How to replace a thermostat.

                Before you attempt to switch out your thermostat, make sure you have the right kind. If you have gas heat in your home than you need to buy a single stage, gas / electric thermostat. If you run all electricity than you have a heat pump. If that is the case than you need to buy a 2-stage heat, one stage cooling thermostat. I personally would suggest getting a Honeywell thermostat. If you do not know what kind of heat you have in your home, another way to tell is to remove the cover from the thermostat and count the wires being used. Typically, a thermostat with four wires used is a gas unit. Systems with five wire thermostats are heat pumps

                The first thing you want to do when changing the thermostat is turn off the breaker that feeds the air conditioner on the roof or, if you unit is positioned on the side of your house then you want to turn off breaker for the air handler or furnace in the attic or garage. Once the power is safely turned off, remove the cover to the thermostat. Once cover is off and the wiring is exposed, take a picture of the wiring. Make sure to get clear pictures and keep note of the placement of the wires. Now carefully start taking off all the wires. When all the wires are off unscrew the old thermostat from the wall, and remove.

                Installing the new one. Now the great thing that makes this so easy is the new thermostat will be labeled the same as the original. Take the new thermostat and screw it securely to the wall. Now make sure your wires are stripped clean about a 1/3 inch from the end and not damaged anywhere. Start plugging in or screwing on the wires back to the places they came off the old one, example (if a wire came off the R terminal of the old thermostat, then put it to R on the new one). Usually a typical gas thermostat will need wires on R ( power coming in or 12 V ) Y ( cooling ) W ( heating ) and G ( fan ), if it's a heat pump it includes an extra wire O ( reversing valve, switches from heat to cool ). Once all the wires are cleanly attached, push the wires into the open space softly careful not to kink, break or touch any wires together in the process. Then put batteries into the thermostat, Replace cover and turn on. If it is a digital thermostat some programming may be required, see owner's manual for directions.

                   If you have any trouble, an Air Doctor would be glad to come and help you.

                                      To schedule an appointment call (702) 243-4000