DIY: How to Install a New Thermostat

Installing a thermostat is something that can be done with little skill other than being able to read in most circumstances. These days with people worrying about their utility bills some people have looked into installing digital thermostats. This can pay for itself the first month or two. These thermostats are more accurate than the traditional thermostats and they can be set to come off and on at different times of the day. This is what makes a digital programmable thermostat a much needed addition to any home.

Tools needed for proper installation: screw drivers small Phillip's and flat head, wire strippers, and needle nose pliers.

The first thing to do is pull the breakers to the heating and cooling unit. This will keep one from shorting out the transformer.

Purchase a new digital thermostat. The next thing to do sis take off the front cover this can be done by pulling it easily. The thermostat will have a base and a sub base; the sub base will be the next part to remove. Usually there are four screws to remove sometimes they are recessed, so a small screw driver will be necessary to use. Turn the screws counter clockwise until the base is loose then lift it off out of the way.

Now one should be looking at the base there should be wires that are attached by screws. Usually white, yellow, red, green I would like to tell you that the wires are always color coded on a thermostat or they are easily recognizable this is not always the case. Unless they are color coded and easily recognizable I would put some kind of tape on each on e as it is removed for identification. After the old base is unscrewed from the wall and the wires all disconnected it is time to put the new thermostat base on. Place it on the wall mark the holes screw it down making sure wires are through the large hole in the middle of the new thermostat. Make sure the top of the base is centered where it is supposed to be so the thermostat will not be crooked. .

After the base is attached proceed to hook up the wires green back to green and so forth. There may be two possible places tom put the red wire, this is usually bridged and they are connected together so it usually does not matter.

Next step put on the sub base by lining it up and screwing it down. Then put the cover on the front. The next step would be to turn the power back on to heating and cooling units. Read the owners manual and it will tell you step by step how to program new Digital Thermostat test the unit on both cool and heat before finishing. The new thermostat is up and will last for several years giving accurate readings.