From straightforward digital thermostats with easy-to-read displays for accurate settings, to smart thermostats that adjust cooling and heating based on real-time energy prices, thermostats available today put homeowners in charge of energy expenditures and comfort. Find out how thermostats are changed in a house to upgrade your control of energy bills and home comfort.

How to remove a thermostat

You’ll be working with electrical wires, so turn off the power to the thermostat and cooling and/or heating system at the circuit panel as a safety precaution. Once you’ve turned off the power, follow these steps:

Remove the cover of your old thermostat. It may either snap off or slide up to be removed.

• The terminals that the wires are connected to should be labeled with letters. Write down the letter and tape it to each wire. It’s best not to rely on color-coded wires when connecting the new thermostat.
• Loosen the wire terminals, remove the wires and wrap the wires around a pencil to prevent them from disappearing inside the wall.
• Remove the screws holding the wall plate.

How to install the new thermostat

If your old thermostat was installed in a good location, you’ll simply install the new thermostat in the same spot. The thermostat should be about 5 feet above the floor, and away from direct sunlight, entry doors and supply outlets and return grilles.

• Place the wall plate of the new thermostat over the same spot as the old thermostat. If the holes line up, you can skip the next three steps.
• Use a level to align the new thermostat plate. Use a pencil to mark where the screws are installed.
• Use a 1/8-inch drill bit to make the new holes in the wall.
• Lightly tap wall anchors into the holes with a hammer.
• Pull the wires through the wall plate.
• Firmly attach the plate to the wall with the screws.
• Match the wires to the wire terminals and tighten them.
• Attach the thermostat to the wall plate.
• Turn on the power at the circuit panel.
• Test cooling and heating modes of your new thermostat.

For more details about how thermostats are changed in a house, call Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating in North Texas.