How to Replace a Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can cause a variance in temperatures and a waste of energy. The wasted energy will ultimately result in higher utility bills and a dwindling bank account. The faulity thermostat should replaced as soon as you discover the problem. Replacing a thermostat is a simple and a quick job for the do-it-yourselfer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• putty knife
• safety goggles
• power drill
• flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• level
• wire cutters
• wall anchors
• batteries
• pen
• tape
• replacement thermostat

1. Go to your local hardware store and buy a replacement thermostat. Write down the information from the old one, this will assure that the new thermostat is compatible with your heating/cooling system.

2. Turn off power to the heating and cooling system. Next, use the putty knife to pop the cover off the old thermostat. Next we will need to remove the body of the thermostat. Simply unscrew the mounting screws and pull away the thermostat body. Before disconnecting anything, use pieces of tape, or the adhesive labels that come included with most replacement thermostats. Using tape that you can write on, label the wires and mark their screw terminal location. Loosen the screws and remove the wires. Be sure to secure the wires so they do not accidentally fall into the wall. Take out the mounting screws and remove the base

3. Take the mounting plate for your new thermostat and thread the wires through the back, then hold it into position against the wall and check that it's level . Mark the drill points on the wall, and Put on safety glasses and drill holes for mounting screws. Use plastic anchors if mounting the thermostat to drywall. Insert screws and tighten.

4. Using the instructions that came with the new thermostat, connect the wires as directed to the screw terminals. See if you can locate the low-voltage transformer that powers the thermostat. It should be located near the heating or air-conditioning unit or look for an access panel that could house the unit. Make sure all the wires are tightened to the screws and inspect for wear and tear.

5. Your programmable thermostat will need batteries put in at this time. Mount the thermostat to the base.

6. Turn power to system back on, snap faceplate in place and read through the manufacturers’ instructions to learn how to program your new thermostat.

7. Set new thermostat to the desired comfort level. Programmable thermostats allow you to set the program them and forget they are there. The program will run your heating or cooling system 24 hours a day.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes when the power goes out they may need to be reset. The manufacturers’ instruction tell you what to do during a power outage.

[revisitingnixon]

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-Rich