Average Cost to Install a Thermostat
Learn about the factors that go into thermostat installation costs and why spending a little bit more now can save you money on energy bills in the long run.
By Anne Fonda
For such a small piece of equipment, your HVAC system thermostat plays an outsized role in your home comfort. The thermostat sends signals to your heating and cooling system to raise or lower the temperature you have set.
But today’s thermostats can do a whole lot more.
Factors influencing thermostat replacement cost
Three main factors will influence your thermostat installation cost. The type of thermostat, labor involved, and where you live. Let’s take a look.
Type of thermostat
The biggest factor in the cost to install a thermostat is the type of thermostat. The cost of thermostat replacement will rise with the features and capabilities of the thermostat. The three types of replacement thermostats today are:
- Non-programmable thermostats
- Traditional programmable thermostats
- Smart thermostats
You may be able to find certain types of thermostat units for less than shown in the table. It all depends on the brand, where you purchase the thermostat, and the thermostat features. Smart thermostats, for example, have a wide price range because of the number of features some premium models have.
Thermostat
Basic Features
Digital Display
Manually Turn On and Off and from Heating to Cooling
Suitable for Single-State Heating and Cooling Equipment
Digital Display
Automatically Switches from Heating to Cooling
Programmable Schedules for Different Times of Day
Suitable for 2-Stage Heating and Cooling Stage Equipment
Digital Display
Black and White or Color Touchscreen
Automatically Switches from Heating to
Cooling
Programmable Schedules for Different Times of Day, 7 Days a Week
App to Control Remotely
May Learn Your Temperature Preferences and Adjust Automatically
May Have Geofencing
May Be Suitable for Variable-Speed Equipment
May Be Suitable for Use in Zoning Systems
May Be Compatible with Smart Home Ecosystems
And More
Labor
Labor costs can affect the cost of installing a thermostat. The cost of thermostat replacement may be higher if the wiring needs to be changed, for instance. Labor costs will also be higher if you are relocating the thermostat. The cost to change a thermostat will be lowest if you’re simply switching out thermostats that don’t require any new wiring or labor.
A professional electrician may charge by the hour or by the job. Hourly rates can be between $75 and $150. An HVAC company might charge more or less for labor costs depending on the season, the complexity of the installation, and whether you’re an existing customer.
Cost of living where you live
Another factor that affects how much it costs to install a thermostat is where you live. Your zip code can be a factor. If you live in a large urban area with a high cost of living such as Austin or Dallas-Fort Worth, your costs may be higher than if you live in Murphy, North Carolina, for instance.
Energy efficiency and savings
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), a new programmable thermostat can help you save up to 10% on your heating and cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat. This is if you set a cooler temperature while you’re away in the winter and a warmer temperature in the summer. When you program a schedule, you don’t have to think about it again.
With a smart thermostat, you may be able to save even more money, as some of these systems can learn your habits and automatically adjust the temperature. In addition, in zoning systems, remote room sensors can cause the thermostat to adjust for empty rooms.
Programming a schedule that uses less energy can save you money on your utility bills. Depending on how energy-efficient you are, a new thermostat could pay for itself in a short amount of time.
Choosing the right thermostat
Choosing the right replacement thermostat for your home will depend on your preferences and your HVAC system. The best smart thermostat or programmable thermostat will be one where you can and will use all of the features.
Important factors to consider include:
- Compatibility with your HVAC system (single-stage, two-stage, variable speed)
- Programming features you want
- If you want remote access to your thermostat
- If you have a smart home ecosystem
- And more
Don’t buy a new thermostat until you know that it is compatible with your system. For example, not all smart thermostats are compatible with a variable speed system. Read our recent blog on How to Choose the Right Thermostat for Your Home for some tips.
DIY vs. professional installation
A common question when it comes to thermostat installation is “Can I install a thermostat myself?” The answer is, it depends.
When DIY makes sense
If you’re replacing a thermostat with a similar model in the same place as the existing one and you don’t have to change any wiring, it might be an affordable option to go the DIY route. However, be aware of the risks, including:
- Electric shock
- Tripping a circuit breaker
- Damaging the thermostat
- Damaging the AC or furnace
However, if you’ve installed a light fixture, you can probably install a thermostat. Just follow the directions carefully.
When it’s best to hire a professional
If you’re not comfortable with wiring, you need updated wiring, or you’re relocating the thermostat, hire a professional. This could be an electrician for some smart thermostats. But if you’re considering a smart thermostat from Trane, you need to have a Trane dealer do the installation.
This ensures the job is done right, and that your warranty coverage is valid. If you get a smart thermostat, consider signing up for Trane Diagnostics via the Trane Home App. This allows a Trane dealer to monitor your HVAC system's health.
They’ll get alerts for system maintenance as well as system malfunctions. If you give them one-time remote access, they may be able to fix the problem remotely, saving both you and the HVAC company the time and money involved with an on-site service call.
Learn about Trane’s Best Thermostats and which one might be right for your home.
Get a quote for thermostat installation
Contact your local Trane dealer for specific Trane thermostat pricing and installation costs in your area. They can advise you on the Trane thermostat best suited to your system and your needs to help you make a smart decision.
Anne Fonda
Content Writer, Trane Technologies
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Michael Morey, Smart Thermostat Product Manager
Related Articles
