Installing a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats make the best economic sense for every home. Depending on the programmable thermostat, you can select day and night temperatures and even a setting for every day of the week. you could realize a savings of up to $180 on your yearly energy bills.

Maybe you've always wanted to install a programmable thermostat, but have been a little intimidated by the thought of any DIY project that involves wires.

Let's look at how to install a digital programmable thermostat. Remove Coverplate Turn off all power at main electrical panel. Pull off cover from existing thermostat - Depending on the style, you may be able to simply pull the cover off or you may have to loosen a set screw first. Remove Old Thermostat Unscrew thermostat from its wall-mounted sub-base.Once the cover is removed, you should see a glass tube filled with a silvery liquid. This is the mercury, so be careful not to break the glass. Use caution when handling and check with your local recycling company for disposal instructions. Label the low-voltage wires to identify their screw-terminal locations using masking tape and then disconnect the wires. Remove the thermostat base by loosening the mounting screws. Make sure that the thermostat wires do not slip back into the wall, as they can be very difficult to try and fish back out. Install New Thermostat Install the new wall plate, if there is one. You may need to drill new holes for the new model. Use a level to mark where the holes are to be drilled. Use drywall anchors, if necessary. Insert the plastic anchors that came with the thermostat and make sure that they are flush with the wall. Connect the wires to the appropriate screw terminals on the thermostat base following the installation diagram in the new thermostat's owner's manual. Follow these instructions carefully. Insert batteries into the thermostat and snap on the cover, if needed. Restore power and program the new thermostat as directed.

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Manufacturer's installation instructions might differ slightly for each model. Because of the variety of manufacturers, your heating and cooling system may not match your thermostat instructions exactly. If you have any doubt about the electrical connections, contact the manufacturer.

When shopping for your new thermostat, check the thermostat package to ensure it is compatible with your home's system.

What's the best way to optimally control my home's heating and cooling?

You can control your preferred temperature range by entering specific temperature for time ranges during the day (such as 60 degrees when you'll be away and 68 degrees when you're at home for winter heating) with a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. According to www.energystar.gov, Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs. Basic thermostats will have just one cycle that will repeat that time range (or multiple ranges) each day. To decide which model is best for you, think about your schedule and how often you are away from home for regular periods of time—work, school, other activities—and then decide which of the three different models best fits your schedule: 5-2 programming: Allows you to set a schedule for 5 days (such as for work or school days) and then an alternate schedule for 2 weekend days. 5-1-1 programming: Same 5-day schedule as above, but with the option to program each weekend day individually. 7-day programming: Allows you to create an individual program for each day of the week.

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You can use the table below as a starting point for setting energy-saving temperatures, and then adjust the settings to fit your family’s schedule and stay comfortable.

http://www.energystar.gov

If you have a heat pump, you may require a special programmable thermostat to maximize your energy savings year-round. Talk to your retailer or contractor for details before selecting your thermostat.

If you have a manual thermostat, you can adjust the temperatures daily before you leave the house and when you go to sleep at night. Typically, adjusting temperatures 5 – 8 degrees (down in winter, up in summer) can help save energy if you are going to be away from home for several hours.