How to wire a home thermostat

Installing or replacing a wall thermostat

Homeowners should feel at ease, after all it's fairly easy to wire a home thermostat. In fact the entire process can be completed in less than an hour. 

For those home owners who are not the do it yourself types or if installation requires more than just replacing the wall mounted thermostat then consider contacting a local HVAC professional.

It's important to note that before selecting the best programmable thermostat for your home, make a note of the brand name and model number of your old residential thermostat. This will ensure that your new programmable thermostat is compatible with your home heating and cooling systems.  

Before replacing a wall mounted thermostat

Turn off all the power to both the heating and cooling system. This can done very easily by turning off the labeled breaker switch for both. If the switches are not labeled then play it safe and turn of the main breaker for the entire home.

Remove the old thermostat

• Removing the face panel of a thermostat at most requires removing a few screws. In fact some models just simply pop off. 

• Unscrew the base plate or wire harness from the wall. By unscrewing the base plate you are removing the wires from the base.

• This is very important. Carefully label each wire with masking tape to identify which terminal or screw location they previously came from (B, R, W, and Y).

• After the base is completely removed and all the wires (2 to 4 wires) are labeled then throw away that old residential thermostat.

Installing, wire a home thermostat

• Remove the front panel of your new thermostat. Most new programmable thermostats have push button release tabs that easily separate the base from the front panel.

• Screw the base plate into the wall, in some instances new screw holes will be needed in the wall.

• The packaging or instructions should have a label, diagram or chart displaying the proper location for each wire.

• Connect the 2 to 4 wires to their corresponding screws and tighten the screws.

• Pop in or place on the new front panel and dont forget to add batteries.

• Also dont forget to preset or program daily and weekly temperature setbacks and setups to meet your climate control needs and enjoy your new energy saving thermostat.
  

Many older thermostats contain mercury

It's important to note that many older residential thermostats do contain mercury and mercury, when accumulated in large amounts, is a serious health and environmental risk. 

So don't simply trash your old thermostat. Earth 911 is an excellent site that will help you find a free local recycling center.