Thermostat prices and buying

If shopping, take into account the types of thermostats. Prices depend largely on that... Furnaces and air-conditioners do not demand specific thermostats, but heat pumps and radiant heating do... And you also have to choose between a digital and electromechanical thermostats...

Digital or electromechanical

Digital thermostats are more flexible, while electromechanical are simpler. A programmable thermostat can automatically store and repeat daily settings, even when you are asleep or out of home, which is a great way of getting higher energy savings.

See: Digital Programmable Thermostats and Manual Thermostats

Specific or non-specific programmable thermostats

Preprogrammed thermostat Furnaces and air conditioners do not demand specific programmable thermostats. You just have to buy the thermostat that responds better to your preferences and needs.

But heating/cooling systems based on heat pumps, radiant heating and some electrical systems require specific types of thermostats.

See:

Boilers and thermostats
Furnaces, Air-conditioners and Thermostats
Heat Pumps, radiant heating and thermostats

Prices

Typical thermostat prices range between $40 and $200.

Digital thermostats are usually more expensive, but there are cheap digital/electronic thermostats.

Low-priced programmable thermostat may be very limited or more difficult to program. Many features of the more expensive thermostats aren't included in the cheaper ones - though they may look alike.

Energy star programmed thermostats

Whenever possible (USA, Canada…) choose an Energy Star qualified programmable thermostat. They offer quality and include essential features.

Pre-programmed settings

Pay attention to pre-built settings. Those settings should reflect your schedule and the periods of time you are in home.

See, for details on this issue: Thermostat built-in settings

Features that a qualified programmable thermostat may include

Programmable thermostats may include several helpful extras: light to remind you to change air filter, lighted displays for nighttime, touch pad screen programming, voice and/or phone and net programming, etc.

See, for details: Programmable thermostat features

Rebates and incentives involving thermostats

Some states are offering incentives and rebates. In U.S. you may seek them in Dsireusa database.