How to install a new thermostat?

If you’re looking to cut your energy bills and make your house much more comfortable, installing a new thermostat is a great place to start. The most expensive energy in your house comes from heating and cooling it. A smart thermostat can adjust to weather patterns, your presence in the home, timers, etc., and it can save you money on your bills. How cool is that?

Whether you want to save money, save energy, or just be able to control your heating and air conditioning from your phone, this article will walk you through the process of installing a smart thermostat in six easy steps.

How to determine if you can install a smart thermostat yourself?

Not all smart thermostats are DIY-friendly. There are a few things you should look for when determining if your installation is something you can handle or if you need to call in an expert:

Is the new thermostat compatible. With your home’s current HVAC system?

Is your thermostat is battery-operated or requires hardwiring?

Is there a C-wire in your current thermostat?

Will the app work with your phone/ mobile device?

What tools will you need?

Once you’ve determined that your thermostat is compatible and that you can install it yourself, the next step is gathering your supplies. Here are a few things that may come in handy during the installation process:

Screwdriver
Wall anchors
Faceplates
Trim plates
Electric drill/ driver
Wire strippers
Levelers
Wire nuts
Marker
Electrical tape

Steps to install a new smart thermostat

Installing a new thermostat can be intimidating, but the process is pretty straightforward if you follow these steps.

Pick a good location for your smart thermostat

The first step to installing a smart thermostat is to choose a good location. A good spot is one where the temperature readings will be accurate. The best place is where the heating and cooling ducts aren’t exposed to extreme temperature changes, where there’s a good WiFi signal, and out of direct sunlight.

Find a level surface away from high traffic areas. It should also be easily accessible to adjust as necessary.

Turn Off the Power of your main circuit box

Before you begin any installation, make sure the power is turned off. You don’t want to risk electrical shock. To do this, you will need to find the breaker for the whole house. It may be labeled on your circuitry box and if you don’t know how to do that, consult with an electrician.

Install Thermostat Base Plate

Mount the base plate of your new smart thermostat on the wall according to manufacturer instructions. Check that it’s level with a carpenter’s level before tightening screws. The base plate sits flush against the wall and acts as a lever point for easy installation.

Connect your smart thermostat to its baseplate.

Once the smart thermostat is in place, you need to connect the smart thermostat to its baseplate. You can do this by lifting the thermostat into position snap the thermostat into place.

If your thermostat has a battery backup, install batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Attach wires to the new thermostat

Connect the thermostat wires to the appropriate terminals on the unit, following your manual’s instructions. Ensure any unused wires are capped with wire nuts and securely tucked into the wall plate.

The C-wire or common wire is almost always required to power your smart thermostat. If you don’t currently have a C-wire and need one, you can consult a professional for help.

Turn on the electricity and test out your new smart thermostat.

Now that your thermostat is connected make sure that the electricity is on. Test out your thermostat to ensure it’s properly connected to your Wi-Fi and syncing.

Then program your smart thermostat to adjust temperatures automatically based on your preferences.

Congratulations! once you’ve set up your smart thermostat by the given process, you will prepare your home for energy efficiency.

But what if things go wrong? You might need a more advanced solution for installing your smart thermostat in some cases. Professional installation will ensure everything is installed correctly and can offer you essential advice from someone who has experience with smart thermostats. Plus, you’ll save time and cost in dealing with faulty installation.

Summing up

Thermostats are the brain behind your home’s heating and cooling system. A good thermostat can make your life much easier, and when you consider the ROI, they’re an easy-to-install upgrade that could save you a lot of time. If you’re already overwhelmed but want to install one right away, we recommend the tado ° smart thermostat. It’s intuitive, easy to use, and it can save you up to 31 percent on your heating and cooling bill.