How Much Does Thermostat Installation or Replacement Cost?
This project can cost anywhere from $0 to $0, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
The average thermostat replacement cost runs $0, ranging between $0 and $0.
Installation may cost more due to wiring and placement considerations, with labor around $65 to $100 per hour.
Thermostat prices vary from $15 to $300 based on type and features.
Upgrading to programmable or smart thermostats can improve energy efficiency and save up to $140 per year.
Professional installation ensures safety and proper functioning, avoiding potential damages.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Thermostats play a crucial role in keeping our homes comfortable—cooling us during hot summers and warming us in the chilly winters. On average, installing a new thermostat costs around $0, with most homeowners spending between $0 and $0. Thermostat prices vary from $15 to $300 based on the type and features. While some may consider installing a thermostat themselves, hiring a licensed electrician ensures the job is done safely and correctly. A licensed electrician can typically set one up in fewer than two hours at around $65 to $100 per hour.
You might save money by installing your thermostat yourself, but it requires electrical knowledge to do it safely. Attempting to install a thermostat without proper knowledge can lead to serious issues, such as electric shock, tripping circuit breakers, or even damaging your new thermostat and HVAC system.
Thermostat Prices by Type
How much is a thermostat? Gone are the days when your only choice for a new thermostat was a metal box with a little wheel you turned manually to change the temperature. Selecting the best smart thermostat for your home will depend on your preferences.
Today, we have many more choices with many more features, including smart thermostats. The type of thermostat you choose affects the price and the number of features it comes with.
| Thermostat Type | Average Unit Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Manual | $15 – $35 |
| Non-programmable electronic | $20 – $50 |
| Programmable electronic | $20 – $150 |
| Smart | $130 – $300 |
Mechanical/Manual/Non-Programmable Thermostat
With a price of $15 to $35 per unit, manual thermostats are a budget-friendly option. They offer straightforward temperature control by simply adjusting a dial or lever. (Manual thermostats from 2006 or earlier usually contain mercury, a toxic metal. Newer models don't use mercury.)
This will be your least expensive option, but it'll also come with the fewest features. For example, you’ll have to switch it from heating to cooling and vice versa if you have both heat and air conditioning.
| Pros of Manual Thermostats | Cons of Manual Thermostats |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost | Not programmable |
| Easy installation | Older units may contain mercury |
| Easy to use | Less accurate reading |
Non-Programmable Electronic Thermostat
Electronic yet non-programmable thermostats cost about $20 to $50 per unit. They install just as easily as the standard manual types but offer a more precise setting ability with few other features. While it must be turned on and off and switched manually, the digital display can make it easier to select a specific temperature.
| Pros of Non-Programmable Electronic Thermostats | Cons of Non-Programmable Electronic Thermostats |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive | Not programmable |
| Easy installation | Manually controlled |
| Accurate reading |
Electronic Programmable Thermostats
Electronic programmable thermostats cost around $20 to $150 for most units.
Basic models, which run up to about $50, include no connectivity but the ability to set the HVAC to different temperatures throughout the week.
Features include the following:
Ability to set heating and cooling options
Program temperatures according to preset weekday, weekend, and weeklong programs
Numerous programs set for days at a time, helping control homeowners' HVAC costs
May illuminate for easy access in the dark
Touch screens
| Pros of Programmable Electronic Thermostats | Cons of Programmable Electronic Thermostats |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-read display | More expensive |
| Auto-adjusts | Limited preset programs |
| Easy to install | No Wi-Fi on simple models |
Wi-Fi Thermostat
Wi-Fi thermostats, a type of programmable thermostat, costs around $100 to $350. They connect to your home network and allow you to control them from anywhere with internet access and often through an app on most phones. If your heating system is Wi-Fi-enabled, these will often control them without hard-wiring them in.
| Pros of Wi-Fi Thermostats | Cons of Wi-Fi Thermostats |
|---|---|
| Can control the thermostat from almost anywhere | Can be more difficult to hook up and program |
| Programmable with multiple options | Requires an active Wi-Fi network |
| Easily installed | More expensive |
Smart Thermostat
Now that many people use a smartphone, home and business thermostat technology has been updated to include models you can operate remotely. Smart thermostats cost approximately $130 to $300 or more. Whole-home smart systems that include thermostats and other features might exceed $1,000. Although they cost more, they can learn and adjust automatically to help save you 10% to 15% on utility bills, or about $140 per year.
Here are some other benefits of smart thermostats:
Can "learn" your preferences as you use it, essentially automatically setting the thermostat
Many functional options
Best suited for homeowners with a consistent schedule because consistency will ensure programmed temperatures accurately reflect the homeowner's preferences
Usually attached to Wi-Fi remote management and monitoring, even when you’re on vacation
Wiring and setup are more advanced
Can save energy and money
Thermostat Replacement Cost Factors
Although thermostat replacement costs don't vary much from project to project, some factors might raise or lower the price a little.
Labor
A professional electrician near you will charge between $65 to $100 per hour on average, and thermostat installation takes anywhere from one to three hours, for a total labor cost ranging from $65 to $300. Whether you opt for a modern, digital model or a simple, manual one, the installation costs won’t differ significantly. It's still an electrical job, regardless of your thermostat choice.
Number of Units and Zones
If you need multiple units installed in your home, ask your pro what the price would be to put them in all at once. Although the overall charge may be higher, the per unit rate will almost always be considerably lower if a pro only needs to make one trip to your home.
To set different temperatures for different home areas using one HVAC unit, you'll need a multizoned system with electronic baffles. On top of the price of the units, you'll need to factor in material and labor costs. Baffle charges will vary based on your home's duct sizes. In addition, factor in labor for both a licensed HVAC professional near you and an electrician since this job is too complicated to do yourself.
Repairs
Although unlikely, you may need to make some minor repairs to your home, such as cutting small holes in drywall to run wires. But this is rare, and you'll likely pay around $75 to $150 to patch a small hole or two. In this case, you might consider installing a wireless smart model.
New vs. Replacement
You'll pay an extra $90 to $135 to run a new thermostat C-wire, which is the modern electrical standard for newly manufactured thermostats. Additionally, you may incur extra labor costs (up to two hours, so $130 to $200) for the complex process of installing wiring.
Accessories and Add-Ons
Modern accessories include smart home systems like hubs, lights, locks, and even window shades. Smart home costs range from $50 to $300 for each item, which can quickly add up to a smart home system cost of $1,500 or more.
Alexa Hub: $50–$250
Google Nest Hub: $150–$250
Smart locks: $100–$300
Cameras: $100–$250
Thermostat Prices by Brand
Popular models in every category and price range can be ordered online or purchased at your local home improvement store.
| Thermostat Type | Model | Average Unit Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical/manual | Honeywell CT30A1005 Standard Manual Economy Thermostat | $15 |
| Honeywell CT87K Round Heat-Only Manual Thermostat | $26 | |
| Electronic (non-programmable) | Honeywell RTH111B1016/E1 Digital Non-Programmable Thermostat | $22 |
| Honeywell TH3110D1008 Pro Non-Programmable Digital Thermostat | $35 | |
| Electronic (programmable) | Honeywell RTH2300B1012/E1 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat | $21 |
| LuxPRO PSP511LC 5-2 Day Deluxe Programmable Thermostat | $60 | |
| Honeywell Home RTH7600D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat | $70 | |
| Emerson UP400 Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat | $150 | |
| Honeywell TH8321R1001 VisionPRO 8000 Thermostat | $190 | |
| Smart | Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi | $170 |
| Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat (works with Amazon Alexa) | $150 | |
| Ecobee3 Smart Thermostat | $220 | |
| Nest Learning Thermostat 5th Generation | $250 |
Oven, Dryer, and Water Heater Thermostats
Other appliances like ovens, dryers, and water heaters also have thermostats that may need replacing. While the parts are generally affordable, installation can be complex. For instance, replacing a water heater thermostat typically costs between $100 and $300. The cost of professional appliance installation is worth it to ensure safety and proper operation.
Energy Cost Savings
Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat might have a higher upfront cost, but it can save you up to $180 per year on energy bills. With features like scheduling and remote access, you'll enjoy greater comfort and convenience without constantly adjusting the settings. It's an investment that pays off in both comfort and cost savings.
In some areas of the country, like Florida and California, pilot programs exist in which smart models receive wireless signals from the utility company. These units then adjust the temperature according to the price of electricity at different times of the day. At a rate of about $0.70 per hour, reducing air conditioning usage for just an hour per day may save the average homeowner approximately $65 to $110 in just one summer.
DIY Thermostat Installation or Hire a Pro
Installing a basic thermostat can be a DIY project for those with electrical experience. You can also easily install wireless thermostats if your heating or cooling system is Wi-Fi compatible or you have an adapter.
However, if you have no skill or experience with electrical tasks, are adding a smart thermostat, or are dealing with unusual circumstances like multizone baffles, whole-home humidifiers, or dual-fuel systems, consult a licensed home thermostat installer near you or HVAC pro. A licensed technician can handle the intricacies and get the job done safely and correctly, helping you avoid potential hazards and costly mistakes.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's often worth replacing your old thermostat with a newer model that can enhance your home's comfort and energy efficiency. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can save you up to $200 per year on energy bills. Plus, smart thermostats offer convenient features like remote control and learning capabilities, making your home more comfortable and easier to manage.
Signs of a bad thermostat include your HVAC system not turning on when it's supposed to or failing to reach the desired temperature. If the thermostat's display is blank or not functioning properly, it could be malfunctioning. Another indicator is the HVAC system running continuously without shutting off or cycling on and off too frequently. You might also notice uneven temperatures throughout your home, with some rooms being too warm or too cold. These issues suggest that the thermostat is failing and may need repair or replacement to ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently.
A thermostat should last between 10 to 20 years, depending on its quality and how well it's maintained. Over time, dust, wiring issues, and general wear can affect its performance. Even if a thermostat is still functioning after 10 years, you might choose to replace it to take advantage of newer energy-saving technologies and smart home integrations. Upgrading to a modern thermostat can improve efficiency, offer more control over your home's climate, and potentially lower energy bills.
The number of thermostats you need depends on your home's size, layout, and heating and cooling zones. In a standard single-zone HVAC system, one thermostat controls the temperature for the entire home. However, larger homes or those with multiple floors might benefit from multiple thermostats linked to a multi-zone HVAC system. This setup can offer better comfort and energy efficiency: It lets you customize the temperature in different areas, so you're only heating or cooling the spaces you're using.
Replacing a thermostat typically takes a professional technician about one to two hours to complete. If you're swapping out an existing thermostat for a similar model with compatible wiring, the process can be done in less than an hour. However, installing a new thermostat that requires additional wiring, such as a smart thermostat, or moving the thermostat to a new location can extend the time to two hours or more. Complex installations may also involve cutting into drywall or integrating with other home systems, which can add to the duration.
There are a few things that can cause your home thermostat to fail. The most simple one is age and cleanliness. Dirt, grease, dust, and other small particles can clog sensors and cause malfunctions in readings. You may also have a failing power supply and loose connections, and the simplest cause is that it isn't installed in the right place in your home so it can't properly sense air temperature. Repairing a thermostat costs around $210.
