Changing your old, outdated Thermostat for a new smart model is a simple process that anyone can do. If you want to change your old Thermostat, you can do this easily by yourself, or also you can go to any Thermostat Installation service provider. If you want to do it yourself, then just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be up and running in no time:
1. Switch On Your HVAC System
Before you take down your old Thermostat, switch off the entire HVAC system by turning off the breaker panel. (Your system could have multiple breakers.) It will shut off the power supply to your Thermostat and prevent the possibility of damaging your system’s electrical components while working with the wires of the Thermostat.
2. Take Off the Faceplate
It is necessary to take off the faceplate on the old Thermostat to look at the low-voltage wiring and the Backplate. It will pop off with only a tiny amount of effort. If it doesn’t, do not try to force it. There may be a screw that is hidden or two that you’ll need to get rid of first (look under the surface). If not, you should consult your HVAC technician or electrician.
Some thermostats have stickers that identify the wires by putting the code at the ends of their terminals. Put them on before disconnecting the wires.
3. Unscrew the Backplate
It’s now time to take those thermostat cables from your Backplate. Your model may have to remove small screws that keep the wires in place or press tabs with a pen to unwind the wires. For the Backplate, use a screwdriver to take out the screws holding it onto the wall.
4. Include a C-Wire (Optional)
If your Thermostat already has a C wire, you’ll be able to do this without a problem. If not, you’ll require a second wire acting as the common wire that powers the Thermostat. “We suggest using a C-wire for powering your thermostat because this is the easiest method”, Galeotafiore explains.
Certain thermostat manufacturers, such as Eco bee, Google, and Honeywell Home, create adaptations for smart thermostats. It allows you to connect a C-wire and occasionally offers it along with the Thermostat. An alternative is to purchase and install an external “add-a-wire” adapter. The adapters come with detailed instructions, and we recommend adhering to them according to the guidelines.
5. Make use of the new Back plate as a Template
Make use of the Thermostat’s Backplate and a pencil to draw a line on the wall. Make holes on the lines for backplate screws with a small drill and a drill. (Install wall anchors if required.) Make sure you run the thermostat wires through the Backplate before screwing it to the wall.
6. Reconnect the wires
After the Backplate has been securely connected to the Backplate, join the Thermostat’s wires on the appropriate terminals. This procedure should be simple if you have labelled the wires using stickers. If not, refer to the diagram of the wiring on the Backplate of your old one for a match between the wires and their terminals.
7. Set up the New Faceplate
After you have the wiring installed and the Thermostat in place, you should be able to connect the faceplate of the new Thermostat to the Backplate. If it cannot be attached easily, do not force it. Wires may get in the way. Put them back on the wall before attempting to connect the faceplate once more.
You can now switch on the breaker to the HVAC system. It will turn off the Thermostat’s power, and it will then begin to boot. (Yes, smart thermostats boot just like the laptop you use.)
8. It is necessary to connect the Thermostat to the Wi-Fi
After your new smart Thermostat is powered on, it’ll guide you through a sequence of instructions to connect it to Wi-Fi and to set up its smartphone app companion.
I hope this Thermostat changing guide helps you. And If you are looking for a new Thermostat Installation service, you can visit Smart Thermostat Installation.