Whether it's in your home or car, a thermostat regulates heating and cooling.Replacing thermostats can help you save money on utility bills or keep you safe on the roads.Replacing it yourself is a relatively easy task.You can see Step 1 of your preferred method here.
Step 1: Purchase a replacement thermostat for your system.
The packaging of the replacement thermostat has compatibilities listed.All common systems are compatible with most replacement thermostats.It may be difficult to find a replacement thermostat if your system is unique.You can find your basic options on the packaging.
Step 2: The instructions for wiring your replacement thermostat should be reviewed.
It's a good idea to read all the materials and look at the pictures provided for how to install your new thermostat.You are at risk of being stuck in the cold.It's a drag to read instructions.This is not something you want to ruin.Look at the pictures.To match detail for detail is what you want.It is a good idea to take pictures of the wiring before you start.
Step 3: Don't use the power to the thermostat.
The switches at the breaker box should be turned off for your thermostat, furnace and air conditioner.As you remove the old thermostat and install the new one, you reduce the chances of electrical injuries.
Step 4: The thermostat should be removed from the wall.
The thermostats are attached to the wall.If there is one, loosen the screws that attach the wall plate.The thermostat has a base and sub- base.All you need to do is remove the thermostat and expose wires and a bare wall.If there is enough wire length, you should re-strip the wires.If you want to shiny the ends, use a utility knife.
Step 5: As you connect the old thermostat, pay attention to how it was wired.
This is the case.Some wires can be wronglycoded if done by an amateur before.To make sure you're doing it right, use a piece of tape to write a letter on each wire, matching the letter of the connection on the thermostat base.Write "B" on the piece of tape if the blue wire was in connection B.Any wires that were loose and connected to your thermostat should be labeled.Ignore the colors of wires for identification purposes.Thermostats wired by non-professionals do not usually adhere to codes, so the colors may not match what they should.
Step 6: The wires need to be kept out of the wall.
Tie the wires together to keep them from falling into the wall.The process will be turned into a debacle if there is a lost wire.Is there a pro tip?Wrap the wires around a pencil.The pencil's weight keeps the wires from going anywhere.
Step 7: The replacement wall plate needs to be installed.
You can use the new wall plate as a template to mark where you need to drill for the screws.If it's necessary, use a level.Attach the replacement wall plate to the wall with holes and screws.If your new thermostat has a mercury tube, your device needs to be completely level or it won't render accurate readings.It is important that a level is used in this scenario.Make sure the holes you're drilling match the screws.A drill bit of that size is standard.The thermostat probably comes with screws and anchors.Make sure to use the anchors as well.The system is on the wall.
Step 8: Plug the thermostat into the wires.
Follow the pictures you took of the pre-existing wiring to re- connect the wires to the thermostat.You can either twist the wires or follow the directions in the manual.Unless noted in the instructions, your new thermostat should have the same code on the back.If you're not sure, contact a heating and cooling company.A two-wire system is just as simple as a thermostat.Some have more than one.Don't worry if you have empty ports.The thermostat is probably fine.
Step 9: The thermostat should be on the wall.
If extra length is exposed, replace all wires back into the wall.The thermostat should be flush against the wall.If you slide it down, you can catch the grooves on the wall plate.If your thermostat is exposed to drafts or heat, which can mess up the readings, or it's too high or low for you, you'll need to have wires moved by a professional.
Step 10: The power should be back to the thermostat, furnace and air conditioner.
To restore power, switch on the proper switches in the breaker box.Give it time to get going.Don't forget to install the batteries.2 AA batteries are required for most systems.Make sure the batteries are in place, and that the polarities are correct.
Step 11: Make sure your thermostat is working.
The furnace and air conditioner will not come on at the same time if the thermostat is not set correctly.You should give your furnace and air conditioner at least 5 minutes to start.If the thermostat doesn't work, retrace your steps to see where you made a mistake.You might need to hit the reset button on your thermostat.Some will not start until this button is pushed.
Step 12: You can program the thermostat.
If you have questions, read your manual.You can save a lot of money if you have a thermostat that is programmed to be cooler when you're not there.It will turn off without you, saving you money and energy.
Step 13: Make sure your car is cooled down.
If you singe off your eyebrows and get third- degree burns on your hands, it won't be a good day and you need to let your car cool down.You should allow it to sit for at least an hour.It's a good idea to wear goggles or gloves.If you don't want your eyes or hands to get covered in gunk, get out of the protective gear.You don't mind a shirt being smudged with grease or oil.
Step 14: It's a good idea to drain the antifreeze from your car.
When you disassemble your car, you're going to get water everywhere if you don't drain out the cooling system.You can place a bucket underneath your car.Don't skimp on the size of your container, you will have between 4 to 8 cups of fluid pouring out.The draining screw or cap should be at the bottom of the radiator.To open it up, twist it to the left.Let the water flow out.You won't lose the cap if you keep it somewhere.
Step 15: You need to locate your thermostat.
There are different models of cars.Even the most trained of eyes will not be able to spot some thermostats from a mile away.If you look at your car's engine like you're reading gibberish, you need to find the radiator hose and follow it to the end.There is a rubber ring around the edges of the thermostat's body.It is similar to a top or dreidel in size and shape.If you don't know what you're doing, consult your manual or look up the location online.It's a good idea to know what you're looking for instead of poking around.
Step 16: Take apart the thermostat.
It is most likely that the hose goes to the thermostat.Set it aside when you remove it.Move onto the thermostat itself.You will need a screwdriver and pliers.Most vehicles have a two-bolt system for the thermostat.Before you add your new thermostat, make sure the area is clean and free of gunk.The water will come out when the hose is removed.This is normal.
Step 17: If you want, test your thermostat.
Is it possible that your thermostat doesn't work, it's stuck closed, or that a different part of your vehicle is kicking the bucket, affecting its ability to make accurate readings?It is easy to test your thermostat if that is the case.Get a pot of water to boil.Put your thermostat in.The thermostat should open at 190 oF.This is more than enough since the water boiled at 100oC.If the thermostat doesn't open in the water, you need a new one.
Step 18: If you have an old thermostat, swap it for a new one.
It's mostly reassembly at this point.The old thermostat should be replaced just like the new one.Remove the rubber ring and seal the edges.If the area is dirty, wipe it down with a cleaner first.You want to maximize the life of your thermostat so you don't have to deal with it again.
Step 19: The system should be reassembled.
You remember what it looked like, right?Make sure the thermostat is in place.The thermostat should be Bolted down over the top of it.Finger start your bolt and then bust out your pliers or sockets wrench to tighten it.Don't strip the bolts.The radiator hose needs to be replaced.The thermostat needs to be well-tightened and the thermostat should be snug on the outside.
Step 20: Check for leaks when you replace the coolant.
Just use the same stuff in the bucket and add it back in if the coolant was new.If it was old, you should throw out the contents of the bucket and use a new one.Either way, make sure the drain is tight.Check for leaks once replaced.It's important that your car operates safely.You will not get very far if yours is leaking.
Step 21: Return to the roads.
You're done.Keeping an eye on your temperature gauge is all you have to do.If it's acting up, do a double check to make sure everything is secure.If that's the case, you may need to see a mechanic.