Older thermostats are inefficient because they operate at one setting all day long. You can save on your utility bills by installing a programmable thermostat that enables you to determine what times of day your heater or air conditioner will operate. Materials:
One or two standard screwdrivers
Drill and drill bit
Optional: level
Screws and dry-wall anchors
Programmable thermostat
Safety goggles
- Disconnect the power to the thermostat, and remove the thermostat cover.
- Locate the wires from the furnace, and remove them. Note how the original wires are connected (figure A), and label them with the labels supplied with the new thermostat.
- Remove the body of the thermostat.
- Spread the wires apart to prevent them from falling behind the wall.
- Remove the base from the new thermostat, and use it as a template for marking mounting holes on the wall. Drill pilot holes.
- Feed the wires through the base of the thermostat, and secure it to the wall with screws (figure B). If you're mounting the thermostat in dry wall, use the dry-wall anchors that come with the thermostat kit.
- Attach the labeled wires to the corresponding terminals on the base (figure C). Follow the wiring instructions carefully: color codes may not apply.
- Fill the hole around the wires with a piece of insulation or paper towel (figure D). This prevents drafts, which could affect the performance of the thermostat.
- Finish by attaching the thermostat to the base.
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