Being a homeowner is a lofty endeavor that comes with a handful of responsibilities. We get it. As one of the numerous homeowners globally, you find yourself perpetually on top of the situation, weighing savings options and potential improvements. For example, something as simple as the type of home thermostat you employ could heavily influence your energy consumption and charges.
Whether you live in a house with drywall or a brick wall, when a home improvement or maintenance project like replacing a thermostat unit – brands ranging from Honeywell to others – crops out from the wall, your primary instinct is likely to run the numbers. With knowledge resources such as HomeAdvisor and Angi, which provide estimates, considering factors like your thermostat type, energy bills, wi-fi options, and extra features such as zoning systems and sensors should be an easier task in your decision-making process, be it at work or home.
When you face a decision like replacing your thermostat, it’s essential to keep in mind a range of factors involved to understand the costs, benefits, and the potential upgrade to newer technology. Also, top-tier models, Honeywell, for instance, allow you to control different zones of your house and access your HVAC systems via your wi-fi, á la a smart setup, among other smart accessories, enhancing the accuracy of temperature control.
If you notice issues with your central air system, it might be time to consider replacing your non-programmable thermostat. For instance, in cases where a manual thermostat is experiencing issues, it might be fixable by an HVAC technician, who should be someone knowledgeable in all aspects of these devices. Contractors who visit your site can ascertain the problems. However, most times, a malfunctioning thermostat will require replacement to ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently. Always remember, technology has come a long way, and upgrading to a smart wi-fi thermostat could offer more control and savings on your energy consumption.
In this modern era, there are several signs to watch for that indicate a thermostat issue within your house. For instance, discrepancies between the temperature setting and the air temperature can be due to faulty sensors. If you have questions about why your thermostat isn’t responding or if your air conditioner kicks off erratically due to uneven current from a loose c-wire, these could be indicators of a failing device.
The device cost of replacing a thermostat can vary depending on certain factors. Analog thermostats, which are generally older and use mercury, are less expensive to replace but offer fewer precision and control features. The parts for these might cost between $10-$30, with additional labor costs from your entrusted HVAC technicians. On the other hand, digital wi-fi thermostats provide more accurate temperature control and are easier to read, adjust, and monitor via an app for wifi-enabled smart home technology. They typically cost around $100 for the unit alone, plus the cost of professional installation.
While DIY might seem like a cost-saving option, thermostat replacement can be complex work, especially when dealing with electrical components and programming – or even delicate tasks like threading the thermostat wire or dealing with a c-wire through drywall. It’s crucial to have a professional who understands the correct placement of heating systems perform this task to avoid any complications.
One wrong move could lead to a malfunction in the entire system or even negatively affect your energy consumption by disrupting the thermostat settings. Professional installation ensures the job is done correctly and safely, particularly when handling potentially hazardous materials like the circuit breaker or mercury in analog thermostats. Professionals can also diagnose other potential issues like wiring problems, blown fuses, or other electrical issues that might not be apparent at first glance. If there’s a hole in a case or faulty dryer outlets, especially present in older cities, it could cause damage. Therefore, choosing professional HVAC services becomes even more vital to ensure everything is in its proper place, just like nest items in a kitchen.
Investing in updating your thermostat can also have additional benefits. For example, the increased energy efficiency of smart thermostats, brands like Honeywell, which offer thermostat prices that factor in options like buttons for Wi-Fi connectivity and programming settings, can lower your energy bills over time. A completely functional thermostat ensures your house is comfortable and that your HVAC system runs efficiently.
If you’re experiencing problems with your central air system, it may be time to look at your thermostat. The jobs required vary depending on the model of thermostat you currently have in your house. It’s integral to involve a professional electrician with extensive knowledge in thermostat installation to avoid unnecessary costs and avoid wasting time. Although some issues may be resolved with a mere program adjustment, often, a faulty thermostat needs to be replaced to restore a functioning HVAC system. The professional will provide you with a clear schedule of quotes based on your specific issues to help you make an informed decision.
Related: How to Test Your HVAC Thermostat: A Step-By-Step Model
When It’s Time to Replace My Thermostat…
People may start experiencing problems with their thermostat inside their home, perhaps noticing irregular heat distribution, and it’s easy to attribute these issues to the thermostat. At this point, you might be considering a thermostat replacement. But deciding on the proper replacement can indeed seem daunting without the right knowledge. Look out for signs that indicate it might be time for a thermostat replacement.
Also, make sure you have an idea of the thermostat replacement cost, which is an essential part of the pricing. Things like the size, model, and type of your thermostat such as a dial-based or digital, boiler, or smart thermostats can contribute to the cost. The thermostat is a crucial aspect in maintaining a comfortable living environment, so investing in the right model could be beneficial.
Depending upon the type and model of the thermostat you currently have in your home, the cost of replacing it can vary. If you have an older analog dial thermostat, the labor and overall cost is generally lower for repairs, but you may want to consider the addition of a digital thermostat. This upgrade can offer a wide range of benefits, including better regulation of temperatures, which can help reduce energy costs, not to mention the convenience of adjusting your home’s temperature from anywhere. Different companies offer various thermostat prices and models, so explore all the pros and cons before choosing.
Signs My Thermostat Needs to Be Replaced
Analog thermostats, usually having glass vials filled with the mercury that can form small holes over time, typically require more careful handling. They are not just challenging to precisely control your desired temperatures, but they are also more challenging to set up on walls. Meanwhile, replacing analog thermostats usually ranges from $10-$30 for the parts and additional for labor costs, excluding thermostat replacement costs for potential mercury removal.
- A lack of hot or cold air coming from your air vents when your thermostat is turned on can be a sign that your thermostat is failing to turn on your HVAC system. When your AC is blowing hot or cold air that doesn’t match the temperature setting, it could be an indicator of a thermostat problem.
- If you notice that the thermostat display light isn’t lit, this could be a sign that your thermostat is failing.
- If your central air keeps starting or stopping repeatedly, this can also be a sign that your thermostat is failing.
- When you set a specific temperature, if you notice that the air is overly hot or cold, it may be an issue with your thermostat.
- If your central air won’t start at all or is constantly running, this can also indicate thermostat problems.
- If you are experiencing any of the issues above, your thermostat may need replacing. A professional will be able to accurately diagnose your problem for you and get your thermostat in working conditions.
- In contrast, digital thermostats such as the ecobee model are easy to control, precise and offer a clear program schedule, thereby helping households save on costs related to excessive heat usage or cooling. The backlit display of your thermostat makes it much simpler to read and control the exact temperature. These modern appliances come in different types and are typically priced at around $100 to repair on average, depending on the model, its location on your property, and the labor cost. From the furnace to the roof area, professional electricians factor in various considerations when it comes to repair which this article aims to highlight for you, based on years of experience in the business.
Replacement Thermostat Costs
Related: Save Money and the Environment: Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat and Water Heaters
Although you may be tempted to fix the thermostat yourself, it isn’t a simple task because the programming can become quite complex. When it comes to fixing a thermostat, you’re essentially dealing with the electrical components of your HVAC system, including water heaters, boilers, and the material make of the panel on some models. The cost of the energy bill and the measured foot amount of wiring in different areas of your property are factors. This is where professional electricians come into the business. Contact your local home depot for hiring certified installers.
You may also not actually know what’s wrong with your thermostat. There are a couple of different reasons why your thermostat may not be functioning effectively, including build-up, loose or corroded wires, blown fuses, tripped breakers, and size misalignment with your HVAC system. Moreover, larger issues could be at play such as the need for a new boiler or water heaters. It takes a professional electrician with experience to diagnose and fix these issues.
If you’re considering upgrading your thermostat from analog to digital, it’s crucial to rely on a professional service. This is due to the fact that your analog thermostat may contain mercury, and must be handled with care for safety reasons.
Maintaining the health of your home’s central air unit, including furnace, is important to ensure comfort in your home. This truth resonates whether you are opting for a simpler dial-based system or installing a state-of-art ecobee model that you can control from anywhere. If you’re experiencing problems with your HVAC system or thermostat, don’t let the price deter you, contact a professional at The Cooling Company to have the issue resolved properly. We’re here to help, you can reach out to us at (702) 567-0707 for more information about our services located in different areas.
Benefits of Professional Installation
Tenant homeowners and business owners alike, please reach out to your landlord for approval before undertaking any A/C repairs or services. Having these changes take into account the total cost of ownership of the appliances and their potential impact on your energy bill is also a valuable consideration.