Home thermostat installation cost: What to expect from local installers

Could a faulty thermostat be adding hundreds to your energy bills each year? Think of high energy costs, chilly or scorching hot temperatures, or inefficient appliances. You cannot afford all these, but how much will replacing a broken thermostat or adding a new one cost? 

The average thermostat installation cost is £206.25, including labour and materials. While it sounds affordable, the overall thermostat replacement cost can balloon to over £390 due to many factors. This guide will help you set your budget.

Thermostat installation & replacement prices

The cost of installing or replacing a thermostat depends primarily on two factors: labour and the unit itself. However, if you need to rewire a house to accommodate a new thermostat, expect to add £4,500 to £8,000 to your basic installation costs.

Signs that a home thermostat needs replacement

A person checking the thermostat’s wiring with a voltage tester while mounting it on the wall. (Source: iStock)

Some say that you should fix problems before they get worse. This sound advice also applies to thermostats. Repairing or replacing the device promptly saves your wallet, sanity, and even your home. So what are the signs of a thermostat going out? Here are four:

1. Abnormally high energy bills

Utility bills are usually higher in winter and summer. The demand and prices are high, and the HVAC system has to work harder to keep your ambient temperature just right.

But if you are paying way more than you usually do, you better inspect your thermostat. A problematic unit could cause your air conditioners, boilers, or furnaces to run longer than you prefer. It can also force your overworked appliances to use more energy because they can’t regulate the heat properly.

2. Inaccurate readings

This is tricky because you will never know that the thermostat displays the wrong temperature unless you compare it with another device. Regardless, anything more than two degrees off the mark is worth a closer look.

Thermostats can give off false or misleading readings because of a worn-out sensor, an old battery, or loose electrical connections. You might also have received a faulty unit when you bought it.

3. Unresponsive controls

If you repeatedly press buttons or turn the knob to no avail, your thermostat might be broken. To determine if a power outage is causing the problem, try unplugging and plugging the unit. If that does not do the trick, consider replacing it.

4. Unusual noises and odours

Your HVAC system should run quietly and without strange smells. Loud noises, musty odours, or smoke from the thermostat can indicate something wrong with its wiring or circuit boards. 

What affects thermostat installation & replacement costs?

Thermostat type

Thermostat prices can range from less than £20 to over £200, depending on their type:

Thermostat brand

Besides the unit, the brand can dictate the final cost of replacing a thermostat. Here are some of the most popular options in the market and their average unit prices:

Labour and miscellaneous costs

A person tightening the thermostat's wiring on the circuit board with a screwdriver. (Source: iStock)

The average cost of hiring a pro for thermostat installation is around £30 per hour, and you can save money by buying the unit yourself. How about if you want to replace a thermostat? How much does a thermostat replacement cost? Usually, you pay £155 or below; it can cost less since the wiring is already available.

The labour cost increases for a smart thermostat. So how much does it cost to install a smart thermostat? It ranges from £230 to £420 for less than two hours of work. It also depends on whether you are supplying the device. For instance, the Nest thermostat installation cost, including labour and materials, is almost £300. But it goes down to £130 if you purchase or own the supplies.

But you may ask, “Do I need an electrician to install a thermostat?” In reality, you can DIY it, completing the installation or replacement process in less than two hours if it is a straightforward task. For instance, you work with only one or two wires and no other appliance or component connected to them. 

You should consider hiring a professional when:

• Your unit is new, and you don’t want to void your warranty because of a mistake. 
• Your thermostats must work with other appliances or components (e.g., smart or Wi-Fi-enabled units). 
• The thermostat is a low-voltage unit. It is likely integrated into the house’s heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. 
• You do not have the tools or basic skills to handle wires, batteries, and thermostats. 

Find a thermostat installer near you

Unless you are sure that you can install or replace the thermostat, you better call for help. One of the best places to hire professionals is Airtasker. It helps you find the best person for the job in four easy steps:

• Register and create a profile to help the system connect you with thermostat installation and replacement experts near you. 
• Write your request. Include sharable information, such as the house size, the service you’re looking for, and your budget and timeline. 
• Wait for bids and offers.
• Review the proposals and close the deal.

A thermostat change is ideal if you want to avoid paying a hefty utility bill or keep yourself comfortable the whole year. While several factors can impact your spending, Airtasker can connect you with HVAC technicians and professional electricians who work around your budget and preferred thermostat type or brand.