A malfunctioning thermostat will prevent your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system from maintaining comfortable temperatures, resulting in uneven heating/cooling, unresponsive systems, and spikes in your utility bills.
A failing thermostat usually shows clear signs: the HVAC or engine behaves erratically, the screen is blank, or the temperature in your home/car does not match the settings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To check if a new thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system, turn off the power to your system at the breaker, remove your current thermostat faceplate, and take a picture of the wiring. The letters beside the connected wires dictate your system's compatibility.
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.
How can you tell if a thermostat is bad?
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.
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 Ecobee, Google Nest, and Honeywell Home are the top choices. They offer features like geofencing, remote app control, and energy savings to help lower utility bills.
Unless your ac unit was 30 years old it should take less than 30 minutes. I'm a homeowner and a DIY'er and it took me about 30 minutes.
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 bad or broken thermostat may make your heating system work overtime. Imagine your heater running non-stop, even when your house feels like a sauna. This happens when the thermostat fails to detect the correct temperature, resulting in the heating system staying on longer than needed.
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.
No, not all thermostats will work with all furnaces. Compatibility depends primarily on your system's voltage, wiring configuration, and the number of heating and cooling "stages" your system utilizes.
Factors to consider when comparing different models include design, compatibility with your heating and cooling systems and C-wire (common wire) requirements. A C-wire is the wire that connects to your HVAC system to provide a smart thermostat with continuous power. C-wires are required on most smart thermostats.
Yes, you can absolutely replace a Honeywell thermostat yourself. It is a manageable DIY project that usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. The entire process hinges on turning off the power, carefully labeling the existing wires, and matching them to your new thermostat.
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.
Yes, you should always turn off the power to your HVAC system before changing a thermostat. This prevents accidental short circuits that could blow a fuse on your furnace's control board.
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.
Heating will produce a low RH whereas the cooling is almost fully saturated air, the extra humidity during cooling will make it feel colder than the 72 setpoint due to wet bulb temperature....... The dry 72 degrees setpoint during heating season will feel closer to actual temperature due to lower humidity.