How to Install a Thermostat

If you make the smart decision to replace a thermostat, you can lower your utility bills, ensure more comfortable temperatures for you and your family, and even increase your home value. Fortunately, it only takes an hour or two to install a thermostat. Best of all, you may do so on your own without any fancy tools or equipment. Here’s everything you need to know about thermostat installation.

What You’ll Need

First and foremost, gather all the tools you’ll need. Chances are you already have most of them at home and won’t have to buy anything extra. Find a screwdriver and level. Since the installation will require you to label the wires, don't forget masking tape and a permanent market.

What to Do

As long as you follow these steps, your new thermostat should be good to go in no time.

Turn Off the Power

Before you do anything, shut the power off to your existing thermostat. To do so, you’ll want to find the circuit breaker that’s intended for your heating and air conditioning system at the main service panel. Hopefully, it’s clearly labeled.

Remove the Old Thermostat

Once you turn off the breaker, remove the cover plate from the old thermostat. It should easily pop off after you apply a bit of pressure. Then, use a screwdriver to take the body of the old thermostat from the wall.

Label the Wires

While labeling the wires isn’t required, it will make your life so much easier. Write on a small piece of masking tape and tape it to each wire. You can keep things simple and jot down a single letter that explains where to attach each specific wire to the old thermostat.

Disconnect the Wires

After your wires are labeled, disconnect them from the old thermostat. Be extra careful during this step. If the wires do disappear behind the wall, it will be time-consuming and tedious to sort them out. You can tape them to the wall or wrap them around a pen or pencil.

Install a C-Wire If Necessary

Smart thermostats come with common wires or C-wires, which offer continuous flow to the thermostat but don’t turn your other appliances on or off. If you’re replacing the smart thermostat with another one, you can skip this step. However, if you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll need to find the C-wire or install a new one. You can always call an electrician to help you with the installation.

Install the New Base and Wire

Next, install the base and wire of the new thermostat. To do so, loosen the mounting screws and remove the existing base. Then, separate the front of the new thermostat from the base. Thread the low-voltage wires through the opening of the new base. Use a level to ensure your thermostat is aligned correctly.

Use the screws that came with the thermostat to mount the base on the wall. Connect the low-voltage wires to the right screw terminals on the new base. Be sure to look at the new thermostat’s manual if your connections don’t match. Don’t forget to tighten the connections and install the batteries in the body.

Mount Thermostat and Turn On Power

Push the excess wires back into the wall opening and plug the hole with a fire-resistant material to mount the base. Then, use screws to mount the control unit to the base. Turn the power back on and press the reset button. Last but not least, program the thermostat using the directions in the owner’s manual.

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Written by: Anna Baluch