Molly Ayala
Changing an electric wall thermostat is a simple task that can save you money on your utility bills. Before installing a new thermostat, you must check your home's compatibility and ensure that the power to your heating and cooling system is turned off to avoid any chance of electrocution or injury. The next step is to remove the old thermostat, including the faceplate and wires, and then install the new thermostat by connecting the wires and mounting the base to the wall. Finally, turn the power back on and ensure the new thermostat is working properly.
Characteristics and Values Table for Changing an Electric Wall Thermostat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to intermediate |
| Savings | Money saved on utility bills |
| Safety | Ensure power is off before starting work |
| Tools | Screwdriver, voltage meter, pencil, masking tape, drill, circuit tester, voltage tester/multimeter, fire-resistant material |
| Preparation | Check compatibility with your home system, read instructions, check wires and terminals |
| Installation Process | Remove old thermostat, disconnect and label wires, install new wall plate, connect wires to new thermostat, mount thermostat, turn power back on |
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the power supply
Before you begin to change your electric wall thermostat, it is important to turn off the power supply. This is a crucial safety step that must not be skipped. Turning off the power supply ensures that you do not risk electric shock or damage to the system during the installation process. Here is a step-by-step guide to turning off the power supply:
- Locate the Circuit Breaker: The first step is to find the circuit breaker that controls the power to your thermostat. Typically, it is located in the main breaker box of your home. This box could be in your garage, basement, or a utility closet. It is important to identify the correct circuit breaker as some breaker boxes have multiple rows of switches or panels.
- Identify the Correct Circuit: Once you have located the breaker box, you need to identify the specific circuit that powers your thermostat. This may be labeled, but if not, you can turn off the main breaker to cut power to the entire house. This is a safe option if you are unsure which circuit controls the thermostat.
- Shut Off the Power: After you have identified the correct circuit, it's time to turn off the power. Flip the circuit breaker switch to the "off" position. In some cases, the switch may be firmly held in place, so you might need to use a little extra force or a screwdriver to gently pry it loose. Be cautious, as you do not want to damage the switch.
- Confirm the Power is Off: To ensure your safety and avoid any potential electrical hazards, it is important to confirm that the power is indeed off. Do this by trying to turn on the thermostat or adjust the temperature. If the display is blank and there is no response, you have successfully cut the power supply. You can also use a voltage tester or a multimeter to double-check that there is no power flowing to the thermostat.
- Disconnect the Old Thermostat: With the power safely turned off, you can now safely remove the old thermostat. This will involve carefully detaching the wires and removing the mounting screws or plate that holds the thermostat in place. It is a good idea to take a photo of the wiring configuration for reference when installing the new thermostat.
- Prepare for Installation: With the power off and the old thermostat removed, you can now prepare for the installation of the new thermostat. Gather the necessary tools and the new thermostat unit. Ensure you have turned off all the necessary breakers and that you have allowed sufficient time for any built-up heat in the wiring to dissipate before proceeding with the installation.
Remember, safety should always come first when working with electrical systems. Taking the time to properly turn off the power supply will help ensure a smooth and incident-free installation process.
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Remove the old thermostat
Before you begin, make sure you have turned off the power to your heating and cooling system. You can do this by going to your fuse box or circuit breaker. If a light switch regulates your thermostat, make sure that the switch is off. Always confirm that the power is shut off with a voltage tester and/or multimeter.
Now, you can start removing the old thermostat. First, remove the old thermostat cover plate with a screwdriver. Next, use a voltage meter to make sure there are no live wires in the thermostat. Then, unscrew the thermostat mounting screws and remove the thermostat body. Label the wires using masking tape so you can remember their screw-terminal locations. There is no standard colour code, so write letter codes on the tape to make the wires easy to identify.
Disconnect the wires and tape them to the wall or wrap them around a pencil to prevent them from slipping into the wall cavity. Keep the disconnected wires hanging out of the wall by tying them together. You can now install the replacement wall plate. Use the new wall plate as a template to mark where the holes you need to drill for the screws will be. Drill the holes and screw the replacement wall plate into its new position on the wall.
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Label the wires
Labelling the wires is an important step when changing your electric wall thermostat. It is crucial to do this before you disconnect the wires. There is no standard colour code for wires, so it is important to take note of their locations and label them.
First, take a picture of your current wiring scheme. Check if the wires match the industry-standard colour code. If they do, you can use this as a guide to connect your new thermostat. If they do not match the standard colour code, make your own list with a pencil and paper. Label each wire with a strip of painter's tape and a permanent marker. You can also use masking tape and write letter codes on the tape to make the wires easy to identify.
If you are installing a Nest thermostat, you can use the Nest app or Home app to check if your system is compatible and to give you a wiring diagram for installation. You can also check your system's control board to accurately identify the wires. The control board is usually inside your furnace or HVAC equipment, so you may need to open or remove a panel to check inside. The control board looks like a circuit board and usually has lots of wires attached to it. You should find connectors with labels that are the same as your thermostat. For example, you might find labels like R, W, G, Y, C or O/B. You should find wires attached to these connectors that are the same colour as the wires that connect to your thermostat. Look at the labels where these wires connect to the control board to determine what each wire attached to your thermostat should be labelled.
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Connect the wires to the new thermostat
Before connecting the wires to your new thermostat, it is important to identify and label the wires in your existing thermostat. Take a picture of your current wiring scheme and check if it matches the industry standard. If they do, you can use that as your guide to connect your new thermostat. If not, make your own list and label each wire with a strip of painter's tape and a permanent marker.
Once you have identified and labelled the wires, disconnect them and the corresponding mounting screws. Tape the wires to the wall with painter's tape so they don't fall into the wall cavity while you prepare your new thermostat.
Now you are ready to connect the wires to the new thermostat. If your connections do not match, consult the installation diagram in the new thermostat's owner's manual. You can twist the wires onto the thermostat connectors, or follow the directions manual provided by the manufacturer. Your new thermostat should have the same corresponding code on the back, unless otherwise noted in the instructions. If you are unsure about any wiring, contact a professional electrician.
After connecting the wires, tighten any loose wire connections and make sure the wires and sheathing are in good condition. Check the wires for wear and wrap them with electrical tape if they look worn out. Finally, install the battery or batteries in the thermostat body (if applicable), making sure the battery size and polarity are both correct.
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Mount the new thermostat
Mounting a new thermostat is a simple process, but it is important to be careful when dealing with electrical wiring. Before you begin, ensure you have turned off the power to your heating and cooling system at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
First, you will need to install the replacement wall plate. Use the new wall plate as a template to mark the position of the mounting holes. Drill the holes and, if needed, insert drywall anchors. These will support the system on the wall. Next, feed the wires through the wall plate and fasten the plate to the wall.
Now you can connect the wires to the new thermostat. Use labels or notes to reconnect the wires to the correct screw terminals, or follow the pictures you took of the pre-existing wiring. You can twist the wires onto the thermostat connectors. If you are unsure, consult the manufacturer's instructions.
Finally, mount the new thermostat onto the wall plate. Gently push any excess wire back into the wall opening and plug the hole with fire-resistant material, such as fiberglass insulation.
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Frequently asked questions
First, turn off the power to your heating and cooling system at the main fuse or circuit box. Then, remove the old thermostat cover plate with a screwdriver. Use a voltage meter to check for live wires before you begin working. Unscrew the thermostat mounting screws and remove the thermostat body. Label the wires with masking tape so you can remember their locations.
Mount the new thermostat base on the wall using the included screws. If your new thermostat has a wall plate, install this first, marking the location for the mounting holes with a level, drilling the holes, and screwing the plate into place. Then, connect the wires to the appropriate screw terminals, referring to the manufacturer's instructions and your labels. Tighten any loose connections and check that the wires and sheathing are in good condition. Finally, install any necessary batteries, ensuring they are the correct size and polarity.
Before you begin, make sure you check your home's compatibility and that your new thermostat is compatible with your heating and cooling system. Do not install a new thermostat on circuits exceeding manufacturer-specified voltage. Higher voltage may damage the controls and become a safety hazard. Always turn off the power to your heating and cooling system before starting work and double-check that the power is off with a voltage tester. Never assume the power is off.
There is no standard colour code for wires, so make sure to label the wires with letter codes. If you have any doubts, contact a licensed electrician.
