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

The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning? Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons? The Fourth of July is coming up, and we've got the cost of a BBQ grill covered. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

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

Complete Spine MRI Paid: 3990.00 The total charged was $15554. Insane in the tube for an hour and 15 minutes. and charged for 4 separate MRIs... [more] -Stacey C Spinal MRI Cost Microdermal and lip piercing Paid: 110.00 Leslie is my piercer,she's a rockstar. She's very gentle... [more] -Dee Garland Body Piercings Cost StoneScape pebble resurfacing Paid: 12500.00 I drain my pool to rebalance new water and left it empty for a couple weeks. Plaster began to crack and pop off. Costly mistake for well performing 15-year-old plaster. Side job cost negotiated from $15,000 including coping repairs... [more] -Big mistake Pool Resurfacing Cost Golden Shepherd cross breed Paid: 356.42 My 1 year old puppy was spayed yesterday. It was $356.42 for surgery and meds. The cone was an extra $12.76. She also had her umbilical hernia repaired for an additional $183.23. Grand total $553.18... [more] -Dog mom Dog Spay or Neuter Cost Typhoid Oral Vaccine Paid: 100.00 NOT COVERED... [more] - Typhoid Vaccine Cost AC repair Paid: 847.56 AC was blowing only cool air not cold. Took driving 15 miles before cabin of truck cooled down. Mechanic thought it just needed freon but that was not the case. It needed the whole new system... [more] -Frustrated mom Car Air Conditioning Cost