thermostats run an average of $25 to $125 with non-programmable models on the lower end of the spectrum and programmable ones on the higher end. This type measures the resistance in the air with a microcontroller that provides an actual temperature reading. If the reading is different from the setting, the system kicks on to get the space at the correct temperature.

Non-Programmable

Non-programmable units are the least expensive digital option, ranging between $25 to $50 per unit. While this type has a digital display, it works similarly to a manual model. You can set the heating and cooling temperature options, but that is the extent of its features. It will still need to be turned on and off manually, but the digital display allows you to set a specific temperature more easily.

Cost of Programmable Thermostat

Digital programmable models run between $30 to $150 depending on the types of features you choose. This type 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. They are also ideal if you live in a location that suffers from chilly nights and warm days because you can program it accordingly.

Wi-Fi Thermostat Cost

You can expect to pay $80 to $150 when you purchase a model with Wi-Fi. It connects wirelessly via your tablet, computer, or smartphone. You can effortlessly adjust the temperature on a whim. It is also programmable. It gives full control of your home’s temperature even when you are away. Wi-Fi units can be Smart or just programmable, depending on the type you purchase. Some learn your habits, but most rely on you making the adjustments.

Smart Thermostat Cost

Smarto options are the most expensive type and run from $100 to $400 each. It works 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. They also usually 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.

Thermostat Price by Mode of Operation

Thermostats need to be connected with your system to work. Most people have low-voltage units 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 unit that operates only this appliance. They have some cost overlap, but they install and work differently.

Line-Voltage

Line-voltage units are only for stand-alone appliances. The cost for the unit itself runs from $20 to $100. 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.

Low-Voltage

The cost of low-voltage models runs an average of $20 to $400, depending on the type you choose. Most units that control whole-house heating and cooling systems are low-voltage. This includes manual, programmable, and smart units. They use little electricity to operate, 24v on average. They are more difficult to install than a line-voltage model and require specific wiring.

New Thermostat Cost by Appliance

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

Thermostat for Water Heater Price

Depending on the brand of thermostat you choose for your water heater, you can expect to pay between $20 to $50. Your water heater's thermostat is usually located on the exterior. It is manual and it serves two purposes: to control and set the water’s temperature and instantly see the temperature. Your water heater determines its exact position, shape, and style. Always check with the brand to determine which one to install.

Thermostat for Dryer Price

A dryer thermostat runs an average of $20 to $60 for the unit alone. Dryers use them 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 temperatures. Like ovens, the dryer’s thermostat is dictated by the dryer. This varies by model, brand, and layout.

Refrigerator Thermostat Price

The material cost of a refrigerator thermostat is low, running an average of $20 to $60. It is installed just inside the refrigerator 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. It is usually very different depending on the refrigerator brand and style.

Oven Thermostat Cost

Oven thermostats come with a wider cost range, running from $30 to $140. Your oven needs one 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.

AC Thermostat Price

The cost for a thermostat for an AC unit can run from $40 to $350. Central air conditioning uses the same type of thermostat as a 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.

Furnace Thermostat Cost

You can expect to pay an average of $40 to $350 for a furnace thermostat. 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 model. Install it wherever you spend most of your time, where it can accurately gauge the temperature. Any type, from manual to Smart, works.

Boiler Thermostat Cost

Boiler thermostats are one of the most expensive types to buy, with an average cost of $160 to $400. 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 model of your choosing. This may mean a manual, programmable, Wi-Fi, or Smart thermostat controls your heating system. Since boilers may operate with radiant heating, such as radiant flooring or radiators, the exact model you choose should keep up with the heating system for the best results.

Thermostat Installation Cost

Normally an HVAC service technician installs thermostats, but you can also have an electrician do it. Installation requires basic electrical knowledge, so always hire a professional. An electrician can be hired for $40 to $120 per hour. If you are simply installing a new one and have no other HVAC needs, an electrician would probably be the less expensive option. You will also need to call an electrician if you need to replace one inside an appliance or outside a furnace, boiler, or AC unit. The cost to have an HVAC service tech install a thermostat runs from $75 to $150 per hour for labor. HVAC technicians should be called when replacing one in an HVAC appliance and would likely be the better option to install the device if they are already there on a maintenance or repair call. Replacing an existing unit can take one or two hours to install, depending on if it is manual, programmable, Wi-Fi, or Smart. A new one installed with an HVAC installation takes up to three 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 Run a New Thermostat Wire

Installing a C wire is integral to any new thermostat installation, except for some manual models. It is particularly important for smart models. When upgrading from an older model to a newer one, you probably need 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.

Cost to Install a New Thermostat by Brand

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

Sensi Thermostat Price

Sensi thermostats cost an average of $100 to $200, with an average installed cost of $180 to $400. Sensi is great for homeowners who want the benefits of a smart unit in a compact design. Their products are similar in size to older traditional models. However, they include all of the smart features you are looking for, such as the ability to connect remotely via your cell phone. They feature a sleek and modern design, which allows them to blend in with the decor.

Honeywell Evohome Installation Cost

You can expect to pay $100 to $300 in materials for a Honeywell thermostat and around $180 to $500 to have one installed. Honeywell is a well-known brand that makes a very wide range of products, including Evohome, a Smart model. Their features include Wi-Fi capability and programmable settings. Their Smart products use geofencing technology to determine how close or far you are from home.

Trane Thermostat Price

Trane prices run an average of $100 to $300, with the total cost installed being between $180 to $500. 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 products tend to be easy to use and install but less stylish than other brands.

Hive Thermostat Installation Cost

Hive prices usually average $150 to $200. You can expect to pay around $230 to $400 total installed price. Hive products are designed to integrate with smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can easily change the setting on one of these models using just the sound of your voice. Other popular features include notifications and custom scheduling. You can also add on special services which can allow you to track your heating costs.

Carrier Thermostat Price

For just the Carrier thermostat, you can expect to pay an average of $185 to $250, with the total costs to have one installed running around $265 to $450. Carrier is one of the most well-known brands. They continue to innovate to stay on top of trends. They offer a wide range of programmable units and several types of smart models with the latest features.

Nest Thermostat Installation Cost

The cost of a Nest thermostat runs an average of $200 to $250, with the full cost installed averaging around $280 to $450. The Nest makes a wide range of products. Their products are known as “learning” units that use algorithms to determine your behavior. Over time, these algorithms adjust the unit automatically, making subtle temperature adjustments that will help you lower your overall energy costs without affecting the comfort level. Some models also offer furnace monitoring which alerts you if your furnace switches off due to a power outage or other unforeseen event.

Vivint Thermostat Price

Vivint thermostats fall in the same price range as Nest ones averaging around $200 to $250 for the unit only and $280 to $450 if you include installation. Vivint sells smart models that can pair with home sensors to allow you to keep your entire home at a comfortable temperature while maintaining efficiency. They also feature some of the most popular features, including control through a voice assistant. Vivint products are also designed to integrate with the Vivint home security systems.

Ecobee Thermostat Price

Ecobee thermostats are one of the most costly choices. On average, they cost $300 to $400 for the unit itself and between $380 to $600 total costs installed. Ecobee is considered a high-end option. 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.

Home Thermostat Replacement Cost

Most wall thermostats for an HVAC system are quickly and easily replaced. It takes roughly one hour for most replacements unless you are upgrading to a unit that needs a C wire, in which case it can take two hours. This makes the labor cost of replacing one roughly $80 to $200 an hour, depending on labor rates and whether you are upgrading or not. The total cost of replacement is roughly $180 to $300. This assumes that the unit 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 unit might need replacing. If you have a programmable model 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 unit's removal is included with the replacement cost. Below you will see the average cost of replacement based on the type of appliance.

Hot Water Heater Thermostat Replacement Cost

Replacing the thermostat in your hot water heater runs from $100 to $250, including parts and labor. While the materials are inexpensive, the labor is time-consuming. The tank must be drained to work on it properly, which adds to the time and cost. You will likely know that your thermostat is the problem if you cannot control the water temperature in the water heater.

Fridge Thermostat Replacement Cost

The average cost to replace a thermostat in a refrigerator is around $100 to $260, including the parts. If it 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. Thermostats that are more easily accessible will cost less to replace than those in a more difficult location.

Dryer Thermostat Replacement Cost

If you need to replace the thermostat in your dryer, the cost will be $100 to $260. With some dryer models, you may have multiple ones, such as one that helps trigger the heating element on or off and protects the appliance from overheating. When the thermostat that regulates the heating element breaks, you may find that your clothes are too hot or do not get dried. If the thermostat that prevents overheating is damaged and goes unrepaired, it can lead to a fire hazard.

Oven Thermostat Replacement Cost

Replacing a thermostat in an oven is on the higher end, costing between $110 and $340. The higher cost is mainly because it is more difficult to reach in an oven. Often, the oven needs to be removed and disassembled. Once the thermostat is replaced, you must reassemble and return the oven. Also, if you have a newer model, you can expect the replacement cost to be on the higher end.

Furnace Thermostat Replacement Cost

Getting the thermostats replaced in your furnace will cost from $120 to $550. Though not one of the largest or most expensive parts of a furnace, it is still vital. When it begins to fail, you may notice your furnace is running erratically, or it may even fail to run at all. There is not a significant process to replacing it. However, it must be done by a professional since HVAC systems can lead to dangerous conditions in the home if not properly prepared.

AC Thermostat Replacement Cost

There is a wider range of costs when it comes to replacing a thermostat on an AC unit. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $120 and $550. The price you pay will largely depend on how many features the AC unit has and how new it is. The thermostat is a vital component of any AC unit, helping the system keep your home at a common temperature. If your system seems to run constantly or not cycle on when it should, a faulty thermostat could be the problem.

Boiler Thermostat Replacement Cost

The most expensive appliance thermostat to replace is one in a boiler. On average, you can expect to pay $240 to $600 for both parts and labor. Replacing it can be dangerous if not done properly because it requires rewiring and can lead to a fire hazard if not performed correctly. You will likely know when your thermostat is acting up as the boiler will not be able to get your home the proper temperature, may run constantly, or may keep stopping and starting.

Cost to Move a Thermostat

The 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 place being on the same wall in a new location or an adjacent wall. In both these instances, you can move it DIY by removing the unit, cutting a new hole, and fishing the wires to their new location.

If you want to move it 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 three hours at a rate of $80 to $200 an hour or $240 to $600.

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

Thermostat Repair Cost

Repairing a thermostat can run from $100 to $225, depending on the type, the model, and whether any parts are under warranty. Battery replacement is one of the most common issues, along with wire replacement. Other possible issues you can run into include a damaged breaker or issues with short cycling. If a smart model needs repair, part of the process may include troubleshooting. It is easy to tell when your unit needs repair. It will often fail to register the temperature or trigger on the HVAC system when needed, leading to uncomfortable temperatures in the home.

Energy Efficiency

Choosing the right thermostat can make your life easier and save you a significant amount off of your monthly energy bills. Many homeowners opt for cheaper manual ones over programmable or smart options simply because of the initial cost. Yet, the extra you pay to upgrade to one of these options will likely pay for itself within the first year. According to the EPA, homeowners will save up to $180 per year on their overall energy use by switching to a programmable or smart model. You may save even more with an energy star model.

In some states, such as California and Florida, you can have a newer model installed for free by your utility company when you enroll in a program that allows the company to adjust your temperature during peak energy times. These measures lower energy use and increase your overall savings.

If your utility doesn’t offer free thermostats, you may qualify for energy rebates up to $25 per unit simply for having them installed.

There are also other ways to save money with how you program your unit. You can easily save over $100 per year by setting your temperature seven to ten degrees lower when you are asleep or away from home.

How Many Thermostats Do I Need?

While most homes only require one, there are situations where you may need two or more. 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 only one. But if you have two zones, you may need two separate ones or a single one 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 one for each system.

Maintenance​

There is little maintenance that needs to be performed to keep your thermostat functioning properly, but by ensuring it is properly maintained, you save on your energy costs. One of the most important maintenance tasks is having it calibrated, which will be done during your yearly HVAC maintenance visit, which runs from $100 to $150.

Aside from calibration, it is important to keep it clean and free from dust to allow it to operate properly. You also may want to check it for loose wires and tighten them with a screwdriver if necessary.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Additional Remote

Smart thermostats have additional remote sensors that make them completely hands-off. You can use your tablet, smartphone, or computer to control and view your home’s temperature remotely. You can purchase extra remotes for your unit. A programmable or Wi-Fi remote costs from $30 to $60. The voice-activated remote/sensor for a Smart model costs $80 to $130 for a three-pack.

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 $50 to $100 per hour to repair a wall. Most wall work includes filling in areas with plaster or drywall to cover up the extra part of the opening that is no longer needed for the new unit.

Thermostat Cover

If you want to lock your thermostat so that it cannot be tampered with, you can purchase a plastic cover for $15 to $50. These vary by size and shape and screw into the wall over the unit 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 models come with their own wall plate ready for installation. If this becomes damaged, it 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 unit 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 of them take AA batteries, but some take AAA. This costs $4 to $16 for a 24 pack. Your unit may take two to four batteries at a time, depending on the model. Some models will let you know when the batteries are running low, while others will simply turn to a black screen when the batteries have been exhausted.

Additional Sensors

You can truly maximize the energy efficiency of your home when you pair your smart thermostat with wireless sensors throughout your home. These sensors can be placed in individual rooms to record accurate temperatures throughout the various areas of your home. This data can help your unit function so that the correct temperature is maintained. There is a wide range of sensors to choose from, and you can expect to pay between $40 and $80 per sensor.