How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Thermostat?

Costs for Common Issues Requiring Thermostat Repair

There are a few reasons why a thermostat stops working. Sometimes, a thermostat trips a circuit breaker or blows a fuse. Faulty wiring can be another cause. Other times, the thermostat is not calibrated correctly. Also, depending on the type of thermostat, it might not be in the right area of the house, meaning it gets an insufficient reading of the indoor temperature. A professional will know exactly what kind of problem the thermostat has and proceed accordingly.

Minor Issues

There are some minor issues homeowners can mend on their own.

• Replacing batteries; about $5. Remove the cover, insert new batteries, and replace the cover yourself.

• Installing a new breaker: $25-$50.

• Fix short cycling (when your heat or air turns on and off frequently) on a manual unit at no cost. Simply remove its cover, clean the dust off the contacts, and adjust the anticipator dial.

• Troubleshooting for smart models including Wi-Fi connectivity issues, error codes, and other common problems are usually addressed on the manufacturer's website at no cost.

Complex Issues

Complex Issues should be addressed by a licensed professional for your own safety and to ensure your HVAC system remains operational. Professional labor will cost $50 to $100 per hour, not including parts or materials.

• Leaks in manual thermostats are dangerous because they contain mercury. Your professional will know how to remove and recycle the device safely. If you are seeing water, it is probably not your thermostat. You may run into the cost to repair or replace the HVAC system.

• Stuck switches in the on or off position can lead to improper heating and cooling and should be addressed immediately.

• Overheating and broken thermostats with no heat are rare and most commonly experienced with automotive thermostats. When experienced at home, it could be an issue with your HVAC unit itself and will likely require a professional.

Prices to Fix per Type

Oven

Expect to pay between $100 to $200, regardless of what is wrong with it. This fix takes about an hour of a professional's time at a rate of $50 to $100 per hour, plus the cost of replacement parts.

Refrigerator/Freezer

Dryer

Refer to our Appliance Repair Cost Guide for more rates and details.

Water Heater

When your thermostat goes out in your water heater, expect to pay $150 - $200 (including labor) to have it professionally restored. Check out other prices to fix water heater parts when budgeting for a repair.

Fixing Popular Thermostat Brands

Honeywell

When purchased at a retail location, it is warrantied for two years from the date of installation. When it is purchased and installed through a professional contractor it's warrantied for five years.

Nest

Nest guarantees their new products purchased via retail for two years from the date of delivery. If the device is sold and installed by a Nest Pro, it will remain under warranty for five years. They also guarantee factory-refurbished products for one year.

ecobee

Ecobee will repair or replace defective products at no charge for three years after the purchase date. These devices are then guaranteed for the remainder of the original warranty or 90 days, whichever is longer.

LUX

LUX will repair or replace a device due to defects in materials or workmanship within three years of the original purchase date. While the company does not offer extended warranties with professional installation, their terms exclude damage caused by failing to follow installation instructions.

Emerson

They guarantee their product for three years from date of purchase unless otherwise noted on an individual product.

Testing the Thermostat

To test and see if the thermostat is broken, turn it from whatever setting you had it on to the opposite setting. So, i If you had it on heat, then turn it to cool or change the degree from about 80 to 55. If nothing happens after about five minutes, check your main and secondary electrical panels for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. If needed, reset the breaker or replace the fuse, then test it again. If neither of these actions corrects your problem, it's safe to assume that the thermostat is not tripping the HVAC system and needs to be repaired.

Replacing vs. Repairing A Thermostat Costs

The cost to install or replace a thermostat in a 2,000-square-foot home with standard heating and cooling requirements is between $100 and $255, including professional labor. If repairs will be more than this amount, it would make sense for a homeowner to replace the unit rather than restore it. If simple, do-it-yourself troubleshooting does not fix your problem, call a professional to rule out issues with your AC or /furnace and get a quote and provide a quote.

Depending on the nature of the problem, it may be more economical to replace the thermostat rather than repair it. For example, if the thermostat consistently breaks despite resetting the circuit breaker or replacing the batteries, then it might be time to replace the thermostat with a new one because the old one is faulty. Consult your professional before buying a new one to make sure you get a thermostat that works well with your system.

Hire a Professional or DIY

If you suspect you have a faulty unit, you should test it and go through basic troubleshooting first by checking batteries, breakers and fuses, and the heat anticipator. If you are unable to correct the problem in these steps, there may be other problems in your HVAC unit or appliance, so it's best to call a professional.

Due to the similar costs, homeowners with electrical knowledge or experience may choose to install or replace instead of fixing. Just be sure the thermostat is the problem so that you don't do unnecessary work. Remember, if your unit is defective and under warranty, the manufacturer will pay for repair or replacement by a licensed thermostat repair service.