The answer: it depends. While many car warranty providers and vehicle manufacturers include the car thermostats in the limited powertrain warranty, others exclude this coverage, leaving drivers to pay out of pocket for this important vehicle component.
Home thermostats are covered in most home warranty plans. However, if you want your warranty to cover any repairs or replacements that you may need, you'll need to keep your thermostat in good condition.
Car thermostats eventually fail because of normal tear and wear. However, they still function effectively for up to 10 years before needing a replacement. Since a problem with a car's thermostat can lead to expensive engine repairs, it is important to prolong the life of the thermostat.
In general, the powertrain warranty covers the: Engine (cylinder block, cylinder heads, fuel pump, engine mounts, injection pump, manifold, oil pump, seals & gaskets, thermostat, timing chain, etc.)
The average cost for car thermostat replacement is $661 to $747. Enter your vehicle's information to see how much thermostat replacement costs in your local area.
If you drive with a bad thermostat, your car could overheat, causing severe and expensive engine damage. And while it's technically possible to drive without a thermostat, we don't recommend it. Your car will not reach an acceptable operating temperature, resulting in higher fuel consumption and excessive engine wear.
Installation typically takes about 1 hour.
As we mentioned, the particulars of what is and isn't included differs with every manufacturer, but a common theme is that all electronics, engine control module sensors, belts, hoses, emissions, and cooling systems are not covered.
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.
The Powertrain Warranty covers components such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It begins at the Warranty Start Date and lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
You may never need to worry about replacing your car's thermostat because they last 10 years on average. This being said, if you plan to keep your car for a long time, or if you drive an older automobile, there will come a time when you need to replace the thermostat.
Exclusions: Excluded from the powertrain coverage are sensors, wiring, connectors, engine radiator, coolant hoses, coolant, and heater core. Coverage on the engine cooling system begins at the inlet to the water pump and ends with the thermostat housing and/or outlet that attaches to the return hose.
For example, implied warranties do not cover problems such as those caused by abuse, misuse, ordinary wear, failure to follow directions, or improper maintenance.
HVAC systems are usually considered part of your home's structure and are generally covered as part of a standard insurance policy; however, coverage can vary based on the specifics of your policy and the circumstances surrounding any damage.
The answer: it depends. While many car warranty providers and vehicle manufacturers include the car thermostats in the limited powertrain warranty, others exclude this coverage, leaving drivers to pay out of pocket for this important vehicle component.
However, in most cases, you'll need the help of a qualified electrician or gas engineer to install your smart thermostat safely.
Replacing a Thermostat. You'll pay between $15 and $300 for the unit in addition to labor ($65 to $100 per hour) to replace an old thermostat with a new one. However, installing a brand-new thermostat is more involved and, therefore, more expensive.
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.
An HVAC Warranty Doesn't Cover Weather-Related Damage
If your air conditioner was flooded in a storm, got pelted by hail, zapped by lightning or a power surge, or smashed by a falling tree or other debris, the warranty will not apply.
The labor warranty covers service call charges and labor with your HVAC company. (More on that in the next section.) But there's also the manufacturer's part warranty. This is what covers the cost of broken parts in a given period of time.
If your HVAC system is newer than five years old, it's likely that you still have an active warranty on it. The easiest way to confirm this is by inputting the unit's model and serial number on the manufacturer's website. Each HVAC system comes equipped with a data plaque housing the essential model and serial numbers.
The Lifespan of a Thermostat
On average, most thermostats last about 10 years, depending on the model, usage, and proper maintenance. However, many people decide to replace their unit sooner to take advantage of new energy-saving technologies.
Your thermostat instruction manual can tell you exactly how to change a thermostat. Installing the thermostat yourself is an easy task that will typically take about an hour from start to finish.