If your home’s thermostat has not been functioning as well as you would want to or it’s old, you should get a new one. There are two ways you can go about it: hire a furnace service provider to do the replacement or do it yourself.

While you save money by installing the unit by yourself, it comes with plenty of risks. For example, if you don’t properly install the unit, you risk suffering from electrical shock, blowing the circuit breaker, damaging the thermostat unit, the electrical system, or even the furnace unit.

While installing the thermostat by yourself is risky, it doesn’t mean it’s undoable. If you are willing to brave the risks, here are the steps on how to replace an old thermostat.

Step 1: Purchase the replacement thermostat

You can’t install a thermostat you don’t have, can you? So, the first thing to do is to head to the stores or online and buy a new thermostat. The new unit should be high quality and with a high energy star rating.

The unit should also be from a reputable brand, which gives you peace of mind that it will give you a great service and last for a long time. If you aren’t sure about the unit you should go for, get the input of an expert.

Step 2: Shut the power off

To avoid getting electrocuted, shut the power to your furnace at the circuit breaker box.

Step 3: Remove the old thermostat from the wall

Most thermostats are easy to remove from the wall, as all you need to do is to slide them upward from where they are attached to the wall. If the unit is attached with screws, you simply need to loosen them and remove the thermostat.

If your thermostat is unique and requires customized instructions to remove it, refer to the original thermostat documentation or search for the manual online.

Step 4: Disconnect the wires and pay attention to how they are done

How you connect the wires is vital as it determines whether the thermostat will work when you reconnect it or you will damage it.

To ensure you don’t confuse the wires, write a letter on each wire matching the letter of the connection on the base of the thermostat.

You can even have an easy time by taking photos of the wires so you make the right connections.

Step 5: Install the replacement wall plate

Using the new wall plate to mark the areas you need to drill for the screws, drill the holes and screw the replacement wall plate into the new position on the wall.

When drilling the holes, ensure the new holes match the size of your screws.

Step 6: Hook your thermostat to the wires

Using the labels or photos you took, reconnect the wires to the thermostat. For best results, follow the instructions on the manual given by the manufacturer.

Your thermostat should have the same corresponding code on the back. Some thermostats are as simple as a two-wire system while others have 5. If you have empty ports or connections, don’t fret as your thermostat is most likely okay.

Step 7: Place the thermostat on the wall

Once all the wires are in place, place the thermostat flush against the wall, slightly above the wall plate. You should slide it such that it catches the grooves or screws on the wall plate for it to sit in place.

If your thermostat isn’t in a good place such that it’s in an area where it’s exposed to heat and other materials, contact a heating service repair Long Beach and have the wires moved.

Step 8: Activate the power

If you are happy with the location of the thermostat, put the power back on and install the batteries. Set the new unit and confirm everything is working properly.

You should note that some thermostats will require you to hit the reset button for them to work, so do it.

Step 9: Program the thermostat

Installed a programmable thermostat? You are in luck, as it will save you a lot of time and money. Program the thermostat to be cooler when you aren’t in the house and to heat the house when you are there.