How to Change and Replace a Thermostat?
Bought a new thermostat but just don’t know how to replace the old one with the new one? Nothing to worry about because this article has you covered. Follow these simple steps and you will be able to change and replace your thermostat in a matter of time.
Those of you who don’t know what a thermostat is let me just quickly brush up your knowledge. It is basically a device that regulates temperature or in much simpler terms it keeps the temperature same or steady, making sure it’s not too hot or too cold.
Step 1: always be prepared!
First things first, you need to power off the thermostat first before you change or replace your thermostat. Switch it off from the circuit box as it will minimize any kind of injuries that may occur as we ‘play’ with wires in the upcoming steps. Definitely best to be safe than sorry
Step 2: Remove the old thermostat
Now, you might need a screwdriver for this step as you unloosen the screws of the old thermostat. You need to unplug the entire thermostat revealing a bunch of wires connected with each other.
Pro tip: It is recommended to snap a picture of how the wires are connected to each other; this will allow you to remember how to wire the new thermostat.
Step 3: Loosen the wires
This step may depend on the type of thermostat that you have. However, the basic task here is to loosen the wires of the old thermostat until you are left with a bunch of disconnected wires.
Pro tip: in order to make sure the wires don’t slide back down the wall, you can always have a pencil wrapped around them with tape which will prevent them from moving around or sliding away.
Step 4: Attach the new thermostat’s plate
Place the plate where the previous plate was, make sure all the wires are properly out of the plate’s hole before you drill holes to fix the plate into place. Hold the thermostat plate properly aligning it straight before you tighten it.
Step 5: Time to use the picture!
This is where we thank God for living in the 21st century because let’s face it; our memories cannot be relied upon. In this step, you connect the wires the way they were previously connected. However, it isn’t that difficult to connect the wires as the mounting plate has letters written on it which indicate which colored wires will be connected. For example ‘G’ stands for green so the green wire will be connected to it.
Pro tip: Do not try to cross the wires, if you are still unsure; do call a professional electrician for assistance.
Step 6: Time to test!
This is where you place the front cover of the thermostat fixing it in place and adjusting it properly. Lastly, you switch the power back on from the circuit box and check if it’s working as it should.
