Replacing a Thermostat in Your Home
- 1 Purchase a replacement thermostat that will work with your system. ...
- 2 Review the manufacturer instructions for wiring your replacement thermostat. ...
- 3 Shut off the power to your thermostat. ...
- 4 Remove the old thermostat from the wall. ...
- 5 Pay attention to how the old thermostat was wired as you disconnect it. ...
- 6 Keep the disconnected wires hanging out of the wall. ...
- Turn off the Electricity. ...
- Use the Wiring Schematic as a Guide. ...
- Partly Remove the Insulation. ...
- Link the Ground Wires. ...
- Make the Line Connections. ...
- Make the Load Connections. ...
- Arrange the Wires. ...
- Screw the Thermostat to the Wall.
When does a heater thermostat need replacing?
When Does a Heater Thermostat Need Replacing?
- Temperature Swings. A malfunctioning thermostat often produces uncomfortable swings in room temperature. ...
- Upgrade Equipment. Older thermostats are mechanical and rely on a glass tube filled with mercury to operate. ...
- Inefficient Control. ...
- Incorrect Thermostat. ...
Can I make the heater run without the thermostat?
Yes you can run the heater, however, without a thermostat your engine might not reach operating temperature, at least not under most common circumstances. That means your heater might not be as warm as it would be if you had a proper thermostat installed.
How do I reset the heater?
- Turn the hot water tap off
- Turn the remote control off
- Now wait for about 5 minutes
- Turn the tankless water heater on
- Turn the hot water tap on and see the results
Does the heater work without a thermostat?
The warmth of the engine is what makes heat inside your car when you turn on the heater. So, if you drive without a thermostat, your engine will never reach its optimal operating temperature and your heater may blow cold air. If you live in a warm climate, this should not be a problem.
How to replace a thermostat?
How to remove old thermostat and install new one?
How to find thermostat in car?
How to label thermostat wires?
How many wires does a thermostat have?
What temperature should a thermostat be?
What is a thermostat?
See 4 more
About this website
Thermostat Replacement at The Home Depot
Thermostat replacement starts at $99, depending on your location, and includes: Installation of your new thermostat; Testing the new thermostat to make sure it’s working properly
How to replace a thermostat?
1. Purchase a replacement thermostat that will work with your system. Review the compatibilities listed on the packaging of the replacement thermostat. Most replacement thermostats are compatible with all common systems. However, if your system is unique, finding a replacement thermostat may be difficult.
How to remove old thermostat and install new one?
Shut off the power to your thermostat. Turn the switches off at the breaker box that pertain to your thermostat, furnace and air conditioner. Turning off the power to the thermostat reduces the chances of electrical injuries as you remove the old thermostat and install the new one.
How to find thermostat in car?
Some thermostats you could spot from a mile away, others will be an obstacle to even the most trained of eyes. If looking at your car's engine is like reading gibberish, find the radiator hose and follow it to the end -- that'll be where your thermostat is located .
How to label thermostat wires?
With a piece of tape, write a letter on each wire, matching the letter of the connection on the thermostat base. If the blue wire was in connection B, write "B" on the piece of tape, and put the tape on the wire. Label or designate any wires that were loose and unconnected to your thermostat as well.
How many wires does a thermostat have?
Some thermostats are as simple as a two-wire system. Some have 5. If you have empty ports or connections, don't worry. Your thermostat is most likely fine.
What temperature should a thermostat be?
Insert your thermostat. The thermostat should open at around 190 ºF (88 ºC). Since water boils at 212ºF (100ºC), this is more than enough.
What is a thermostat?
A thermostat is a tool that regulates heating and cooling, whether it be in your home or in your car. Replacing inefficient thermostats can help you save money on utility bills or, in your vehicle, keep you safe on the roads. Whatever your situation, replacing it yourself is a task that is surprisingly simple.
Why does my HVAC keep turning on and off?
1. Your HVAC Keeps Turning On or Off. As we hinted earlier, the primary function of a thermostat is communicating with your HVAC. It sends signals to your HVAC to either increase the temperatures or lower them. If your HVAC has stopped taking the thermostat prompts, it’s highly likely that the thermostat has a problem.
How long does a thermostat last?
The lifespan of most home thermostats is 10 years. However, you may need to replace yours sooner as newer, more efficient thermostats enter the market. You may, for instance, want to replace a non-programmable thermostat with a programmable option.
Why does my HVAC unit overwork?
Many times, the thermostat is the culprit. A thermostat that’s not correctly reading the temperature will usually cause your HVAC to overwork. The more times the unit cycles per hour, the higher the power it consumes.
How does an HVAC thermostat affect your energy bill?
You find that you have to pay a higher energy bill than usual. Many times, the thermostat is the culprit. A thermostat that’s not correctly reading the temperature will usually cause your HVAC to overwork. The more times the unit cycles per hour, the higher the power it consumes. During your regular professional HVAC tune-up, your technician will let you know whether you need a new thermostat to fix the problem.
What happens when you adjust your thermostat?
The moment you adjust temperature settings, your thermostat must promptly respond to those changes. Typically, you’ll hear small clicking sounds when you make the changes, and your HVAC system immediately starts. If your HVAC system doesn’t come on the moment you make these changes, then it probably has a problem and needs replacing.
What is mechanical thermostat?
A mechanical thermostat allows you to control the temperature settings manually. They’re ideal for homeowners who prefer fixed temperatures and who are often at home.
Why is my thermostat reading wrong?
Correct thermostat readings ensure that your indoor spaces don’t get too hot or cold. When your thermostat starts to register incorrect temperatures, then it may be time to start thinking of getting a new one. To verify whether the temperature is correct, test its reading with a portable indoor thermometer. If the readings are wrong, then the thermostat’s sensor might be malfunctioning. The issue could be old age, a manufacturing defect, or misuse.
Why is a programmable thermostat important?
A programmable thermostat saves fuel and money because it can be programmed to lower the temperature when you sleep or are at work.
What is the meaning of "back up"?
Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
Do thermostats work for forced air?
Some work for forced-air furnaces, and others work for radiators. Make sure you get the right kind.
Do you need to turn off the power to the central heating?
You need to turn the power to the central heating off before you start work.
Step 1
Measure the dimensions of your current heater. Use these dimensions to purchase the replacement heater. Similar dimensions will reduce the amount of work needed to replace the old wall heater, especially if your heater is mounted in the wall as opposed to on the surface of the wall.
Step 2
Unplug the heater and let it cool completely. Unscrew the fastening screws that hold the wall heater to the back plate. Gently remove the wall heater from its mount and set it aside.
Step 3
Read the user's manual of the replacement heater to ensure that any special requirements are met. Connect the heater to the back plate by mounting it on the back plate and fastening the screws that came with the heater.
How to test if a wire is grounded?
Make sure power is off. Place a circuit tester or multimeter across the ground wire and each of the other wires in turn to make sure there is no voltage flowing in the lines. If the ground wire is attached to a metal junction box, you can substitute the box for the ground wire when testing.
What voltage do electric baseboard heaters operate at?
Thermostats for electric-baseboard heaters operate at the same voltage as the heater—usually 240 volts. Low-voltage thermostats designed for gas, oil, or heat pumps won't work and are extremely dangerous on a high-voltage system. Line-voltage thermostats operate at either 120 or 240 volts and control gable vent fans, electric baseboard heaters, ...
How many volts does an electric baseboard heater use?
An electric baseboard heater may operate at 240 volts. Always make sure the power is off when working on either type of thermostat, but be doubly cautious with a line-voltage thermostat. Start to finish 1 hr. Difficulty Kind of Easy. Involves Electrical Skills.
How to remove thermostat from junction box?
Take the cover off the thermostat and remove the screws that attach it to the junction box. Without touching any of the wires, lift the thermostat away from the box.
How to test continuity on a thermostat?
Attach one lead of a continuity tester to one "line" wire and the other lead to the "load" wire on the same side. Turn the dial from high to low. If the thermostat is good, the tester remains lit in both positions. Repeat on the other set. If the light goes out, replace the thermostat.
What is the label for the wires that go to the terminals?
Label the wires as you disconnect them. Mark which wires go to the terminals labeled "line" and which go to the ones labeled "load."
How to connect a line to a thermostat?
Connect the wires you labeled "line" to the line wires on the thermostat. Connect the wires you labeled "load" to the load wires on the thermostat.
Should You Replace the Water Heater Thermostat?
First, you need to determine if you need a thermostat replacemen t. Go ahead and drain the water heater tank if you suspect it is filled with sediment. If you have no hot water, check the unit for power.
Caution: Danger, High Voltage!
Electric water heaters use a 240-volt current. That’s twice the voltage found in standard receptacles. So, be sure to remove the fuse or shut off the breaker at the service panel.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to replace an electric water heater thermostat is easy. The scariest thing to get past is working with electricity. But as long as you turn off the power at the breaker box and drain the tank of water, you’ll be perfectly safe.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help servicing or replacing parts on your water heater.
Turn Off Power to the HVAC System
The first step in how to install a thermostat is making sure the power is turned off to your existing thermostat.
Separate & Label Wires
Label the wires using masking tape so you can remember their screw-terminal locations. There is no standard color code, so use letter codes to make the wires easy to identify.
Install a C-Wire if Needed
Smart thermostats can have up to five thermostat wires that always include a “common wire” or C-wire. The C-wire provides a continuous flow of power to the thermostat without necessarily turning your other appliances (such as the fan or cooling) on or off.
Install the New Thermostat Base and Wire
Whether you're learning how to install a basic non-programmable thermostat or learning how to install a smart thermostat, the next step is generally the same. Of course, it's always important to follow manufacturer instructions for any small differences that exist from one unit to another.
Mount Thermostat and Restore Power
Mount the thermostat base by gently pushing the excess wire back into the wall opening and plugging the hole with a fire-resistant material. Fiberglass insulation is great for preventing drafts from affecting thermostat operation.
Thermostat Wiring Tips
Installation varies for two-wire systems (heating only or cooling only).
Tips for Installing Programmable Thermostats
Use this video to help you learn how to install a programmable thermostat .
How to replace a thermostat?
1. Purchase a replacement thermostat that will work with your system. Review the compatibilities listed on the packaging of the replacement thermostat. Most replacement thermostats are compatible with all common systems. However, if your system is unique, finding a replacement thermostat may be difficult.
How to remove old thermostat and install new one?
Shut off the power to your thermostat. Turn the switches off at the breaker box that pertain to your thermostat, furnace and air conditioner. Turning off the power to the thermostat reduces the chances of electrical injuries as you remove the old thermostat and install the new one.
How to find thermostat in car?
Some thermostats you could spot from a mile away, others will be an obstacle to even the most trained of eyes. If looking at your car's engine is like reading gibberish, find the radiator hose and follow it to the end -- that'll be where your thermostat is located .
How to label thermostat wires?
With a piece of tape, write a letter on each wire, matching the letter of the connection on the thermostat base. If the blue wire was in connection B, write "B" on the piece of tape, and put the tape on the wire. Label or designate any wires that were loose and unconnected to your thermostat as well.
How many wires does a thermostat have?
Some thermostats are as simple as a two-wire system. Some have 5. If you have empty ports or connections, don't worry. Your thermostat is most likely fine.
What temperature should a thermostat be?
Insert your thermostat. The thermostat should open at around 190 ºF (88 ºC). Since water boils at 212ºF (100ºC), this is more than enough.
What is a thermostat?
A thermostat is a tool that regulates heating and cooling, whether it be in your home or in your car. Replacing inefficient thermostats can help you save money on utility bills or, in your vehicle, keep you safe on the roads. Whatever your situation, replacing it yourself is a task that is surprisingly simple.
