Encyclopedia

of Home Improvements

*Installing a Programmable Thermostat*

A programmable thermostat is a temperature-sensitive device that lets you choose the temperature to be maintained in one or several rooms of your home during different times of the day. ENERGY STAR labeled programmable thermostats are easy to use and can significantly improve heating and cooling comfort in your home by keeping room temperature within 2 degrees F of your desired temperature. They are designed to help save money on your utility bill and reduce energy waste. When used properly, an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat can cut your heating and cooling bills by 20-30 percent annually.

Read the instructions with the new unit BEFORE starting the installation. There are so many different units on the market and while they may share some of the same characteristics, there will be something different about each one.

Here are the basics:

Turn off the power supply to the thermostat.

Remove the old thermostat, including the wall plate. Older thermostats with glass tubes contain mercury. Use caution when handling and check with your local recycling company for disposal instructions.

Take note as to how your old thermostat was wired and label the wires if necessary. Your thermostat will have two or four wires depending on whether your heating and cooling systems are separate or one unit. Secure them (tie into a loop or tape them to the wall) to keep them from falling back into the wall.

Install the new wall plate, if there is one. You may need to drill new holes for the new model. Use a level to mark where the holes are to be drilled. Use drywall anchors, if necessary.

Connect the wires as directed by the instructions that come with your particular unit. Follow these instructions carefully. Install batteries, if needed.

Mount the unit to the wall plate.

Restore power and program the new thermostat as directed. Be patient, sometimes they take a little trial and error to understand.

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