How to Replace a Thermostat

Thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature settings in your home. Over time, they can become outdated or have issues. Knowing when to change or replace the thermostat is very important. Read When to Replace a Bad HVAC Thermostat to know the telltale signs to change your HVAC or heat pump thermostat.

If you have a thermostat that needs replacing, this blog is for you! This blog goes step-by-step over the ways to replace a thermostat.

Before beginning the replacement, choose a house thermostat that is either a digital or smart thermostat for your home. Digital, or programmable thermostats, allow you to set temperature schedules based on the time of day or occupancy.

In recent years, the use of smart home technology and smart devices is increasingly popular. Wi-fi enabled smart thermostats play a crucial role in home automation. Wi-Fi thermostats provide better home comfort because of the features they offer such as:

1. Remote Accessibility
2. Learning Capabilities
3. Integration with smart home ecosystems
4. Real-time monitoring and reporting

By upgrading to a digital or smart thermostat, you cut down on energy costs. Using these thermostats is also perfect for creating more comfortability and energy efficiency within your home. Smart thermostats work with the internet and help to heat and cool your home hands-free.

Shop digital and smart thermostats today at HomElectrical!

Programmable thermostats are great for customization and working when you are not home. Programmable units are also great for increasing energy savings and decreasing energy bills. Set schedules for when your HVAC operates.

Once you have the type of thermostat in mind, purchase the thermostat. We recommend purchasing a replacement compatible with your HVAC system and wiring. Check the compatibility of the thermostat or system using the product spec sheet and air conditioning system user manual.

Once you read the wiring and have the thermostat, you can begin the installation process. Follow the steps below to install the thermostat. We highly suggest hiring a certified electrician to ensure proper installation and prevent injury.

Read the instruction manual to review wiring the replacement thermostat. The replacement thermostat’s manual will give you specific instructions on how to install the thermostat. You can also take a photo of the current thermostat wiring to help with your installation.

Following the manual prevents damage to your thermostat, wiring, or HVAC system. It also ensures you don't void the terms of your warranty agreement because of improper installation.

Step 1: Shut off the power to the AC Thermostat

• Turn off the switches at the breaker box corresponding to the thermostat, furnace, and air conditioner.
• The power OFF prevents potential electrical injuries from the wires.
• Test if the power is OFF by adjusting the temperature on the current thermostat to either hot or cold. Proceed to the next step if the power is OFF. If the power is not OFF, examine if the breaker switch was off or if there are any faults.

Step 2: Remove the current thermostat from the wall

• To remove the current thermostat, slide the thermostat face off the thermostat mount.
• Loosen the screws that attach the face to the thermostat mount.
• Make sure to remove the entire thermostat face off of the wall.
• Keep the wires and thermostat intact with the wall during this step.

Step 3: Examine the wiring of the old thermostat before disconnecting it.

• Take a photo of the wiring configuration and take note of where each wire is.
• Then, label pieces of tape to match the wire it corresponds to. For example, if a red wire connects to A, label the tape A and place it on the red wire.
• Labeling wires removes guess work during the installation of the new thermostat.

Step 4: Remove the thermostat

• After you have marked all the wires, you can unscrew the thermostat mount.
• It is important that you either tie or tape down the wires coming from the wall. Doing so, prevents the wires from going back into the wall.

Step 5: Place the replacement wall mount on the wall

• Put the wall mount on the wall and use it to screw in the new holes.
• Once you mark where the holes will be, you can drill the holes and screw the wall mount into place.
• You should also drill holes that match the size of the screws. Use both the screws and anchors to keep the wall mount in place.

Step 6: Connect the wires to the new thermostat

• Refer to the labels on each wire as well as your reference photos to help you connect the wires to the thermostat.
• Twist the wires into the thermostat connector or use the instructional manual for the new thermostat.

Step 7: Put the thermostat face on the wall

• Make sure the thermostat face is flush with the wall and is slightly above the wall mount. This allows you to slide it down so it catches the grooves on the wall mount. These grooves are what keep the thermostat face from falling.

Step 8: Turn the power back on from the breaker

• Turn the thermostat, furnace, and air conditioner back on at the breaker.
• Once the power is back on, the thermostat will come on and begin working again.

Step 9: Test if the thermostat is working properly

• Set different start up times for the furnace and air conditioning. If they both work at those times, then you did the correct installation. If they do not come on, turn off the circuit power and check that you installed the thermostat correctly.

Step 10: Configure the thermostat

• Adjust the thermostat to your preferences and use the manual if you need help.

Replacing a thermostat is not a difficult task that you can do without an electrician! By following the steps above, you can change your thermostat very quickly! Choose between digital and smart thermostats to improve energy efficiency today!