“How long do thermostat batteries last?” is dependent on many different things. While some thermostat batteries have been reported to last upwards of 2 years, most thermostat batteries last an average of 8-12 months. One thing is certain, batteries don’t last forever and can cause headaches with your HVAC system. Most programable thermostats have a low battery indicator that will display 1-2 months before your batteries completely die. If you notice that you are starting to have issues with your heating and air conditioning system, check the display for a low battery indicator if one is present, try a quick and easy battery change before you place a call for service.
If you are here because you are having problems with your heat or A/C system and would like to read my article on how to test your thermostat please read my article on testing here: How To Test A Home Thermostat?
How long do thermostat batteries last? Can I use rechargeable batteries in my programmable thermostat?
When answering the question of how long do thermostat batteries last, we also need to mention some facts about rechargeable batteries. I have been asked, can I use rechargeable batteries in my programmable thermostat? The short answer is that it is not recommended to use rechargeable batteries in programmable thermostats because of the voltage that these batteries can output. A single-use alkaline or lithium battery can output 1.5 volts. A fully charged rechargeable battery can only output between 1.2-1.4 volts. This voltage difference can lead to your thermostat malfunctioning or not working at all, even with fully charged rechargeable batteries.
What is the right battery for thermostat battery replacement?
There are many different programmable thermostats on the market. Many thermostats use AA or AAA batteries, however, some thermostats use 3V lithium disc batteries, and others that use 9V batteries. Before purchasing batteries for your thermostat, you should check the owner’s manual or the unit itself to see what battery/batteries it requires. When replacing your batteries you should choose a battery that has a long life so you don’t have a thermostat problem when the weather is too hot out or too cold.
When batteries in a thermostat are weakening in strength or completely dead, you may notice that your home’s temperature is not what you expected it to be. Low batteries can cause your thermostat to have difficulty sensing the temperature in your home. This can also affect the signal that the thermostat sends to your heater or air conditioner causing it to be too hot or too cold in your home.
Before making that potentially expensive service call, try changing the batteries in your thermostat, it may save you a bunch of money.
If you have replaced the batteries, or if replacing the batteries in your thermostat does not make your thermostat work again, it might be time to replace it with a new thermostat. If you need to replace your thermostat, see our thermostat buying guide.
Here is a list of long-lasting batteries we recommend for your thermostat.
- #1 longest-lasting AA battery
- Superior performance in extreme temperatures from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
- Holds power in storage for up to 20 years (AA/AAA)
- Guaranteed leak-proof (based on standard use)
- #1 longest-lasting AAA battery
- Superior performance in extreme temperatures from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
- Holds power in storage for up to 20 years (AA/AAA)
- Guaranteed leak-proof (based on standard use)
- Duracell Coppertop AA alkaline batteries contain Duracell’s patented POWER BOOST Ingredients which deliver lasting performance in your devices
- Lasts 12 years in storage.
- #1 TRUSTED BATTERY BRAND
- Duracell Coppertop AAA alkaline batteries contain Duracell’s patented POWER BOOST Ingredients which deliver lasting performance in your devices
- Lasts 12 years in storage.
- #1 TRUSTED BATTERY BRAND
- 3V lithium coin batteries perform in extreme temperatures from -22 F to 140 F
- Coin cell batteries hold power for up to 10 years in storage
- CR2032 3V lithium coin battery enclosed in child-resistant packaging to help keep kids safe from ingestion
- BITTER TASTE DISCOURAGES SWALLOWING: Non-toxic, bitter coating helps prevent accidental ingestion.
- CHILD SECURE PACKAGING: Nearly impossible to open without scissors.
- LONG-LASTING POWER: Reliable and efficient power for devices like key fobs, remote controls, thermometers, and many others.
- These alkaline 9V batteries provide long-lasting power for your everyday devices
- The power you depend on for your everyday electronics, like smoke detectors, safety devices, hand-held meters, and toys
- 9V battery holds power for up to 5 years in storage
- For use with flashlights, portable electronics, remotes
- Works in calculators, smoke alarms, cameras, wireless mice
- Dependable, long-lasting power for remotes, flashlights, toys and more.