How To Replace Your Thermostat

So you have decided to buy a new thermostat to replace the old, weathered one that’s been operating your heating or central air system for as long as you can remember.

That’s a good idea because contemporary thermostats, particularly wireless smart thermostats, can keep you more comfortable and run your system more efficiently, resulting in energy savings that benefit your wallet and the environment. You can do the task yourself, but you should know a few factors before making your purchase and starting the project.

The first critical information to consider is if your new thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system or, to put it another way, whether your system is wired correctly and operates at the correct voltage. Voltage won’t be an issue if you only have one thermostat connected to a furnace or central air system because it’s likely a low-voltage thermostat that runs on 24 volts.

The second aspect to think about is whether or not you need to relocate the thermostat. If your house is usually cold and you have been blaming it on the thermostat, look for its placement. It could be in direct sunlight or close to a heating vent, both of which can make it believe the house is warmer than it is.

This article will show you how to safely and step-by-step replace an old thermostat with a wireless smart thermostat to start relishing your more energy-efficient home as soon as possible.

• Turn off the power supply
• Open the currently installed thermostat
• Capture an image of the wires 
• Detach old thermostat wires 
• Eliminate old mount 
• Install the new thermostat mount and connect the wires 
• Mount faceplate to wall using screws 
• Install new thermostat faceplate
• Restart the air conditioner and heater 
• Setup a new thermostat 

Identifying A Defective Thermostat
A damaged thermostat is the most obvious reason to replace it. Because you may also suspect problems with your air conditioning systems, it may be formidable to diagnose thermostat failure independently. If you don’t have much experience with thermostats and HVAC systems, you may need the help of a certified HVAC technician to pinpoint the thermostat as the source of your problems.

Among the most frequent indications of a malfunctioning thermostat are: 

• A wiring issue can cause the system to misunderstand temperature settings, resulting in erratic heating cycles.
  
• If your thermostat fails to read and communicate the right temperature, your furnace will have to work harder to heat your home. It may also cause your furnace to cycle more frequently, increasing energy usage.
  
• Small clicking sounds indicate that an efficient thermostat responds quickly to changes in temperature settings. You might want to look up a heating repair service to get your thermostat wiring checked by professionals.
  
• Your furnace will turn on and off repeatedly due to a defective thermostat that cannot maintain adequate temperature settings.
  
• A thermostat that runs on batteries quickly depletes new batteries.

Which New Thermostat Suits Your Needs? 

Given the unique characteristics of wireless smart thermostats, there are several reasons to go all out when replacing your current thermostat. Wireless smart thermostats, for example, require wireless internet to function, making them difficult for those without smartphones or tablets. If you don’t have access to the internet or a smartphone or tablet, a programmable thermostat will be helpful.

Between programmable and wireless smart thermostats, there is a price difference. If you hire a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) specialist to install a wireless smart thermostat for you, the installation charges may also be higher. It is entirely reliant on the wiring already installed in your walls.

Another issue is that wireless smart thermostats are not compatible with all heating and cooling systems. Most wireless smart thermostats will work with central air conditioning, heating systems, and heat pumps. There may be compatibility issues if your HVAC system includes radiator heat, swamp coolers, baseboard heaters, or other unusual components. Check the product details of any wireless smart thermostat you are thinking about buying to ensure it will work with your home’s setup.

Despite this, if you have a smartphone, wireless internet, appropriate heating and cooling system, and the means to purchase and install a wireless smart thermostat, the savings potential is sufficient to pay the cost of the upgrade over time. The time it takes for this technology to pay for itself is directly proportional to its savings potential.

FAQs 

Q-1 Can I Change The Thermostat On My Own?

Replacing a thermostat is a complex and potentially dangerous task. You must be knowledgeable about electrical separation and appliance wiring. Examine the thermostat manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to install it yourself to see if additional wiring is required.

Q-2 How Can I Repair A Defective Thermostat? 

1. Disconnect the boiler and thermostat from the main power supply.
   
2. Remove your existing thermostat and designate the wires with the terminals to which they were attached.
   
3. Connect the wires to their original terminals before installing the replacement thermostat.
   
4. Program the thermostat before reconnecting the power supply.

Takeaway

If the above conditions persist, it’s the right time to replace your thermostat. You may save money and make things more efficient by programming your temperature settings when you are away or asleep. You will have better control over your cooling and heating as a result.

Contact an expert HVAC technician to learn more about the finest wireless thermostat for your home and get a free estimate and installation.