How to Replace an Existing Thermostat with a Smart Room Thermostat?

You’ve decided to upgrade your HVAC system with a smart thermostat, but installing it has been more challenging than the vendor had promised. Do they sound familiar? Numerous families are having the same issue. It’s not hard to make the swap if you follow the instructions carefully. You need to take down the old thermostat, reconnect the wires in the correct order to the new smart thermostat, and then install it. After getting the right app, you can set up your smart thermostat. This article will describe the steps you need to take to upgrade to a smart thermostat.

Consult the Instruction Manual For All sorts of room thermostats

With so many models on the market and so many similarities across thermostats, it is essential to read the handbook. Before pulling out the equipment and beginning the project, you should sit down and study the handbook cover to cover. Similar to making a cake, you do not want to learn you need a certain tool or additional time halfway through the process. 

Turn off Your HVAC Equipment 

Before doing anything else, make sure the thermostat and air conditioner are unplugged. If you’re just checking out the current setup before heading to the hardware store, you might not even have to worry about losing your settings because many thermostats have a battery backup. 

Make that the power is on at the main service panel.  Get in touch with an electrical or local thermostat installation if you have any doubts about turning off power to your HVAC system and thermostat.

Remove the Faceplate of the Room Thermostat 

With the power turned off, you may access the thermostat’s internals by removing the front panel. For most devices, you can open the display by pinching its sides and pulling it toward you. Make sure your new model is compatible with the voltage specifications listed on the back of the front panel.

Examine and Label Existing Wires 

At this stage, the wires linked to the present thermostat should be visible. Do not eliminate them just yet. 

There may only be two wires available right now if you’re replacing an older thermostat. There are five wires needed for a smart thermostat, and one of them is the Common wire. Now is a good time to check in with professionals to make sure you have all you need for your project. Either a C-wire, an electrical extension kit, or a 24-volt converter can be set up. 

There should be five wires behind faceplate if you have the C-wire, but you should double-check the labeling just to be sure. 

In any case, take pictures of the cables and how they connect to the power supply. Due to the fact that not all cables are color-coded, you will need to give each one a descriptive name. Use small pieces of masking tape to identify each wire with the letter that corresponds to its existing connection.

Separate Wires 

Remove the wires from the present thermostat by unscrewing them with a little screw bit or by pushing the relevant button. The configuration will depend on the system’s age and kind. 

Important tip: When disconnecting the wires from the thermostat, ensure that they do not fall back into the wall. You can temporarily attach them to a pencil or the wall using masking tape before moving on to the next step. 

Eliminate the Baseplate 

Unscrew the base plate and pull it away from the wall with care. Again, ensure that the wires do not slip into the wall when you thread them through the aperture of the previous baseplate. Replace the tapes if necessary. 

Prepare a New Baseplate 

Determine whether there are any spots behind your old room thermostat that require repair. If the new plate does not completely cover the old region, you may need to smooth it out with paint or spackle. 

It is also essential to ensure that your thermostat is level. Even though modern thermostats do not utilize mercury, it is preferable to have a level display. Some versions include an integrated level for simple installation, however, you may alternatively utilize a tiny additional level. 

Attach the New Base to the Wall 

Drill the screws into the newly designated holes on the new baseplate, then thread the wire bundle through. If you’re working with drywall, you should secure the base of the screws first, then tighten them with a screwdriver.

Connect the New Wires. 

Attaching new wires to your thermostat varies somewhat by model. By including tiny buttons, many modern systems make it fairly simple for homeowners to install their own systems. Simply click the button to release the connection and insert the matching wire beneath it. In some instances, it may be necessary to connect the wires to tiny screw terminals. 

If you are unsure of how your old wiring should connect with your new system based on the handbook, you should halt and contact an expert. 

Depending on the directions in your handbook, you should now be able to replace the batteries in your thermostat. Some systems, although not all, use batteries as an additional power source. 

Mount the New Face Plate for the Thermostat 

Install the replacement faceplate by snapping or screwing it on according to the system’s instructions. Verify that everything is correctly affixed to the wall and in the correct position. 

Restore HVAC Function 

One of the biggest reasons to have a professional install your smart thermostat is to guarantee that your system is operating at peak efficiency. When it comes to thermostat installation, placement, settings, and wiring make all the difference in the world. If your thermostat is not properly positioned, its readings will not correspond to your home’s real temperature, leading to greater heating and cooling costs and an uncomfortable indoor environment.

Turn the power back on and follow the manual’s instructions for programming and powering up your room thermostat.

This post should have helped you replace your current thermostat with a smart thermostat. As said, it is not so complicated that it cannot be done by oneself. You only need to contact an electrician or HVAC professional if you find issues with components such as C-wire installation. 

One of the biggest reasons to have a professional install your smart thermostat is to guarantee that your system is operating at peak efficiency. When it comes to thermostat installation, placement, settings, and wiring make all the difference in the world. If your thermostat is not properly positioned, its readings will not correspond to your home’s real temperature, leading to greater heating and cooling costs and an uncomfortable indoor environment.