by Michael Riley

Created on: January 17, 2009   Last Updated: January 22, 2009

Would you like to save up to $300 this year? Do you want to do your part in saving the environment? You can do both of these things by installing a programmable thermostat for controlling your heating and air conditioning. To see how much you may save with a new thermometer, follow the link to this savings calculator.

Installing a new thermometer yourself is really quite easy. Fortunately, you can use the existing thermometer location to install your new and improved model. It really boils down to removing the old thermometer by disconnecting the wiring and installing the new unit using that same wiring.

Use an ENERGY STAR certified thermostat. You can find a list of certified thermostats here.

The following instructions and tips will help you install a standard programmable thermometer.

Items that you need:

1. Phillips screwdriver

2. Small level

3. Pencil

4. Hammer

5. EZ anchors (optional)

6. Drill

7. 3/16" drill bit

8. Masking tape (make sure you can write on it)

9. Q-Tip

Instructions:

1. Turn off the power to your furnace and air conditioner at the circuit breaker panel.

2. Pop the cover off your old thermostat and remove the thermometer base from the wall using your screwdriver.

Note: Wires from thermostats don't always match up. Your thermostat will have a letter next to the terminal screw so that you can match the wires up later on.

3. Wrap each wire with a piece of tape so that you can write down what terminal it is connected to. You could take a digital photo which is a lot easier. Just make sure it is nice and clear and you can read the terminal letters.

4. Disconnect the wires from the terminals and pull them through the body of the thermostat.

5. Wrap the wires around the Q-tip so they don't slip back into the wall.

6. Remove the cover from your new thermostat.

7. Pull the wires through the body and place the thermostat on the wall where it will be installed.

8. Square the thermostat body up with the level and mark the screw holes with your pencil.

9. Place the thermostat body aside. Drill the holes for your wall anchors and tap them in with your hammer or install an EZ anchor at each screw hole mark.

10. Pull the thermostat wires back through the thermostat body. Install the thermostat body on the wall with the screws provided.

Note: As stated earlier, not all the terminal connections or wire combinations are the same. If it is not clear where the wires hook up, look in the thermostat's directions and wire up accordingly.

11. Hook up the wires to the appropriate terminal.

12. Install high quality batteries into the unit and press the reset button to clear the memory.

13. Install the thermostat cover.

14. Turn on your furnace and air conditioner power at the circuit breaker panel.

15. Using the appropriate buttons, cycle the temperature up and down manually on the thermostat to make sure your furnace and air conditioner energize properly.

16. Program your unit using the provided instructions. Look here for an example.

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