How To Install A Digital Programmable Thermostat

By Dave Donovan

In a perfect world, the nights would be cool to allow us a wonderful sleep and in the morning, as we wake, we will be gently warmed so our sensitive feet won't shrivel as they touch the icy floor. Believe it or not, this ideal scenario is entirely possible when you replace your old, outdated thermostat with one that is programmable. With a variety of settings, you can schedule the heat to kick on exactly when you want it to or keep it off during the hours you are at work or not at home. 

Installing a digital programmable thermostat is not only easy to do, but it can ultimately save you money on your heating and cooling bills. All you need is the new thermostat, a screwdriver, a pencil and possibly, a cordless drill. Here are the steps to installing a new digital thermostat.

1. Before you remove your old thermostat, you should find the breaker that powers it and turn it off. 
2. Next, you will need to remove the existing thermostat. You will have to first remove the cover. Depending on the model, the cover may simply pull off or there may be screws holding it in place.
3. With the cover off, remove the screws that hold the thermostat to the mounting plate. Carefully pull the thermostat out.
4. Remove the wires that are 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, label it with the letter assigned to its current terminal.
5. Next, remove the mounting plate.
6. 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 will need to be inserted into the wall.
7. Use the cordless drill to make the necessary holes for the new anchors. Then, insert the anchors flush with the wall.
8. Pull the thermostat wires through the hole in the mounting plate and screw the mounting plate to the wall.
9. 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.
10. With the thermostat wired, snap it into place on the mounting plate and insert the batteries (or vice-versa depending on the model).
11. 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.
12. Lastly, 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.

Dave Donovan is a freelance copywriter living in Atco, NJ.  An electrician for 15 years, an injury forced him to pursue his true passion - writing.