DIY: Installing a Digital Thermostat

Not too long ago, I had the old fashioned type of thermostat where you turn the dial to adjust the temperature. You never really knew exactly what the temperature was or what you had it set on, either. The marks were so tiny and each one represented 10 degrees, so it was impossible to set it on an exact temperature. Well, I got sick of it and decided to get a digital one like the thermostat installed upstairs in my house. I didn’t know how easy it was or I would’ve done it long ago. Now I know exactly what the temperature is down to the degree.

First things first, let me tell you a little about digital thermostats and what kinds there are, so you can determine what you need. By the way, I’m in no way an electrician, so this is just research I’ve located elsewhere. First you need to look at how your old thermostat is connected. If it is connected to thin wires (approx. 18 gauge) coming directly out of the wall, it is most likely a low-voltage system, which should not present a shock hazard. But if the thermostat is wired into an electrical box or has wires thicker than a pencil lead, then it’s probably running off 120-volt current. Don’t try to replace it until you’ve consulted with a licensed electrician. Most homes have conventional heating and cooling systems and these types of thermostats are the easiest to find and install. However, you may have a heat pump or multiple sources of heating or cooling. For those types of systems, consult an electrician, because I have no idea how to install those.

Moving on to your options, there’s a wide variety of choices in digital thermostats. You can have a programmable one where you can set the temperature for each day of the week and specific times. This helps save energy costs because you can set the temperature higher in the warmer months, or lower in the cooler months, during the day while you are gone. Then pick a time an hour or so before you should come back home, and set the temperature at which you will be comfortable when you arrive. Another feature is auto changeover, which means the thermostat automatically changes over from heating to cooling, or vice versa, when the seasons change. You can also get one with a back lighted display, so that its easy to read in the dark. Some even let you know when its time to change your air filter, which is a very nice feature to have because that is something easy to forget.

Now, the installation of your digital thermostat is pretty simple. All of them come with easy instructions and it takes maybe 10 minutes and a screwdriver to complete. First, turn off the circuit breaker for the old thermostat, so that no power is going to it. This is extremely important because you don’t want to electrocute yourself. Next, remove the cover from the old thermostat and unscrew it from the wall. Don’t disconnect the wires yet. First, mark each wire with the letter that should be printed on the back of the thermostat. Once you have them marked, disconnect the wires from the old thermostat, but make sure they don’t fall back in the wall.

Get the new digital thermostat out and make sure there is a battery installed, otherwise it won’t work. Position the new thermostat base flush with the wall and attach with screws. Thread the wires from the wall through the base of the new thermostat, then insert and tighten the mounting screws. Connect the wires to the screw terminals according to the manufacturer’s instructions, matching the masking-tape labels to the letters on the terminals. Last, turn the electricity back on , and test the thermostat to confirm that the furnace and air conditioner cycle on and off at the appropriate settings.

Now that your new digital thermostat is installed, all you have to do is program it, if that is a feature you selected, and relax. I know it sounds like several steps, but trust me, if I can do it, a cave man can do it. (Hopefully, there aren’t any cave men reading this. )