In our detailed guide on how to replace thermostat units, we provided the steps that will guide you in replacing your thermostat so that you get a new one that matches your existing heating and air conditioning systems. This article provides you with all that you need to know about how to identify a defective thermostat, the guidelines to follow when selecting a new thermostat and the procedure to follow when conducting a thermostat replacement exercise. Before going further, let us look what these devices are.
What Is a Thermostat?
Thermostats regulate the temperature of an environmental structures and components by identifying the rate of the setup and commanding the heat and cooling elements to either achieve or sustain the desired range. Such devices are present from cars to homes, and their simple closed-loop activity is critical. Also, two kinds of thermostats are widely used, Traditional Thermostat and Programmable Thermostat.
Smart thermostats provide you with controls on the temperatures from your mobile phone implying that they connect to the devices through internet. In contrast, programmable thermostats allow different temperature preset schedules to be set and switched at any one time.
7 Easy Steps for Replacing a Thermostat
1. Do You Need a New Thermostat?
If you are not planning to replace your thermostat look for signs that show that the current thermostat is really faulty before looking for a replacement. Regrettably, identifying the problem may not be simple because your HVAC systems can also be responsible for unpredictable temperatures in your residence. Well, if this is your first time, then an HVAC technician can assist you with that one. However, the following are signs that your pre-installed thermostat is the culprit.
First of all, if the thermostat for some reason consumes batteries – if it is using batteries, and you have noticed that batteries are drained much quicker than before, it might need replacement. Also, there are times when your thermostat is not working; when you work with other thermometers they provide a different reading to what is displayed on your installed device. Likewise, the heating or cooling system may not shut down or start up when particular preset conditions obtained through the thermostat are sensed.
Seeing one or all the issues above may mean that it is time for you to look for a new thermostat. Of course, this is a perfect time to upgrade. After all, some extra money spent in order to buy the product could come with numerous advantages. First, however, start by determining which new thermostat model is compatible with your existing heating and air conditioning systems.
2. What is the Right Thermostat for Your Home?
Most thermostats are compatible with typical home systems. However, some use a two-wire system while other use multiple connections. Additionally, you have to choose between the following basic options in some unique cases.
For example, stage 1 heating or cooling devices work with separate units. Alternatively, stage 2, or multi-stage, are compatible with units with specific speeds for their minimum and maximum designation. Moreover, direct line voltage thermostats are ideal for older houses since they utilize direct current power sources. Finally, a zoned HVAC system requires central temperature control devices that can individually tweak the heating and cooling in separate areas of the home.
You can get familiar with such specific designations on the thermostat manual. Second, if there are any home improvement activities, you may want to invest your money in a smart or programmable thermostat.
A Programmable Thermostat
For an old model you should be in a position to change it with a digital programmable thermostat because they are priced similarly and come with features that will ensure you cut on expenditure. It makes you set the temperature which you wish to feel during particular days or specific time of the day via programmable thermostats. For example, you can save some money on heating by setting a lower temperature when you won’t be home for several hours.
Smart Thermostat Models
Perched upon the throne of technology today is the smart thermostat which allows you complete control from a smart phone application and saves you a pretty penny in the long run. However, if you are a beginner and you have not practiced installing a new thermostat while remodeling your home around an HVAC system, then it will be a good idea to hire an expert in order to avoid getting the wrong model. Nevertheless, this leads to the raise of installation costs of smart thermostat models and a need for a reliable internet connection in your home.
3. Get the Right Tools and Check the Manual
If you change the thermostat and the footprint of the new one is not the same as the footprint of the old one you might be needing some more material to patch the wall. On the other hand, the new wall plate, of course, can hide all those blemishes. However, such tools will be required; a screwdriver, wire cutter, drill and a voltage tester. Lastly, read the manufacturer manual to be sure you complied with the installation guide.
4. Turn off the Unit and Power
Turn off the current thermostat, then turn off the breaker for the heater, the air conditioning system, and the thermostat. This is because, if the unit under test does not possess the right labels, the existing wiring should be segregated to ensure that the right circuit is off.
Therefore, disconnect power from sockets that are connected to the heating and cooling system or unplug them. However, electrical dangers pose risks and nonetheless, if it means getting an electrician to install the new thermostat, it is best to avoid electrical hazards inasmuch as possible.
5. Remove the Old Thermostat
If you are reluctant about whether a professional actually installed the existing thermostat, then it can be helpful checking its current configuration before you disconnect the wires from the thermostat unit. First, remove the cover of the old thermostat then check the existing wiring by test to know if the system is still having power. Specifically, you’re going to want to focus on how the thermostat connects to the base, as well as where certain wires should be connected to screw terminals at the bottom of the base.
If power is not flowing through it will be advisable to take a picture that would assist you identify how the old thermostat was wired. Or else you can color some of the wires and write put the connection of those colors that will take you time. Last but not the least, check if you’ll be able to see the screws for attaching the wall plate of a traditional thermostat.
Remove the terminal screws again and disconnect the cables with your screwdriver. It is recommended to pull the cable from the wall in such a way that the wires are outside after you are through. It may be necessary to secure one thing on the primary wire to prevent it from sliding through the wall mount and invisibility.
Once the wires are isolated, unscrew the thermostat base and remove it from the wall mount. Next, you can look at the wall plate of the new unit to know whether you have to install the wall plate or use the old one.
6. Install the New Thermostat Replacement
When replacing an existing thermostat with a programmable thermostat or a newer and better smart thermostat, ensure you read the manufacturer’s manual first. If you have access to all the wires required in replacement you can then fix the device. Smart thermostats work using Wi-Fi connections and need a C-wire. If you can’t find one, go through the manufacturer’s guide or consult a professional for more advice.
Slide the wires through the fresh new wall plate and fix the screws into the appropriate position and fasten the wall plate tight. Of course, this is possible only if you have aligned the component properly, making sure your new thermostat doesn’t look like it’s crooked. It may be necessary to drill the wall where the existing holes do not fit your new unit type.
After that, do the wiring nicely in a way that all the wires go to the right screw terminals on the base of the new thermostat. Lastly you have to compare the previous photo taken by you along with the manufacturer instructions for the replacement of all the parts correctly. Added to this, switching up the control of the heating and cooling system can lead to costly repairing costs.
As soon as all the wires are connected, you can push them back through the wall to neat the wiring. Subsequently, install the batteries, but it is only possible if the batteries used are new ones that replace the old ones. Also, if possible, turn your attention to the polarity of each battery before continuing.
Finally, you can slide the new thermostat cover over the base and snap it on. That said, this step might change from one model to the other.
7. Restore Power and Test the New Thermostat
Go back to the breaker box and switch on the power supply of the air conditioner, furnace and thermostat. If you un-plugged the connections, plug them into their sockets and slide the switches on. If the installed unit does not power on it may be because you need to go over the steps that have been walked through in wiring the unit.
As the air conditioning, and heat systems might take some time about 5 minutes to start let the new thermostat time to activate before using the setting. You can push reset button if the thermostat is not responding before you pull everything out to start again.
If you go with programmable thermostats, you can preset the temperature that you want these devices to provide for you. Then wait awhile and then compare the reading with a standard thermometer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directive strictly until you grasp how the new thermostat works.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Replace Thermostat Units
1. Can I replace my thermostat myself?
Although the steps above are simple and easy to follow, there are risks and challenges associated with the above steps. It is actually important to learn how to thread electrical wiring independently and, therefore, no electricity shocks. Furthermore, some of the thermostats are advanced and need some technicians for installation purposes. Depending on the product you choose, you may have it in you to do it yourself.
2. Is it expensive to replace a thermostat?
The current smart thermostat models' replacement cost is between 15 to 250 dollars depending on the details of an ideal choice. Besides that regular price may be 100 to 200 dollars more charged by the professional as the work or labor required in the setting up of the new thermostat unit.
Image Source: Unsplash.com
