How To Install A Digital Programmable Thermostat

When you install a digital, programmable thermostat it gives you access to a variety of settings. You can schedule the heat to kick on exactly when you want it to and keep it off during the hours you are at work or not at home. Installing one is not only easy to do, it can ultimately save you money on your heating and cooling bills.

Step 1 – Turn off the Power

Before you remove your old thermostat, you should find the breaker that powers it and turn it off.

Step 2 – Remove the Old Thermostat

First remove the cover. Depending on the model, the cover may simply pull off or there may be screws holding it in place. With the cover off, remove the screws that hold the thermostat to the mounting plate. Carefully pull the thermostat out.

Remove the wires connected to the thermostat and wrap them around a pencil to keep them from falling through the hole in the wall. As you remove each wire, use the masking tape to label it with the letter assigned to its current terminal. Finally, remove the mounting plate.

Step 3 – Install the New Mounting Plate

Position the new thermostat's mounting plate over the hole where the wires are coming out of the wall. If the new mounting plate doesn't line up with the anchors used by the previous thermostat, make sure it is level and mark the holes where the anchors need to be inserted into the wall.

Use the cordless drill to make the necessary holes for the new anchors. Then, insert the anchors flush with the wall. Pull the thermostat wires through the hole in the mounting plate and screw the mounting plate to the wall.

Step 4 – Attach the Wires and Install the New Thermostat

In most cases, the new thermostat should have terminals with lettering that corresponds with the older thermostat's connections. If it does, then simply connect the wires to their designated terminals. If they don't match up, then look in the instruction manual that came with your new thermostat for a wiring guide.

With the thermostat wired, snap it into place on the mounting plate and insert the batteries (or vice-versa depending on the model).

Step 5 – Turn the Power Back On

Turn the breaker back on and set your thermostat to AUTO. Set the thermostat to a higher degree than what the current room temperature reads. In a few seconds, you should hear the furnace kick on. Follow the programming instructions that came with your thermostat so you can program your desired settings.

Important note – If your old thermostat featured a mercury tube, do not throw it into your regular trash. Be environmentally responsible and contact your local waste management authority to find out how to properly dispose of the unit.

Wayne McCarthy, plumbing and HVAC professional contributed to this article.