DIY Network

Improving Home Energy Efficiency: Insulation, Weatherproofing and Programmable Thermostat A Florida couple learns how to lower their utility bills and beat the heat. From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-111

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A programmable thermostat lets you schedule when you want to maximize comfort, then reduces system operation when it's not needed—such as when nobody's home.

Fix #3: Update System With Programmable Thermostat

Home inspector Wally Conway offers homeowners Stuart and Sarah Sloan advice on how to reduce energy loss in their home. One of his suggestinos is to install a digital programmable thermostat to make better use of energy for cooling and heating a home. In that way, the thermostat can automatically reduce energy consumption at times during the day when cooling or heating to within your "comfort zones" is less critical.

Materials:

screwdriver
programmable thermostat
level

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Steps:

• First, turn off the power at the electrical panel.

• Then, remove the face plate and batteries of the existing thermostat (figure A).

• Next, disconnect the control wires with a small screwdriver. Once the wires are disconnected, remove the back plate of the old thermostat (figure B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• With the old one removed, we can now install the new thermostat by attaching the new back plate and screwing it into place. Check to make sure that it’s straight with a level (figure C).

• Attach the control wires to the new unit. Follow the color coded guide to ensure proper wiring. Add the batteries and snap the face plate back on (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

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RESOURCES :

Fiberglass Insulation (Owens Corning)
www.owenscorning.com

Honeywell Programmable Thermostat, model #RTH6300B1056
www.honeywell.com