Smart thermostat installation can have many benefits, but cost is often a top consideration for homeowners. Wi-Fi thermostats have many features and can even learn your preferences without being manually programmed. As of mid-2023, the average cost to install a smart thermostat was about $350, with a typical range of $200 to $500. However, the complexity and features of smart thermostats vary considerably, with some costing $800 or more.¹
By comparison, a standard thermostat ranges from $113 to $264 to install. The average price is $182. A manual thermostat can cost just $15 to $35 for equipment.² But you get basic features compared to a unit with a digital display, programmability, or, at the top of the line, a smart Wi-Fi thermostat.
Why Is Smart Thermostat Installation So Expensive?
There’s much more to a smart thermostat than a manual or even a programmable model. The installation requirements are also different. Here are some factors that affect how much you pay for an upgrade:
Cost of Materials
A top-of-the-line smart thermostat can cost $800+, while the simplest model can be purchased for as little as $70. Installation may require updates that add to the cost of the project. For example, if a common wire (C-wire) wasn’t installed in your home, you’ll need an electrician, which can add $50 to $100 per hour.¹
Cost of Labor
Most municipalities require an electrician to install a thermostat, so their hourly rate will factor into the cost of smart thermostat installation. The work may also require the help of an HVAC technician, who may charge from $50 to $150 per hour.¹ Installing a smart thermostat yourself will save on labor costs, but you’ll need to purchase tools and safety gloves. Plus, the penalties can be costly if your city or town requires a permit or a licensed technician.
Smart Thermostat Brand
There are numerous brands of smart thermostats, each with a range of models. Some units can be purchased at an electronics or hardware store; others must be obtained through a contractor or security system provider. Local utility companies sometimes sell smart thermostats at discounted prices or with rebates.
Some of the most popular brands, and the costs of the unit plus installation, include:
- ADT: $250 to $400
- Honeywell: $215 to $400
- Google Nest: $225 to $450
- Amazon: $160 to $270
- Carrier: $215 to $800
- Daikin: $400 to $1,000
- Black & Decker: $175 to $285
- GE: $200 to $225
- Bosch: $210 to $360¹
Other Cost Factors
A smart thermostat’s Wi-Fi connection can allow you to control it via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other popular voice assistants. However, some models have a built-in voice assistant so you can use it to control other smart devices. This kind of smart thermostat will cost an additional $50 to $100 compared to one that doesn’t have voice control.¹
Smart sensors, which cost around $40 to $100 each, can be installed on doors, windows, and other parts of rooms. They can detect when a door or window is opened, or someone walks into a room. If a window is open or someone leaves the room, the sensor can prompt the HVAC unit to turn off. Meanwhile, if a smart thermostat has a speaker that allows you to stream music or audio, it will cost an extra $35 to $75.¹
Various factors can also increase the complexity of smart thermostat installation, increasing costs. These include:
- Multiple Thermostats/Zoning: When installing multiple units at once, a contractor may offer a discount, but the more thermostats you install, the more the project will cost. Installing a multi-zone HVAC system can cost $2,000 to $12,500.²
- New Wiring: Adding wiring to support a smart thermostat can cost $90 to $135.² The unit must be connected to an electrical source and your HVAC system. Newly manufactured thermostats require a C-wire; other wires may need to be installed/replaced depending on the design and condition of your electrical system.
- Moving a Thermostat: If the required wiring exists at the desired location, moving a thermostat may cost as little as $65. However, moving the unit can entail installing new wiring and cutting and patching drywall, so the project can cost up to $450. Drywall work alone can cost $75 to $150 while running wiring can cost $6 to $10 per linear foot.²
Contact Monarch Home Services
Smart thermostat installation costs more than installing other types of thermostats. However, it can result in lower energy costs, especially with the AC not on when you don’t need it. Some models can even adjust the temperature based on the price of electricity throughout the day (via signals from the utility company), so you save even more in the long run. If you’re looking to have a Wi-Fi thermostat installed, our EPA- and NATE-certified technicians are ready to help. To learn more or request a free estimate, call (661) 215-6657.
Source: