Whether you are dealing with a car engine or a home heating system, a bad thermostat usually shows itself through abnormal temperature control, unusual physical wear, or system errors.
How can you tell if a thermostat is bad?
Disconnect the old thermostat and unscrew the mounting plate. Check the new thermostat instructions for compatibility and wiring guidance. Connect the labeled wires to the new thermostat. Attach the new mounting plate to the wall.
Average Lifespan of a Thermostat
With a straightforward design and basic scheduling features, they are reliable workhorses that can last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Routine programming updates and occasional recalibrations go a long way toward keeping them accurate and extending their usefulness.
Many homeowners are curious whether they need an electrician to replace a thermostat or if they can install a home thermostat on their own. While some try the DIY route, professional thermostat installation is usually the smarter, safer choice—especially with the range of high-tech models available today.
Your Thermostat Gives Faulty Readings
If you suspect that your HVAC system is giving faulty temperature readings, then you can use an indoor thermometer to determine the current temperature. If it doesn't match what your thermostat says, then it may be time to replace your thermostat.
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.
To check for compatibility, you only need to know the type of heating system. The specific brand or model doesn't matter. If you don't know what type of system you have, check your manufacturer's website or contact them.
Yes, in many cases. If your home has low-voltage wiring and a traditional system, replacing a thermostat is very manageable with basic tools. However, smart thermostats often need a C wire for constant power, and not all homes have this built in.
Although comfort is personal and can vary, a generally comfortable temperature for a house is often set between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is considered ideal for most people to feel comfortable indoors.
If the tenants are responsible for the utility bills then they should have control of the thermostat in the dwelling. If they run up a big bill, that's their responsibility. However, if the tenancy includes bills, then the landlord can control the thermostat, but only to a reasonable degree.
Wintertime Wisdom: Lowering the thermostat can save energy. Aim for around 68°F to 70°F when you're awake and lower it while you're asleep or away. Remember, the longer your home stays at a lower temperature, the more energy you'll save.
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.
You can run a system test on your smart thermostat by navigating to the settings, selecting the “Test” function and following the instructions. For a mechanical thermostat, one person should stand by the thermostat and another by the heater. Turn on the heat on the thermostat and increase the temperature.
Common issues with Honeywell thermostats include unresponsive screens, inaccurate temperature readings, and connectivity problems in smart models. To troubleshoot these, start by resetting your thermostat to clear any temporary glitches.
In general, industry experts say you can set your thermostat between 50 and 65 degrees when you're away in winter. But don't go lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or you run the risk of pipes freezing in extreme cold.
Average Cost of Thermostat Replacement
Thermostat Replacement starts at $99.
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.
HVAC repair pros are a good option if you're looking for someone to replace a thermostat. In fact, you may find that many thermostat installers work with an HVAC company. Plus, by hiring an HVAC expert to replace your thermostat, you can also book an HVAC inspection at the same time.
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.
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
Extreme heat is the number one weather-related killer
Extreme heat and humidity is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year.