Buzz
Thermostats are present in nearly every home, but have you ever stopped to consider how they function?
HSWMechanical thermostats consume more electricity compared to their digital counterparts due to their inherent inaccuracy. They tend to keep the temperature higher than the set value and allow it to dip lower before reactivating the heater, consuming extra power in the process.
On the other hand, a digital thermostat offers more precise control and efficiency, leading to reduced energy usage [source: DIY Doctor].
To swap a traditional wall-mounted thermostat for a digital, programmable one, here’s what you’ll need:
- A digital programmable thermostat
- A screwdriver
- A pencil or dowel
- A cordless drill (optional) [source: Donovan]
Follow these steps to replace your old thermostat:
- Turn off the thermostat's circuit breaker.
- Remove the cover of the thermostat by pulling it off or unscrewing it, depending on your model.
- Unscrew the mounting screws and gently detach the thermostat from the mounting plate.
- Label each wire according to the symbol or letter corresponding to its thermostat terminal.
- Disconnect the wires from the thermostat and wrap them around the pencil or dowel to prevent them from slipping back into the wall. Important: If there’s a mercury tube in the thermostat, don’t throw it away. Contact your local waste management service for safe disposal instructions.
- Take down the mounting plate from the wall.
- Place the new mounting plate over the hole. If the screw holes don't align with the existing anchors, hold the plate in place, mark new holes with the pencil, drill the holes, and insert fresh anchors.
- Thread the wires through the mounting plate and secure the plate firmly to the wall using screws.
- Check the markings on the thermostat's terminals. If they match the wire labels, connect the wires to the respective terminals. If the symbols differ, consult the installation or user’s guide for wiring instructions.
- Attach the thermostat onto the mounting plate and insert the batteries. Note: Some models may require you to reverse this procedure.
- Turn the circuit breaker back on.
- Set the thermostat to Auto and adjust the temperature to a higher setting than the current room temperature. The heater should activate within a few seconds.
- Program the thermostat as instructed in the user’s manual [source: Donovan].
