Many homeowners are now switching to smart home appliances for their convenience and integration with technology. A prime example is the smart thermostat. While the setup may look a bit technical, it's a worthwhile DIY project with valuable rewards for homeowners looking to modernize their homes, reduce electric bills or boost their home's total value. In fact, a certified smart thermostat can save homeowners an average of $50 per year or higher on their heating and cooling costs.
Fortunately, installing a smart thermostat is a manageable project with the right resources at your fingertips. This guide covers everything you need to know about smart thermostat installation, from turning off your breaker to connecting your new model to Wi-Fi.
Preinstallation HVAC Compatibility Check
Before proceeding with this DIY thermostat installation, there are a few checks to make to ensure a smooth installation. This five-minute checklist is designed to prevent surprises and help you verify that your current HVAC system is compatible from the start:
- System voltage and wiring: Start by checking your system's voltage and wiring. Most smart thermostats, like the Ecobee3 Lite, are built for 24V low-voltage wiring — visibly thin wires that look like phone cords. This means that if your home still uses electric baseboard heaters, you likely have an incompatible high-voltage system — thicker 120V/240V wiring with wire nuts.
- Action for high-voltage systems: At this point, it's advisable to stop, as installing a smart thermostat yourself on high-voltage systems can be dangerous. For this type of system, you'll need line-voltage thermostats designed for high-voltage applications.
- The C-wire requirement: Another common compatibility issue for both old and new systems is the lack of a C-wire. A C-wire, or common wire, is an essential component of the installation process, providing a constant power source for smart thermostats' Wi-Fi capabilities and backlit screens. Without it, even modern low-voltage systems may struggle to run smart thermostats.
- Gather your tools: Before heading to your breaker box, ensure that you have your essential tools, like a screwdriver, a level and your phone ready.
Once you've confirmed your system is compatible and have your tools ready, you can begin the installation with this seven-step list.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power at the Breaker
Begin with the most important safety step of turning off the power at your breaker. Do not skip this, as even professionals will never work on any wiring while the power is on.
You will typically find your breaker box in your home's garage, basement, utility closets or exterior walls. They should look like gray metal panels with a door and a handle for opening and closing.
Once you've found your breaker box, open it and look for the switches or breakers labeled "HVAC," "Furnace," "Air Conditioner," or just "Heat." Turn off any switches labeled as such to proceed safely with the installation. If your breakers aren't labeled, prioritize safety by turning off the main breaker. While this will turn off power to your whole home, it will ensure that the thermostat wires are completely powered down and safe to handle.
Step 2: Remove Your Old Thermostat
Remove the faceplate from your old thermostat. Most modern thermostats should have a faceplate that can be removed by simply pulling it off the backplate. If yours doesn't come off easily, look for small buttons on the side or on the bottom to press. Be mindful not to remove any wires or unscrew anything yet, as you'll need these for documentation later.
Step 3: Take a Photo and Label the Wires
For a stress-free installation, take multiple pictures of the wiring from multiple angles. Confirm that you can see the colored wires and which terminal they connect to in your photos.
It's also advisable to use the small stickers from your new, smart thermostat to label each wire before disconnecting them. If there are no stickers, use a tape and a pen instead. If you see a short wire connecting the R and RC terminals, you can remove it as your smart thermostat no longer needs it.
Step 4: Install the New Baseplate
Use a small screw to loosen the terminal screws. Continue by unhooking each wire and unscrewing the baseplate from the wall to fully remove it. Proceed by slotting the wires through the opening of your smart thermostat's baseplate.
Use a small level or a phone app to ensure the new baseplate is straight before you screw it in with the included screws.
Step 5: Connect the Wires to the New Thermostat
Connecting wires may seem like a technical step, but by taking photos of the wiring earlier, you've already turned this process into an easy matching game. Match the label on the wire to the correct terminal, such as connecting the "Y"- labeled wire to the "Y" terminal.
For easier wire insertion, take note that most smart thermostats have push-in terminals. Press down on the small lever next to the terminal to match and insert the bare end of the wire. Then, you may release the lever to secure the wire. Confirm that the wires are inserted properly by gently tugging them.
Step 6: Attach the Smart Thermostat Faceplate
If you've reached this step, you're almost done! Just push any excess wire back into the hole in your wall to make room for your brand-new thermostat's faceplate. Make sure the pins on your thermostat's main body are aligned with the connectors on the baseplate. Then, gently push the faceplate in until you hear a firm click.
Step 7: Restore Power and Connect to Wi-Fi
At this stage, it's now safe to turn your HVAC or main breaker switch on. Your new thermostat should turn on and begin a startup sequence. During the setup process, follow the on-screen prompts and select the corresponding options that apply to your HVAC and preferences.
The most important step in this process is connecting your thermostat to your Wi-Fi network. This feature is one of the biggest selling points of smart thermostats, as it lets you control your HVAC system whenever and wherever you are. It also gives you greater, more granular control over your daily schedules and energy usage, which can lead to savings.
Find Everything You Need at Midwest Supply
With these seven steps, you should now have the knowledge to install a smart thermostat safely. The only step left is choosing the perfect device for your home, and that's where Midwest Supply comes in.
At Midwest Supply, we offer a comprehensive selection of smart thermostats that are packed with modern features like Wi-Fi connectivity, backlit touch screen and room sensors. Whether it's the budget-oriented ecobee Smart Enhanced Thermostat or the high-end Lennox S40 Smart Thermostat for full climate control, we've got you covered.
For more information about our smart thermostats and other supplies, contact our team of experts today!
