Thermostat Replacement Cost

How Much Does Thermostat Replacement Cost?

Thermostat Replacement CostThermostat Replacement Cost – Thermostats are useful home devices that sense the surrounding temperature and control it by turning appliances on or off. They are necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home and preventing the space from becoming too hot or too cold. 

Since thermostats are complex machines, it is not uncommon to see a number of thermostat-related problems. Depending on the degree of problem, your thermostat may require repair or replacement.

There a several different types of thermostats are available today and it may become quite overwhelming for anyone looking to buy a new thermostat to replace their older one. The simplest form of thermostat consists of metal and adjusts temperature with the turn of a glass wheel. However, this type of thermostat is not commonly seen today and is replaced with highly advanced programmable forms with touch screens and wireless capabilities.

This article is aimed at providing our reader with basic understanding of different types of thermostats and their costs.

Common Thermostat Problems

There are a number of problems that can occur with a thermostat, causing it to stop functioning properly. Most of these problems are a result of a poor-quality thermostat or poor installation. Some of the common thermostat problems include:

  • Faulty Wiring – This can only be resolved by hiring an electrician and rewiring the thermostat.
  • Faulty Placement – Placement of the thermostat also affects its temperature-sensing ability. For example, if the thermostat is located in the basement of the home, it will provide a temperature reading inaccurate for the rest of the home. This problem can be resolved by relocating the thermostat, which will require rewiring and reinstallation.
  • Tripped Circuit – A thermostat may malfunction due to a blown fuse or a tipped circuit. Problem resolution is possible by replacing the blown fuse or by resetting the circuit breaker.

Types of Thermostats

As discussed, there are several major options available for anyone looking to replace their thermostat. Let’s have a look at some of the most commonly used thermostats and their features.

  • Programmable Thermostats – As the name implies, this type can be programmed to adjust the temperature to the preset limit. In addition to this, the user can set different temperature limits for daytime and nighttime.
  • Internet Thermostats – These are quite similar to programmable thermostats, except for the fact that they can accessed from anywhere using an internet connection.
  • Non-Programmable Thermostats – These are also known as mechanical thermostats. They are quite cheap to buy and install, but do not provide the flexibility to preset the temperature.

Thermostat Replacement Cost

Thermostat replacement cannot be done as a DIY project and requires hiring a professional electrician. The total cost of a thermostat-replacement project comprises of the primary cost of the thermostat, labor cost, cost of materials and supplies, and thermostat debris disposal costs.

Cost of the Thermostat

The cost of a thermostat itself depends on its type, heating system, and other value-added features. Programmable thermostats are usually more expensive than non-programmable thermostats. Also, the presence of value-added features such as touch screen, wireless capability, backlight, etc. can also elevate the cost of a thermostat.

The following table gives an estimate of the prices of different types of thermostats.

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Labor Cost

It usually takes three to four hours to replace a thermostat, depending on the complexity of the project and the expertise of the electrician. An electrician may cost you somewhere around $150 to $250 for a 3-hour thermostat replacement cost. The labor cost includes fee for planning, job equipment and material acquisition, area preparation, setup, and cleanup.

Cost of Materials and Supplies

Thermostat installation requires different supplies such as connectors, fittings, and mounting hardware. They are quite cheap to purchase and cost around $30 for the replacement of a single thermostat.

ItemQuantityAverage Cost
ThermostatOne$80 to $150
Labor cost3 hours$150 to $250
Materials and SuppliesFor one thermostat$25 to $30
Debris disposal cost$20 to $25
Total Project Cost$175 to $455

This is a general guide about the cost of replacing a thermostat. The exact cost depends on various factors, which should be carefully considered by a buyer.