According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading your thermostat can be one of the most significant improvements homeowners can make. It can save you money both in the short and long-term, reduce energy consumption, and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

The department estimates the average cost for a new thermostat replacement to be around $200, with low prices starting at $80 and a high average of over $400. Several factors will impact the overall installation cost, including the type of unit you’re installing, labor costs, the mode of operation, and specific features you want to have.

In this guide, you’ll learn how much is a thermostat replacement, the various factors that impact the cost, and how to choose the best unit for your home so you don’t go over your budget.

Factors in Calculating Thermostat Replacement Cost

How much is a thermostat replacement? Several factors come into play that will directly impact the cost of getting a new thermostat installed in your home. They include the type or design of the thermostat unit you want to acquire, how many you want to install, labor costs, and others.

Consider the following:

1. Type of Thermostat

You can choose from two types of thermostats to install in your home. Some modern thermostat designs will have more advanced features, which can raise the cost significantly.

• Smart Thermostats: These thermostats feature advanced features offering more control and customization. These interconnected devices have automated capabilities designed to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. They feature Wi-Fi connectivity, learning capacities, energy monitoring and reporting, geofencing, and integration with smart home systems. These systems cost around $100 to $200 on average.
• Programmable Thermostats: These thermostats feature LED controls, and they are programmable. Thermostats like these offer a balance for people who prefer manual controls with automatic scheduling. They cost around $170 to $200 to install.

2. Labor Costs

If you can DIY the installation of a new or replacement thermostat for your home, you obviously don't need to worry about labor costs. However, in some instances, hiring a professional to install the unit for you can be beneficial. It saves you time, and you can rest assured that a certified professional will install and set up your thermostat. However, this highly efficient service comes at a cost. Labor costs vary from one location to the other—nevertheless, the national average ranges from $25 to $100 per hour for hiring HVAC technicians.

Apart from hiring HVAC technicians, you may have to think about other labor costs you may incur during an installation:

• Hiring an electrician to rewire your system can cost you $100 an hour.
• Drywall and painting contractors charge a minimum of $3 to $8 per square foot if you have to open up walls to install your new thermostat system.
• Installing underfloor heating will also require you to hire contractors, which increases the overall cost.

3. Operating Modes

Your system’s standard operating modes will directly impact its installation cost. Thermostats for furnaces and heating systems only will usually cost less. On the other hand, thermostats designed for complete HVAC systems (heating and cooling systems) will cost more. The technician may need to work on additional wiring and other installation essentials, which can increase the overall cost.

4. Number of Thermostat Units

If your thermostat has zoning capabilities, you may need to install more than one unit for your home, which is the case for programmable thermostats. On the other hand, if you’re using smart thermostat systems, you may not need to install multiple thermostat units. However, you still need to install additional wireless sensors, which bumps the installation cost.

5. Wiring Requirements

Some thermostat units may require additional wiring or changes to your HVAC’s electrical wiring. If the wiring isn’t compatible with the thermostat’s requirements, you must hire an electrician to make the necessary changes, which is an added cost.

6. Thermostat Features

Thermostats with more features are usually more expensive than simpler units. If you’re looking to install a thermostat with smart capabilities, Wi-Fi connectivity, and monitoring and reporting systems, expect it to come with a higher price tag.

7. Additional Accessories

Depending on the type and design of the thermostat, you may have to purchase accessories for the installation. These include temperature sensors, mounting plates, and wiring adapters.

8. Brand and Quality

Some thermostat brands are more expensive than others. Brands well-known for high quality and reliability can be more costly than lesser-known brands and models.

Choosing the Right Thermostat to Reduce Installation Costs

There are several ways to reduce installation costs and get the right thermostat for your home:

• Make sure that the thermostat is compatible with your HVAC.
• Choose one that only has the features you need.
• Consider your budget, and don’t pick a unit that’s too pricey.

It is essential to consult with experts if you’re looking to reduce thermostat installation costs. At Value Controls, we have specialists who can help you choose compatible thermostats that work best for your home without exceeding your budget. Contact us today to learn more about these products.

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