You likely need a new thermostat if your HVAC system won't turn on, frequently short-cycles, or struggles to maintain consistent temperatures. You should also consider an upgrade if your device is over 10 years old or if you have noticed an unexplained spike in your energy bills.
The first signs of a bad thermostat depend on whether you are referring to your home HVAC system or your car’s engine.
Replacement of thermostat unit
Upgrading to a new thermostat (unit + installation) typically runs $140 to $350, depending on model and complexity. There is also a broader range—$80 to $440—with variations based on location and type of thermostat.
Yes, 72°F is a very comfortable temperature for your daytime heat setting. However, it is slightly higher than the recommended energy-saving guidelines, which could increase your heating bill.
Yes, you can absolutely replace an old thermostat with a new one as a DIY project. However, success depends heavily on your existing wiring. Most standard 24-volt systems (like forced-air gas furnaces and central AC) are highly compatible with modern thermostats, but complex systems require careful planning.
Most home thermostats last between 10 to 15 years. However, this lifespan varies significantly by the type of unit you have.
You usually do not need an electrician. If you are replacing a standard low-voltage thermostat with a similar model and are comfortable with basic DIY, you can typically do it yourself in under an hour. However, there are a few exceptions where calling a pro is required.
While everyone has a different tolerance to cold, ideal winter heat settings should generally be at or above 63 °F (17 °C). Excessive cold (anything below 62 °F or 16 °C) in your home can actually raise your blood pressure as your blood “thickens” in the chilly temperatures.
The "30-minute heating rule" is a highly efficient, money-saving thermostat strategy that involves turning your heating system on 30 minutes before you need a space warmed up, and turning it off 30 minutes before you no longer need it.
Maintain your thermostat at a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to protect your pipes. While water freezes at 32∘F (0∘C), keeping the ambient air at 55∘F ensures the temperature within your walls and near exterior-facing pipes stays safely above freezing.
Thermostat Replacement starts at $99. To ensure the best service possible, we provide a complimentary 10-point system inspection. This includes: Installation and calibration of your new thermostat.
The "best" thermostat brand depends on your smart home ecosystem and heating setup, but Google Nest and Ecobee are the top-rated overall choices. They offer seamless remote control, energy savings, and excellent app performance.
Not all thermostats work with all HVAC systems. There are different types of heating and cooling setups, so knowing what system you have is the first step to finding the right thermostat.
One of the most common thermostat-related problems that homeowners run into involves incorrect temperature readings. A thermostat that displays incorrect temperature readings can cause significant heating issues. There are several potential causes of an incorrect temperature reading, starting with improper placement.
A plumber isn't usually needed for thermostat replacement unless your thermostat directly controls a water-based heating system, such as underfloor heating or a boiler with complex plumbing connections. Even then, an electrician is typically the right professional to handle the wiring.
Testing a thermostat without removing it depends on whether you are referring to a vehicle's engine coolant thermostat or a home HVAC thermostat. The specific steps for each application require distinct testing procedures.
Heating and cooling (HVAC) systems are the biggest energy consumers in a typical home, accounting for about 40–50% of your total electricity bill. Water heating, refrigerators, and lighting follow closely behind.
For most customers, we recommend turning on your furnace when the weather is consistently below 18° Celsius, which usually happens to be around the end of September, or early October. Some homeowners try to put off turning on their furnace as long as they can to save money, which is okay if you're healthy adults.
Heating and energy expert Stephen Hankinson said that one "big energy cost saver" is to make sure you have your heating off when you're not at home. For instance, if you typically arrive home from work at around 6pm on weekdays, you could set your heating to activate just as you walk through the door.
No, it is generally not cheaper to leave your heating on low all day. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, maintaining a constant temperature results in continuous heat loss, causing your system to consume more overall energy.
Cold homes are not good for your health. Problems and diseases linked to cold homes range from high blood pressure and common colds, to heart attacks and pneumonia. Besides poor health, cold-related illnesses cause absence from work, social isolation, and sleep deprivation.
A house is generally considered unlivable if the indoor temperature drops below 𝟑𝟐∘𝐅 (𝟎∘𝐂)—where pipes freeze and burst—or exceeds 𝟗𝟎∘𝐅 to 𝟏𝟎𝟒∘𝐅 (𝟑𝟐∘𝐂 to 𝟒𝟎∘𝐂) with high humidity, which can cause fatal heatstroke.
Electricians are your best bet for thermostat replacement, and they charge between $65 and $100 per hour for their labor. In most cases, replacing a thermostat will take 1 to 2 hours, which puts your total labor costs between $65 and $200.
Symptoms of a faulty thermostat depend on whether it is in your home's HVAC system or your vehicle's engine, but generally include unresponsive controls, blank screens, erratic temperature swings, short-cycling (turning on and off rapidly), or systems that refuse to turn on or shut off entirely.
Yes, you can absolutely change your thermostat! Replacing an old unit with a new programmable or smart model is a highly achievable, beginner-friendly DIY project that can usually be done in under an hour.