How much does it cost to install a thermostat?

A programmable thermostat ¹ gives you the freedom to customize your home’s heating and cooling so you are not needlessly running the heat or air when you aren’t home or at night when you are asleep. You can set the thermostat ¹ to one temperature when you are home or awake and to another if you are away from the house or in bed. The simple versatility of the thermostat ¹ programming can save you around 15 percent on your home’s energy costs.

Installing a thermostat ¹ costs, on average, $145 to $230 with the average homeowner spending around $187.50 on installing a programmable thermostat ¹.

Thermostat installation

Cost factors

Depending on the size of your home, you might have two or more heating systems that are governed by individual thermostats ¹. You’ll have to determine how many thermostats ¹ you require. You might need to purchase two thermostats ¹ or one that handles more than one system. If you purchase two thermostats ¹ then the price doubles. Some programmable, wi-fi, or Smart thermostats ¹ are two phases or more. This can increase the cost of the thermostat ¹ by 10 to 20 percent.

Another cost factor consideration is if the thermostat ¹ is a new install or replacing an existing thermostat ¹. Typically, you will use an HVAC service technician to install a thermostat ¹. Most will charge between $90 and $250 for labor. You can also hire an electrician to install a thermostat ¹. Electricians charge from $65-$85 per hour. It will take from one to three hours to install the thermostat ¹, depending on if it is a new install or replacement of an existing thermostat ¹.

Types

There are four common types of thermostats ¹: non-programmable, programmable, WiFi, and smart thermostats ¹.

Non-programmable/manual

This was once the thermostat ¹ standby. It is available in various sizes and shapes depending on the brand. This type of thermostat ¹ is great for anyone who spends most of their time at home. The thermostat ¹ is very basic. It does not allow you to manage the temperature in your home remotely or on a schedule. You simply set it to one temperature and it remains set at that level ². If you want to change the temperature then you must manually reset the thermostat ¹. A quality manual thermostat ¹ will help you save money on your energy bill only if you regularly take the time to adjust the settings when needed.

Programmable

A programmable thermostat ¹ allows you to set the thermostat ¹ to reduce the heat when you aren’t home or when you are asleep. It is a great way to save money on your power bill. The decrease in constant use will also help your HVAC system last longer. Programmable thermostats ¹ are ideal if you live in a location that suffers chilly nights and warm days because you can program the thermostat ¹ accordingly.

Wi-Fi

A Wi-Fi thermostat ¹ connects wirelessly via your tablet, computer, or smartphone. You can effortlessly adjust the temperature on a whim. In addition, a Wi-Fi thermostat ¹ is also programmable. It gives you full control over your home’s thermostat ¹ settings even when you aren’t there.

Smart

A smart thermostat ¹ has the ability to work with all of your other home automation tools. It even has the ability to learn and start to adjust the heat or air to meet your family’s needs. It notes patterns such as when you arrive home and then makes key adjustments to maximize energy efficiency. Smart thermostats ¹ have voice controls and will work with Amazon’s Alexa or the Google Assistant.

Labor

Normally an HVAC service technician installs thermostats ¹, but you can also have an electrician carry out the task. The task of installing a thermostat ¹ does require basic electrical knowledge so you should always opt to have a professional tackle the install. An electrician can be hired for $65-$85 per hour. The cost to have an HVAC service tech install a thermostat ¹ runs from $90-$250 per hour for labor. If the thermostat ¹ is simply replacing an existing thermostat ¹ then it can take one or two hours to install depending on if it is a manual, programmable, wi-fi, or smart. A new thermostat ¹ that is being installed with a HVAC installation can take up to three hours because the wires must be run from the unit to the thermostat ¹. New installation entails drilling holes into the wall to run the wires to the air handler ³ which is usually located nearby, such as in a closet.

Brands

Most thermostats ¹ share certain characteristics. However, when picking a thermostat ¹, you will want to choose a brand that you feel comfortable handling.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Additional remote

Smart thermostats ¹ have additional remote sensors ⁴ that make the thermostat ¹ completely hands-off. You can use your tablet, smartphone, or computer to control and view your home’s temperature remotely. Thermostats ¹ with additional remote sensors ⁴ let you view your thermostat ¹ remotely. You can purchase extra remotes for a thermostat ¹. A programmable or wi-fi remote runs about $38. The voice activated remote/sensor for a Smart thermostat ¹ costs around $100 for a three pack.

Wiring

If you are replacing your current thermostat ¹ or installing a new one then don’t be surprised if you require new wiring if you are installing a smart model. An HVAC service tech charges $90-$250 for labor and an electrician charges $65-$85 per hour to install additional wiring.

Wall repair

If you are replacing an older thermostat ¹ with a newer one then the new model might be smaller or shaped differently so you will need wall repair. A handyman charges $60-$90 per hour to repair a wall.

Oven/Dryer/Water heater thermostat replacement

You are probably familiar with the thermostat ¹ that controls your heating and air conditioning systems. However, thermostats ¹ can also be located on the oven, dryer, and water heater. The price of replacing such thermostats ¹ runs from $100-$450 for parts and labor. An appliance repair professional will handle such an installation. An appliance repair professional typically charges $100-$250 per hour.

Additional considerations and costs

• DIY. Ideally, you should hire an electrician or HVAC service technician to replace or install a new thermostat ¹ because it requires dealing with electric. However, you can undertake the task yourself. First, be sure to turn off the HVAC system. Remove the old thermostat ¹ by unscrewing it from the wall. Disconnect the wires and tape them off with electrical tape. Install the new thermostat ¹ using the enclosed directions.
• Compatibility. If you are installing a programmable or smart thermostat ¹ then it is imperative that you make sure the new thermostat ¹ is compatible with your HVAC system. A programmable thermostat ¹ usually works well with gas or oil furnaces or central a/c systems. However, on occasion heat pumps ⁵ or electric baseboards may require additional features in a thermostat ¹.
• Energy cost savings. Don’t let the high cost of a digital programmable or smart thermostat ¹ deter you from making the initial investment because, according to the EPA, you could save up to $180 per year with the new models.
• Extra units. If you want to control the temperature in your home from numerous locations then you might want to consider extra thermostats ¹, but you should avoid this practice. More than one can cause unbalanced heating and cooling.
• Replacement. Common signs that your thermostat ¹ might need replacement include if it lacks responsiveness, your heater or a/c units are not powering up, and/or if the temp on the thermostat ¹ does not match the house’s actual temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat ¹ and it starts to lose settings then it could be failing. Short cycling, when the HVAC unit shuts off too early, is another sign there is a problem. If you are having a thermostat ¹ replaced then the removal of the old thermostat ¹ is included with the cost of replacement.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Thermostat: A device that senses and regulates temperature by turning heating and cooling devices on and off

⁴ Sensors: Device that responds to a physical event or change in the environment by emitting an output signal