How much does home thermostat installation & replacement cost?

Nothing lasts forever, including your thermostat. The sooner you can get it fixed, the faster you can save yourself from paying a huge utility bill, run your appliances efficiently, and feel comfortable again. But how much should you spend on its replacement?

The average thermostat installation cost is $550, including labor and materials. In reality, the final price relies on several factors, such as thermostat brand and type. Whether you will install it yourself or hire a professional also affects it. Read on to get a more accurate estimate of thermostat replacement costs.

Thermostat installation & replacement prices

Two factors mainly affect the cost to replace a thermostat (or install one): labor and unit. 

Signs that a home thermostat needs replacement

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. Here are signs that your home thermostat needs replacement:

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.

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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 odors

Your HVAC system should run quietly and without strange smells. Loud noises, musty odors, 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 thermostats. Here are some of the most popular options in the market and their average unit prices:

Labor and miscellaneous costs

The average cost of hiring a pro for thermostat installation is around $200, and you can save money by buying the unit yourself. But how much does thermostat replacement cost? Usually, you pay $150 or below; it can cost less since the wiring is already available. You might also spend less if the technician does not have to change the whole unit. For example, the supplies for replacing the batteries could cost no more than $15, and oversized backplates are worth $25 or less. 

Sometimes the thermostat doesn’t have issues, but you want it moved. The cost to run a new thermostat wire could range from $115 to $300. The technician has to rewrite the thermostat (or even other parts of the HVAC system).

But you may ask, “Do I need a professional 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 with 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. 

Post a task for thermostat installation & replacement

Unless you are sure that you can install or hiring a pro for thermostat installation, 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 electricians who work around your budget and preferred thermostat type or brand.