How to Handle a Simple Thermostat Replacement

When winter is approaching in Indiana, many homeowners begin to worry about their boilers and furnaces. The best time for thermostat replacement is early in the season, before the cold snap hits and you wonder if your aging thermostat will make it through another winter.

Tips for Thermostat Replacement

Check with your furnace parts store to find the best thermostat for your boiler or furnace. You'll find a dizzying array of types and styles. So, take your time, and consider your needs. Don't be enticed by the bells and whistles. Sometimes, the simplest thermostat is the one that works best for your home.

Ready to install that thermostat? Remember these tips:

• Cut off the power completely at the breaker or fuse box.
• When you pull the old thermostat from the wall, take a digital picture of the thermostat with the wires still attached. If they're not colored wires, label them before you pull the thermostat away.
• Install the mounting plate according to manufacturer's directions.
• Connect the wires to the terminal screws on the new thermostat. Double check your work before pushing the wires gently back into the wall. Snap the new thermostat into the mounting plate.
• Turn the power back on at the breaker or the fuse box, set your new thermostat, and check it thoroughly to ensure the wires were connected properly.

If you aren't sure about installing your own thermostat, you'll find many boiler service or furnace repair companies in your area of Indiana ready and willing to help. "Your service technician should always look at your thermostat as part of a routine checkup," HVAC expert John Gibson points out. "If you need a new one, your tech can take care of the problem in minutes."