September 22, 2023

The Costs of Installing a Wi-Fi Thermostat

With energy rates on the rise around the country, many households are making the smart choice of upgrading to a Wi-Fi thermostat. These smart devices are programmable, energy-efficient, and much more convenient than previous models. They allow you to better track your energy consumption whether you’re at home, working, or across the world. Learn more about the potential costs of a smart thermostat installation today to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your family.

Installation Costs Breakdown

On average, a smart thermostat will typically cost between $200 and $500 depending on a variety of factors. If you opt for a more advanced option, you may find the price can reach as high as $1,000. When considering calling a professional, you should include both the material costs and the price of labor in your projected budget.

The Wi-Fi thermostat model alone can add anywhere from around $100 to almost $800 to your price. If you don’t already have a smart thermostat, your technician will have to install a C-wire or common wire. This line is responsible for powering your thermostat’s LED screen and internal functions. It takes the place of a battery and ensures a constant supply of power. This additional service may add labor time, which varies based on your HVAC company’s rates.

Trained HVAC technicians usually charge between $50 to $150 per hour. The entire project will likely only take one to two hours at most depending on the location of your thermostat and the quality of your existing wiring. You may find you need to move your device’s placement to a more conducive area away from any doors, vents, or windows. Before you agree to work with a company, you should ask for a full quote that details all installation, material, and labor costs. xr

Should You Try DIY?

You may be tempted to try replacing your current thermostat by yourself to save money. While this could take about $100 off your overall cost, it’s liable to have a huge impact on your potential comfort. Firstly, you’ll need a set of tools like wire cutters, pliers, protective gloves, and more to correctly complete the installation. You may also have to install the C-wire, which is a task recommended only for experienced technicians.

Any mistakes you make during the process could cause significant damage to the thermostat or your wiring. You may be unable to use some of the features or even have trouble fully accessing your HVAC system. A do-it-yourself installation will likely also void the warranty, meaning you have to pay for repairs out of pocket. Save yourself the headache and any extra potential costs by relying directly on a trained heating and cooling expert.

Costs of Different Thermostat Brands

Wi-Fi thermostats can easily be purchased from most home improvement stores or directly from HVAC companies. You can even contact your local electricity company to see if they offer discounted varieties. Working with an HVAC company can often net you discounts, rebates, or package deals that include other services like maintenance.

Some of the cheapest smart thermostat brands on the market include Amazon, Wyze, Black & Decker, and Lux. Most of these options carry models under $100. For up to around $250, you can get a high-quality product from Ecobee, ADT, Bosch, and Honeywell. The most expensive thermostats on the market, up to $800, come from brands like Daikin and Carrier.

Other Potential Price Factors

Your smart thermostat’s features will also play a part in its price. You may want to opt for a standard Wi-Fi model or go with a thermostat with voice-activated controls. Some can even monitor the weather and learn your household’s daily schedules to optimize your HVAC usage. The three most popular abilities include home sensors, speakers, and voice assistant capabilities.

Specific thermostats can utilize an array of advanced sensors that you place around your house. You’ll install them on your doors, walls, and in essential rooms so that the system can detect movement. They’ll also be able to determine if a window has been left open. Depending on the info the thermostat collects, it will turn off the HVAC to save energy. Each sensor can increase the price of the installation by up to $100.

Your Wi-Fi thermostat can also come with a voice-activated assistant that responds to your requests. Similar to a Google Home or Amazon Alexa, this helpful feature will save you from having to open the app or manually go to the thermostat. You can instead tell the assistant to lower the temperature or turn your AC fan to the ON setting. With other exciting features like speakers, you can even play music from your thermostat.

Smart Thermostat FAQs

What Are the Benefits of Smart Thermostats?

A Wi-Fi thermostat is the perfect option for eco-conscious households looking to cut down on energy costs. These devices give you the ability to monitor your monthly utility usage in real-time. You’ll be able to establish schedules based on the season, weather, and when the home will be empty. Rather than letting your HVAC system continue to pump out heating or cooling when no one’s home, you can instead direct it to kick on right before you arrive. These devices also work well with other indoor comfort systems like air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and zoning systems. Some models can even keep you up to date on when you need to schedule maintenance or replace your air filters.

Will a Smart Thermostat Save Me Money?

Fully utilizing your smart thermostat has been shown to save users up to 15% on yearly energy costs. The best energy-efficiency features are smart scheduling, weather tracking, and sensor abilities. Optimizing your HVAC use will cut down on wastefulness and lower your carbon footprint. Lessening the strain on your furnace and air conditioner will also lower your routine maintenance and repair bills.

Should I Install More Than One Wi-Fi Thermostat?

Even if you have a large home, you likely won’t have to install more than one of these powerful devices. Several thermostats all active at once can make it harder to control your HVAC system and lead to comfort issues. You should instead look into a zoning system that can better control the temperature of the different rooms and areas in your home.

Trusted, Family-Owned HVAC Company

Scott-Lee Heating Company is an exceptional residential and commercial HVAC company in St. Louis, MO. We’re proud to have more than 40 years of excellent reviews and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Along with being a Premier Lennox Dealer and Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor, we’ve also won the amazing Dave Lennox Award 26 times.

Rely on our NATE-certified technicians to repair or maintain your furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, or ductless mini-split. Our veteran-owned company excels at offering geothermal services, reliable air quality solutions, and metalwork. We can also help you with new construction projects and a new home registration. Don’t forget to check out our money-saving discounts and comprehensive maintenance agreements. Call Scott-Lee Heating Company today to schedule your new smart thermostat appointment in St. Louis.