How to Change a Thermostat?

Due to rising energy costs, many homeowners are opting to replace their old manual thermostats with newer digital, programmable thermostats. Experts estimate that the decision to change a thermostat can save a homeowner up to 35% in energy costs per year. Instead of maintaining a constant temperature for 24 hours a day, seven days a week like a manual thermostat, a digital thermostat can be set to turn off during the day when the family is at work or school and to kick on when they come home. Different programs can also be established for weekends and evenings.

When purchasing a replacement thermostat, be sure to confirm that the new thermostat is compatible with the home’s heating and cooling system. Although many people choose to replace their thermostat with a digital model, one can also be replaced with the older, manual style, which is, in fact, cheaper. Most employees at the local hardware store’s electrical section can help with this choice. All that is needed to change a thermostat is a standard screwdriver, a drill, a level and masking tape. For safety, many experts recommend wearing safety goggles to change a thermostat.

As with any electrical project, when beginning to change a thermostat, be sure to disconnect the power to avoid a shock. Although the wires in a thermostat are low voltage, it is smart to disconnect the power in order to change a thermostat. This can be accomplished at the fuse or breaker box, or a switch may be located around the heating and cooling unit. If the breakers are not individually marked, one may have to shut off power to the entire house. The following is a list of step by step instructions on how to change a thermostat.

* Remove the cover of the thermostat.
* Using masking tape, label the wires according to their screw terminal locations, then remove the wires from the screws.
* Unscrew the body of the thermostat to remove it from the wall. Make sure that the wires don’t fall behind the wall during this step.
* New mounting holes for the new thermostat can be marked by holding up the base and marking the holes using a pencil. Once this is done, drill the new holes.
* Thread the wires through the base of the new thermostat and connect them to the terminals on the base. Pay close attention to the wiring instructions or diagram of the new thermostat, as the color coding may not correspond from the old thermostat to the new thermostat.
* Install the body of the thermostat to the base, and make sure to install new batteries if needed. Restore the power.

When a homeowner decides to change a thermostat, he or she is making the first step in updating an important system in the home. To change a thermostat is a simple home repair, but as with any electrical job, if it becomes overwhelming or confusing, an electrician can always be called to finish the job. Once the job is finished, many older thermostats have mercury switches and must be disposed of properly, according to city ordinances.