How Much Does a Thermostat Cost in 2024?

Installing a new thermostat from scratch incurs higher costs than replacing an existing one, with the price gap running into $200+. The difference in expenses is driven by increased labor involved in the process, including potential structural modifications, adding wires, and cutting an opening in a wall. Below, we’ll closely examine the peculiarities of home thermostat replacement and installation. 

Once you decide to replace your worn-out thermostat, you should be ready to pay $20 to $250 for the unit alone, based on the model and brand selected. Contractors can charge from $100 to $220 for their services. Hence, you can shell out between $120 to $470 for a replacement project. 

The thermostat replacement cost breakdown

Unit itself	$20 - $235
Replacement cost	$100 - $220
Total	$120 - $470

Even though most homeowners spend between $142 and $360 on thermostat replacement, your outlay can be higher or lower. A low-end project can cost $80, while a high-end alternative can set you back $500.

The thermostat change cost

Low-end	$80
High-end	$500
Average cost range	$142 - $360

If your home is not equipped with a thermostat, and you want one, you should be ready to spend from $20 to $250 per unit alone. However, you need to set aside more for labor. Specialists can offer a flat hourly rate between $50 and $100 and complete the installation project in about 2-3 hours. Hence, a new thermostat costs $100 to $300 in labor. Your overall expenses can land between $150 to $550.  

The thermostat installation cost breakdown

Unit itself	$20 - $250
Installation cost	$100 - $300
Total	$120 - $550

The average cost of thermostat installation is between $180 and $430. For a project of minimal to zero complexity, you can spend about $100. However, your outlay can be six to seven times higher for a sophisticated or premium one. 

The price of thermostat installation

Low-end	$100
High-end	$600
Average cost range	$180 - $430

New Thermostat Cost Breakdown

Once the need for a new thermostat occurs, it’s essential to examine all the available options. If it is supposed to be a replacement project, determine what drawbacks the current unit has so that you can upgrade it to a better alternative. Those who select their first thermostat should bank their decision on their HVAC system in the first place. Below, we’ll scrutinize the cost of a new thermostat depending on its brand, type, and the number of units you are about to install. 

If you know what your ideal thermostat looks like but need to know how much its installation can cost in your area, stop by MyHomeQuote. We can match you with skillful local specialists and request custom quotes on your behalf. Fill out the questionnaire below, and we’ll do the rest.

Cost to Install a Thermostat by Type

In recent years, thermostats have evolved from basic wall-mounted dials to sophisticated units jam-packed with features, so your expenses now can be anywhere from $20 to $330. Additionally, professional installation can increase the overall expenditure by $80 to $220.

Smart

Smart thermostats sit at the higher end of the price spectrum, typically ranging from $135 to over $330, reflecting their advanced capabilities. Usually, the smart thermostat installation costs from $100 to $230. These devices offer convenience and efficiency by allowing users to control their home’s temperature via a smartphone. Some of the latest models harness the power of machine learning algorithms, meaning they can adjust to your preferred settings automatically based on your routine. And reduced utility bills can be a bonus.  

Digital Programmable

If you are considering a programmable thermostat for your home, you should be ready to shell out from $230 to $350, with installation included. These models come with a digital display for straightforward temperature settings, allowing homeowners to schedule temperature changes for different times and days. Higher-end versions offer additional features like a touchscreen and on-vacation settings. 

Electronic Non-Programmable

Non-programmable electronic thermostats are an upgraded version of traditional manual ones, costing from $100 to $230 installed. Although they are equipped with a digital display for more precise temperature settings, they require manual operation to turn the heating or cooling on and off. Despite this, they provide a cost-effective solution for those looking for simplicity and affordability in temperature control. 

Manual

If you are not an experienced DIYer, installing a manual thermostat can run at $70 to $155. How much is a thermostat alone? You can spend from $17 to $40 per unit. Due to their basic functionality, these thermostats are the least expensive but are gradually being phased out. You can adjust the temperature by manually moving a dial or lever to the desired setting, but you must manually turn it on and off. Please note that the lion’s share of manual thermostats is designed exclusively for heating.

The average cost of thermostat replacement by type

Type	Average cost
Smart	$235 - $580
Digital programmable	$230 - $350
Electronic non-programmable	$100 - $230
Manual	$70 - $155

Cost to Replace a Thermostat by Number of Units

While installing a single thermostat can cost $120 to $500, your expenditure will increase depending on the number of units installed. However, you can check in with your contractor whether discounts are available for installing multiple units simultaneously. Even though the cost to install a smart thermostat is higher upfront, it can manage zoning with one unit and additional wireless sensors. Manual and programmable thermostats require multiple units to do the same. 

The price of installing a thermostat by the number of units

Number of units installed	Average cost
1	$120 - $500
2	$240 - $1,000
3	$360 - $1,500
4	$480 - $2,000

Thermostat Installation Cost by Brand

Whether you will shell out $20 or $330 per thermostat unit alone depends on the brand you go for. Companies have different pricing policies due to service levels, warranties offered, or integrated features. When selecting the right thermostat, you should primarily focus on compatibility with your home’s HVAC system rather than brand recognition. Although choosing a thermostat of the same brand as an existing system might simplify integration, the thermostat’s features and specifications are paramount. Carefully examining the packaging to ascertain suitability is crucial for making an informed choice. So, how much does a thermostat cost by brand?

Google Nest

Google Nest thermostats, known for their smart technology and integration capabilities with home systems like Google Assistant, tend to be pricier than basic models - $170 to $300. Installation costs can add $100 to $200 due to the units’ complex functionalities and the need for precise setup to ensure optimal operation.

Ecobee

Ecobee thermostats are loaded with advanced features, so their price points are above average - $245 to $430 installed. They are compatible with most smart home systems. The installation cost can vary depending on the house’s existing wiring requirements and whether additional sensors for features like room-specific temperature control are installed. 

Honeywell

Honeywell offers a range of thermostats, from basic manual units running at $30 to advanced, programmable models with price points up to $200. While basic models require simple wiring connections, sophisticated Honeywell smart thermostats incur higher installation costs due to complex programming, integration with existing home automation systems, and necessary system upgrades or additional sensors. 

Hive

Hive thermostats are competitively priced within the smart thermostat market, so you can expect to pay $210 to $420 to install them. Prices can increase if your system requires new wiring or if you opt for a professional setup to integrate the thermostat fully with other smart home systems. Hive products offer the convenience of remote and scheduled control, potentially saving energy costs, which can justify the initial investment in professional installation.

The home thermostat replacement cost by brand

Model	Type	Average cost installed
Honeywell (CT50K1028)	Non-programmable manual thermostat	$130
Google Nest (BH1252)	Smart	$300
Ecobee 3 Lite	Smart	$280
Hive heating and cooling thermostat pack + hub	Smart	$250

**Honeywell home CT50K1028 low-temperature thermostat from $32.95 per unit, according to Honeywell Store

**Google Nest 3rd Gen BH1252 programmable thermostat from $179 per unit, according to Amazon

**Ecobee 3 Lite 2nd Gen smart thermostat from $149.99 per unit, according to Ecobee

**Hive heating and cooling smart thermostat pack + Hive hub from $149.99 according to Amazon

Labor Cost to Install a Thermostat – Additional Expenses

The going rate for HVAC services is between $55 to $150 per hour. Depending on the complexity of the installation and whether the thermostat is basic or smart, contractors can complete the project in a few hours. In some cases, additional services may be required to get things done. 

Are you willing to find out the ballpark cost of thermostat replacement in your location? Use the MyHomeQuote platform. 

Wiring

Incorporating new wiring that complies with modern regulations can cost $87 to $140. Your outlay can increase if the thermostat is far from existing access points. The estimate doesn’t cover extensive modifications or include costs associated with running wires to any new sensors.

Drywall Repair

Engaging a professional drywaller to mend any openings after wall modifications can cost $67 to $125 per hour. The exact fee will depend on the extent of the damage. Most patching work is completed within approximately one hour.

Unit Relocation

Relocating a thermostat can cost between $60 and $460. If a new location already has the necessary wiring, the process involves simply sealing the old site and installing the thermostat in the new spot. However, if you need to cut into the drywall at the new site and then repair the hole where the thermostat was mounted initially, these adjustments skyrocket the expenditure.

Customization

Relocating or adding thermostats can enhance the efficiency and control of your multi-zone HVAC system. The expense involved in installing additional thermostats is comparable to setting up a new single unit, with the added cost of extra labor. This additional cost arises because the new units must be integrated into the existing multi-zone framework, requiring extension and wiring connection to accommodate the expanded configuration.

Appliance Thermostat Replacement

Replacing a thermostat in a water heater can cost $110 to $320. While the thermostat components are typically inexpensive, replacing them is not generally a do-it-yourself job. These components are often positioned deep within the appliance in areas that require expert handling. Consequently, most of the expense will come from labor costs.

How to Select the Right Thermostat for Your HVAC System

Before making a financial commitment, you must ensure that a chosen thermostat aligns with the power specifications of the current HVAC setup, which typically operates on low-voltage, 24V systems. A single-stage thermostat operates at full power only, while its two-stage counterpart offers two power levels and helps maintain more consistent temperatures. 

Suppose you are interested in the most energy-efficient option that can utilize sensors to adjust heating or cooling based on precise temperature needs. In that case, you should pay heed to a thermostat with variable capacity.  You can also wave bye to heating disputes with your loved ones by going for a zoned system. Different zones will be regulated separately, allowing individual areas to heat or cool independently.

The Power of Smart Thermostats in Reducing Energy Use

Smart thermostats have proven to outperform all other thermostat types in energy conservation. However, your savings will depend on numerous factors, from your thermostat type to the age of your HVAC system, the quality of your home insulation, and the climate you live in. 

While programmable thermostats can reduce heating and cooling expenses by roughly 10% annually, smart thermostats can perform three times better. Features like meticulous scheduling, remote control access, geofencing, and motion sensors contribute to achieving such stunning energy efficiency.