Programmable Thermostat Cost

Typical costs:

• Prices start around $25-$80 for a basic programmable thermostat that lets you set a daily temperature schedule. More advanced models run $80-$250 or more, and include features such as separate weekday and weekend schedules (called 5/2 or 5/1/1 programming) or a different schedule for each day of the week (7 day programming); vacation override; easy-read displays; remote sensors for separate zones; remote programming; a keyboard lock to prevent unauthorized changes to the set schedule; and other options. Programmable thermostats designed for electric heat pumps are usually more expensive because of two-stage heating.
• Installation costs are extra. Many basic units can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer with simple wiring skills, although other folks may prefer to hire a pro. A heating/air conditioning contractor may charge $75-$150 (depending on local rates) to remove an existing thermostat and install a programmable one, bumping the total cost to $100-$400.

• Most programmable thermostats are digital, electromechanical, or some combination of those two. Electromechanical models are usually relatively simple to program, using pegs or sliding bars. Digital models may be difficult for some people to program, but offer the most features such as multiple setback settings, overrides and adjustments for daylight savings time. The US Department of Energy provides an overivew^[1] of thermostats and control systems.
• Location can affect a thermostat's efficiency and performance; it should be installed in a spot where it's easy to program but away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights and windows. Installation involves turning off the power, disconnected the old thermostat, and mounting and wiring the new programmable thermostat. CornerHardware.com gives detailed instructions^[2] , ThisOldHouse.com provides a how-to video^[3] and FrugalDad.com shares his installation experience ^[4] .

• Check with your local power company or utility department to see if they offer a rebate for installing a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat is intended to save heating and cooling costs by resetting temperatures according to a set schedule, and the US Environmental Protection Agency provides a calculator^[5] to estimate how much you'll save using a programmable thermostat instead of a regular dial model.
• Have a dial thermostat removed and a programmable one installed at the same time as a spring air conditioner or fall furnace tune-up to save a few bucks by avoiding having a technician make a separate trip, but be sure to say you want a new thermostat installed when you schedule up the tune-up.

• Programmable thermostats are available from most hardware and home improvement stores. Major manufacturers include American Standard, Honeywell^[6] , Hunter and Lux.
• EnergyStar.gov gives tips for choosing^[7] and installing^[8] a programmable thermostat, and lists stores^[9] that carry Energy Star-approved products.

1.  energy.gov/energysaver/articles/thermostats-and-control-systems
2.  www.cornerhardware.com/howto/ht018.html
3.  www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20053916,00.html
4.  frugaldad.com/how-to-install-programmable-thermostat/
5.  www.energystar.gov/ia/business/bulk_purchasing/bpsavings_calc/CalculatorProgrammableThe...
6.  www.honeywell-thermostat.com/
7.  www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=thermostats.pr_thermostats_features
8.  www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=thermostats.pr_thermostats_installation
9.  www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=store.store_locator

Check Out All Costs for Home and Garden		How Much Does a Propane Tank Cost?		How Much Does a Plumber Cost?		How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons? A BBQ grill could be handy with Memorial Day coming up. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots? Mother's Day is coming up. We cover the cost of massages and other spa treatments. April is craft month. We have the cost of scrapbooking and other crafts.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Portneuf medical hospital ER Paid: 210.00 they told us that the bill for the ER visit was only $210. later on we receive a bill for $1000. i got around 4-6 blood tests. all im mad about is that they lied to us... [more] -Gino Smile Blood Tests Cost Renovation ducting...never had central AC Paid: 1250.00 Renovating a guest house that never had central AC, therefore had no ducting...owner removed the ceiling as it had to be replaced anyway... [more] -CPace Ductwork Cost Flu symptoms Paid: 5932.68 Couldn’t stand headache pain when I caught the flu in March 2019. Threw up pain relievers, couldn’t eat or drink. After 5 hours of pain decided to hit ER... [more] -GayLynn Emergency Room Visit Cost Financing Paid: 20000.00 How do people afford wells? No one finances?... [more] -Kourtney Well Drilling Cost 1 yr 23lb Male Neuter Paid: 424.08 The price would have been $282.08, but I opted for the blood work and to have it done via laser versus scalpel. I was still surprised by the cost, but I didn't really have anything to compare it to... [more] -Joelle Dog Spay or Neuter Cost Is this cost of tax preparation correct Paid: 1845.00 Each year our tax preparation cost goes up faster than inflation. we started at $800.00 in 2012 and now our bill for preparing taxes this year is $1,845.00... [more] -smallbizchris Business Tax Preparation Cost