In most cases, installing a new thermostat is a relatively simple do-it-yourself project that can result in improved comfort and convenience and one that can help you save energy.
All you need are a few tools such as screwdriver and voltage meter. You can choose to install an analog, digital or smart thermostat. Although it can require a higher upfront investment, it's worth your time to find out how to replace a thermostat with a programmable digital option.
No! If you have the tools required, you should be able to replace a thermostat yourself. There are instructions with the new thermostat that will tell you exactly how to do it but if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can hire a local handyman, HVAC tech or electrician.
Yes, a thermostat can be replaced without replacing the entire heating system, as they function independently. Many modern thermostats are compatible with a wide range of heating systems, including older ones, provided they share the same wiring setup.
Not dangerous at all. The hazards are that an old thermostat isn't connected with all the wires you need for your new thermostat. To begin with, some do NOT supply power to the thermostat at all. That means you can't install a programmable thermostat UNLESS it is battery operated.
Upgrading to a new thermostat can feel daunting, but with a systematic approach, it's a manageable DIY project. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and successful installation.
If you wire a thermostat wrong, you may damage the thermostat, the electrical system, or the HVAC unit itself, which makes the entire installation process more frustrating. You may find yourself testing thermostat wires for hours, trying to get them right.
Look at Voltage Requirements
Most homes use either low-voltage systems or high-voltage systems. Low voltage systems are the most common for residential HVAC units. If your system is powered by low voltage (usually 24V), you'll need a thermostat that works with low voltage systems.
The Lifespan of a Thermostat
On average, most thermostats last about 10 years, depending on the model, usage, and proper maintenance. However, many people decide to replace their unit sooner to take advantage of new energy-saving technologies.
The cost of thermostat installation can vary depending on several factors, including the type of thermostat, the complexity of the installation, and your location. On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for professional installation by an electrician.
Know Your Equipment & Your Wiring
Not all thermostats are compatible with existing HVAC systems, especially smart thermostats! Some thermostats work only with furnaces and air conditioners, for example. Others may be designed to monitor heat pumps or multiple-stage heating and cooling systems.
HVAC repair pros are a good option if you're looking for someone to replace a thermostat. In fact, you may find that many thermostat installers work with an HVAC company. Plus, by hiring an HVAC expert to replace your thermostat, you can also book an HVAC inspection at the same time.
Installing the thermostat yourself is an easy task that will typically take about an hour from start to finish. Additionally, many available models are low cost — some are under $25 — and the savings gained from the thermostat will help the device pay for itself in a relatively short amount of time.
The cost to install a thermostat is $182 on average, but you could pay between $113 and $264. Thermostats play an important role in our daily lives, cooling us down during the sweltering summer heat and keeping us warm and cozy during winter.
You cannot install a thermostat DIY as even in the case of a wireless thermostat, some degree of electrical work is needed. Therefore, the installation and setup must be left to a qualified professional. Instead, by connecting, we mean wirelessly connecting your thermostat and boiler to establish communication.
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home is controlled by your thermostat. If your thermostat isn't working, your furnace, whole-house fan, and AC unit are probably not functioning correctly, either.
One of the lesser-known issues is the polar opposite of overheating. Overcooling happens when the engine does not reach the right temperature for its normal function. In this scenario, the thermostat is stuck open and overflows the radiator with coolant, drastically reducing the engine life cycle.
Before installing a new thermostat, you must check your home's compatibility. Houses are wired in two ways, line voltage, and low voltage, and you'll want to buy a thermostat that will operate with your particular heating and cooling system. Therefore, choosing the right digital thermostats is important.
Standard thermostats: Enlist a friend or family member to assist, Position one person by the thermostat and one person by the furnace. Slowly turn the thermostat from off to heat and increase the temperature. Both the thermostat and furnace should make a sound.
A mismatched thermostat can damage the HVAC system and the electrical system. The clash between the instructions from the thermostat's computer algorithms with the HVAC system can harm components. (And if you add in a possible wiring error, things get even worse.)
A bad thermostat can be detected when your AC or furnace is not turning on, your HVAC systems are not turning off, the thermostat not responding, your HVAC system is short-cycling, the room temperature not matching the temperature displayed on the thermostat, and the programmed setting resetting themselves.