Trystan Casey
Changing your thermostat to a new model can be a great way to save money on your heating bills. Before installing a new thermostat, you must check your home's compatibility. Houses are wired in two ways: line voltage and low voltage. It is also important to turn off the power to your heating and cooling system to avoid any chance of electrocution or injury. Once you have done this, you can remove the faceplate from the current thermostat, detach the wires, and remove the cover. The next step is to mount the new thermostat, rewire it, and attach the faceplate. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for any small differences that exist from one unit to another.
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the power to your heating and cooling system
Before installing a new thermostat, you must ensure that the power to your heating and cooling system is turned off to avoid the risk of electrocution or injury.
To start, locate your home's breaker box or fuse box and turn off the power to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The circuit breaker should be clearly labelled. If you are unsure about how to turn off the power to your HVAC system, consult an electrician or a local thermostat installer for guidance.
You can also turn off the power by flipping the switch on your air conditioning and furnace units. To confirm that the power is off, adjust the temperature on your current thermostat to an extremely hot or cold setting and observe if the A/C or furnace turns on. Additionally, use a voltage meter to ensure there are no live wires before proceeding with any work.
It is crucial to verify that your new thermostat is compatible with your heating and cooling system. Check the voltage and wiring details of your system, and choose a thermostat that matches those specifications.
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Remove the old thermostat
Before removing the old thermostat, it is important to ensure that you have purchased a compatible model for your home's heating and cooling system. Houses are wired in two ways: line voltage and low voltage. Check the voltage and wiring details on the back of the old thermostat's faceplate and buy a new thermostat that matches these specifications. If you are unsure, consult a professional electrician.
Once you have the new thermostat and are ready to remove the old one, the first step is to turn off the power to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the main service panel. The circuit breaker should be clearly labelled. Alternatively, you can turn off the power by flipping the power switch on the HVAC units themselves. To confirm that the power is off, adjust the temperature on your current thermostat to a very high or low temperature and see if the HVAC system turns on.
The next step is to remove the faceplate or cover plate from the old thermostat. This will expose the wires connected to the thermostat. Use a screwdriver to remove the faceplate if necessary. Do not remove the wires at this point. Label the wires with masking tape so you know their screw-terminal locations. Use a voltage meter to ensure there are no live wires before proceeding.
Finally, unscrew the mounting screws and remove the body of the old thermostat. This will completely detach the old thermostat from the wall, leaving only the wires exposed. These wires will then be connected to the new thermostat.
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Check for compatibility and wiring
Before you begin the installation process, it is crucial to check for compatibility and understand the wiring basics for your new electric thermostat.
First, turn off the power to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the main service panel. It is essential to ensure that the power is turned off to avoid any safety hazards. Confirm that the power is off by adjusting the temperature on your current thermostat to an extremely hot or cold setting and observing if the HVAC system responds.
Next, remove the old thermostat's cover plate with a screwdriver. Use a voltage meter to ensure that there are no live wires before proceeding. Label the wires with masking tape to remember their screw-terminal locations. Take a picture of the wiring setup, ensuring that terminal markings are visible. Review your picture to identify the wires and their respective terminals.
Now, let's discuss the common wire, also known as the C-wire. The C-wire provides a constant power supply to the thermostat, allowing independent control of other appliances like fans or cooling systems. Check your HVAC control board to see if it has an empty C terminal. If so, you can install a C-wire and connect it to the C terminal. Some older thermostats may have a C-wire tucked into the wall behind the thermostat's backplate, so it is worth checking. If you are unsure about installing a C-wire, consult a professional electrician.
Finally, understand that there is no standard colour-coding for thermostat wires. Each wire should be identified by the terminal(s) it connects to, not by its colour. Refer to your HVAC system's control board designations and your owner's/install guide for wiring examples and compatible systems.
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Install the new thermostat
Before installing a new thermostat, it is important to ensure that your home's electrical system is compatible with the new device. Houses are wired in two ways: line voltage and low voltage. Choose a thermostat that is compatible with your particular heating and cooling system.
Turn off the power to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the main service panel. You can also turn off the power by flipping the switch on your air conditioning and furnace units. Confirm that the power is off by adjusting the temperature on your current thermostat to an extremely hot or cold setting and observing if the HVAC system turns on.
Remove the old thermostat cover plate with a screwdriver. Use a voltage meter to ensure there are no live wires. Unscrew the thermostat mounting screws and remove the thermostat body. Label the wires with masking tape so you can remember their screw-terminal locations.
Now, you can install the new thermostat. Begin by installing the base first. Thread the low-voltage wires through the specified opening of the new thermostat base. If your new thermostat is not self-levelling, use a small level to ensure it is properly aligned.
Install the new wall plate. Use a level and mark the location for the mounting holes. Drill the holes and, if needed, insert drywall anchors. Feed the wires through the wall plate and fasten the plate to the wall. Secure the wires so they don't fall back into the wall.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect the wires to the terminals. Insert the wires into the corresponding terminals on the thermostat and tighten the terminal screws. If your thermostat requires a C-wire, install it yourself or call an electrician. Install batteries as needed.
Finally, mount the new programmable thermostat onto the wall plate. Ensure you read the instructions for your new thermostat thoroughly before beginning the installation process.
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Turn the power back on
Once you have installed your new electric thermostat, you can turn the power back on. This process will differ depending on your system, so it is important to consult the user manual for your thermostat. However, here is a general guide on what to do:
Firstly, locate your breaker box. This is where you will turn the power back on. Your breaker box will usually be in a utility closet or basement, and it houses your circuit breakers. The circuit breaker for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system should be clearly labeled.
After locating the correct circuit breaker, turn it back on. This is done by flipping the switch. Once the power is restored, you can adjust your new thermostat as needed.
It is important to note that you should only turn the power back on once you are certain that all the wires are connected correctly and safely. Double-check that all wires are secure and not touching any other wires or components.
If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is always best to consult a professional electrician. They can ensure that your new thermostat is properly installed and safely connected.
Additionally, if your new thermostat is not self-leveling, use a small level to ensure it is properly aligned before turning the power back on.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are constantly adjusting the thermostat or it fails to make temperature adjustments, it may be time for a new one.
Before installing a new thermostat, check your home's compatibility. Houses are wired in two ways: line voltage and low voltage. You will need to buy a thermostat that works with your particular heating and cooling system.
Turn off the power on your air conditioning and furnace units. You can do this by going to your breaker box and flipping off the respective switches. You can also turn off the power on your A/C and furnace by flipping off the power switch on the units themselves.
Remove the old thermostat cover plate with a screwdriver. Use a voltage meter to make sure there are no live wires in the thermostat before you begin working. Unscrew the thermostat mounting screws and remove the thermostat body. Label the wires using masking tape so you remember their screw-terminal locations.
Install the new wall plate. Use a level and mark the location for the mounting holes. Drill the holes and, if needed, insert drywall anchors. Feed the wires through the wall plate and fasten the plate to the wall. Secure the wires so they don’t fall back into the wall.
