How to Install a Programmable Thermostat

Replacing your old thermostat with a programmable thermostat can save you as much as 35% in yearly energy cost. Before going to your home center to purchase one, examine your old one to ensure you buy a compatible thermostat.

Most programmable thermostats control both heat and air. If your thermostat is only for heat you can still use a programmable thermostat that controls heat and air. For heat only you will most likely have only two wires to connect to your new thermostat.

Material and Tools:

Programmable Thermostat
Screwdriver
Long Nose Pliers
Wire Cutters
Masking Tape

Step1:
Turn off power to your Heat and AC unit. Remove the cover from your thermostat and then remove the thermostat from its mounting plate.

Step2:
Label each wire with masking tape with the screw terminal location and then remove wires from screw terminals. Remove thermostat mounting plate.

Step3:
Thread the wires through the new mounting plate of the programmable thermostat and then mount plate to wall.

Step4:
Using the manufacture's installation instructions of the programmable thermostat connect the wires to the new thermostat.

Step5:
Mount the programmable thermostat to the mounting plate. Proceed to program thermostat according to manufacture's instructions.