Changing your Heating & Cooling Thermostat Made Easy

Changing your Heating & Cooling Thermostat Made Easy

We decided to do an article on changing a thermostat. It is really quite easy if you follow a few basic rules. Pick the type of T stat (thermostat) that you want to install programmable or non programmable. According to Energy Star, “homeowners save about $180 a year by installing a programmable thermostat.”

Things you will need to change a Thermostat:

1. Small flat head screw driver
2. Small Phillips head screw driver
3. Masking/ Electric/ Duct Tape (Anything you can write on)
4. Level (Don’t have one, use your iPhone or Android device to download one)
5. Rubber Bands

Basic Instructions to changing your Thermostat

TURN OFF THE POWER—To accomplish this you will need to find the appropriate breaker. Do this by looking for the ‘’Furnace & A/C” labeled breaker on the log that is on the panel door. You will find each listed item with a number associated with each circuit. Breakers are odd numbers on the left side even on the right starting at the top and reading down. (i.e., Breaker number thirteen would be the seventh slot on the left side of the panel)

If they are not listed or numbered do the following- Set the fan function switch on your Tstat to the ON position. Go to your electric panel and start turning off the breakers one at a time until you hear the fan stop. Congratulations you’ve just found the furnace breaker. Now do the same with the A/C, some manufactures have used transformers in both or either of the units over the years.

Let’s get started.

Did I mention to turn off the power yet?

1. Remove cover of existing Tstat. Then loosen the small screws holding the wall plate/sub base together and remove the thermostat from the wall plate/sub base. Disconnect each wire, while labeling (Masking tape is good for this) each one as you go with the corresponding letter on the corresponding terminal in the Tstat. *Your old Tstat may contain mercury. If so, see warning at end of article*

2. Detach the wall plate/sub base from the wall by removing the screws that attach it to the wall gently pull on the wall plate/sub base to remove any extra Tstat wire. Take a rubber band and tie it to the main Tstat wire to keep it from falling through the hole into the wall cavity.

3. Unpack your new Tstat laying all the pieces out on a table. (At this time read factory instructions as well). Remove the cover of the new Tstat, separate the Tstat from the wall plate/sub base. Fill hole in wall behind wall plate/sub base with small piece of insulation.

4. Slip the wall plate/sub base over the Tstat wiring, level plate and mount to wall. Digital thermostats do not need to be level for proper operation but everyone that walks by it will let you know if it is not. Mark the location of the mounting holes and drill. Mount with materials provided with new Tstat. Push the wall anchors into the holes and lightly tap with your screwdriver handle (do not mar wall) until they are flush.

5. Check the wire for nicks /cuts in wire or insulation before reconnecting them. Connect the thermostat wires to the corresponding terminals on the wall plate/sub base.

6. Install batteries, set any switches per the installation instructions. Some of these switches are tiny and are located in the back of the wall plate/ sub base and are called dipswitches.

7. Attach the thermostat to the wall plate/sub base. Most thermostats will snap into position and lock on to the wall plate.

8. Restore the electricity to your heating and cooling system. Leave system switches (i.e. Cooling, Heating, On, or Auto) in off positions now it’s time to program the new Tstat if applicable.

9. To program the Tstat get a piece of paper and write down the times you want the system to cycle into set back mode. Now write down the times for normal operation, enter the data you have collected hit enter or save. It is best to let your system run less at night and when you are at work in the cooling months.

*If you have any issues with your thermostat installation or any other household issue you may have……..…. Do not hesitate to contact us at info@revivedrealestateva.com*

(Mercury inside old thermostat)

Mercury warning:

This control may contain mercury in a sealed tube. Do not place control in the trash at the end of its useful life. If this control is replacing a control that contains mercury in a sealed tube, do not place your old control in the trash.

Contact your local waste management authority for instructions regarding recycling and the proper disposal of this control, or of an old control containing mercury in a sealed tube.