Install a Programmable Thermostat
SKILL LEVEL 4
You mean to change the thermostat when you leave in the morning, but you're in such a hurry that you forget. Or you remember, but come home to a house that's not much more comfortable than it is outside. There's a better way — a programmable thermostat. Install one, and you'll save money on your energy bill and still be comfortable at home.
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4 Skill level
4 out of 5
7 Steps
8 Materials
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Step 2 Look at the wiring
Turn off the power to your furnace and thermostat at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Unscrew the existing thermostat from the wall. Without disconnecting any wires, count how many wires connect to the back. If you have a digital camera, you can photograph the connections to refer to later.
Reattach the thermostat and turn the power on.
Caution: If you have electric resistance heating, such as baseboard heat, you might have a line voltage thermostat. It has heavier wires, usually connected with wire nuts to an electrical box behind the thermostat. If so, you might want to call an electrician for this project.
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Step 3 Purchase a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat suited to your heating system and existing thermostat wiring. Be sure to read the product label carefully so you get the right model. Consider the following:
• Is it for low or line voltage?
• Does it have the right number of connecting wires?
• Does it work for heating, cooling or both?Also purchase the batteries specified on the product packaging.
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Step 4 Install the thermostat
Turn off power to the furnace at the circuit board or fuse box.
Using either masking tape or the labels that come with your new thermostat, label each wire with the letter on the corresponding terminal. If needed, you can use needle-nose pliers to grab the wires. Disconnect the wires from the terminals, making sure the wires don't fall into the wall.
Remove the old wall plate.
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Step 5 Mount the wall plate
Mount the new thermostat's wall plate to the electrical box. Pass the wires through the hole in the mounting plate. Using a wire cutter, trim any excessively long wires. -
Step 6 Connect and program
Connect the wires from your wall to the terminals on the new thermostat that correspond to the letters on the wires as you labeled them.
Install batteries in the new thermostat unit.
Program the date, time and scheduling according to the instructions that come with the new thermostat.
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Step 7 Reconnect and test
Turn the power back on. Test the new thermostat to make sure it operates your heating and cooling system equipment as expected.
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Supplies
| Product | Have | Need |
|---|---|---|
| Batteries | ||
| Digital camera | ||
| Masking tape | ||
| Needle-nose pliers | ||
| Pen | ||
| Programmable thermostat | ||
| Screwdriver | ||
| Wire cutter | ||
