So, you want to make sure that your home is as energy efficient as possible, but you don’t necessarily want to have to call a Brandon, FL AC repair specialist. You’ve already thought about the basic maintenance that you need to perform, like changing the air filter and checking your home for leaks, but your energy bills are still more than you want to pay. What else can you do? Your Brandon, FL AC repairman might suggest installing a programmable thermostat.
When it comes to heating and cooling a home, a lot of energy can be wasted heating and cooling it while no one is present. With a programmable thermostat, it’s easy to set your thermostat to heat or cool your home at times when you’re there, but to lower or raise the temperature when you’re not. Now, adding one of these features is something you can have your Brandon, FL AC repairman do for you, or you could consider doing it yourself. If you’re of the DIY mentality, here are the basic steps you need to follow (consult your manufacturer’s guide for more specific instructions).
First, you want to start by turning off your HVAC system. Once done with this, you’ll also want to make sure that the system is completely disconnected from the power. Doing so will ensure your safety while you’re making your change.
Next, you’ll want to remove your existing thermostat. It’s generally a good idea to leave the wall plate in place, as this will give you something of a reference to see how the wires are connected and what place they’re in. If you have an older home, be careful removing your thermostat, as older models may contain glass tubes filled with mercury.
Next, label the wires so that they can be easily connected to your new unit. It also might be a good idea to take a picture so that you have a visual reference for later. Next, remove the wall plate and install the new one, taking care to put the wires in their proper places. Now you’ll want to attach the wires to the proper terminals on your new thermostat, secure it to the wall, and restore the power to your HVAC system.
Once everything is back in place, the final step is to set up the unit according to your manufacturer’s instructions.
And there you have it! Now your home is set up with a new, programmable thermostat!