There are many reasons why you might need to rewire your thermostat. Perhaps, you’ve decided to upgrade your old thermostat to a new programmable one, or you think your old thermostat would work better in a different location away from airflow and sunlight. If you’re handy with a few basic tools, you can complete the job yourself. Here’s how.
Rewiring a New Thermostat
If upgrading, your new thermostat must be compatible with the type of HVAC system in your home. For instance, if you have a two-stage furnace, your new thermostat should have the appropriate wiring.
- First, turn off the circuit breaker connected to your HVAC system.
- Then, remove the thermostat from the wall plate, and remove the back of the thermostat to gain access to the wires.
- It’s important to match the wire colors to corresponding letter on the thermostat (i.e. red wire to R), so you can reinstall the thermostat.
- Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and detach the wires. Then, wrap the wires around a pencil, so they don’t fall inside the wall.
- Next, take the old thermostat and wiring schematic to the home-improvement center to select a compatible upgrade.
- Afterwards, remove the wiring panel from the new thermostat, and connect the wires according to the schematic. If your schematic is different, follow the manufacturer instructions.
- Then, attach the thermostat to the wall plate.
- Finally, turn on the circuit breaker and test all thermostat modes.
Moving a Thermostat
If you’re simply moving your old thermostat to a new place on the wall, you should follow the same steps for reconnecting the thermostat. However, the following steps are different:
- Make a small hole in the wall at the new location.
- Then, attach the wires to a stiff bent wire.
- Fish the wires through the wall to the new location. If a stud is in the way, you may need to follow the wiring path lower in the wall.
- Lastly, pull the wiring through the new hole and reinstall.
For more information on how to rewire the thermostat in your Lorain home, please contact Energy1.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
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Serving the Lorain, OH Area