Installing a Smart Thermostat
Switching to a smart thermostat can have a significant impact on your energy use and on the energy bills for your Peoria, Illinois home. This device takes the accuracy and efficiency of programmable thermostats a step further by giving homeowners access to learning technologies that collect critical data all the time. With built-in motion sensors and the ability to track your usage habits, a smart thermostat will become increasingly adept at adjusting itself. You can use this device to track changes in your energy use, limit energy waste, and identify the ideal temperature range for your home at all hours of the day and night. However, before you can experience any of these benefits, you’ll need to have your smart thermostat properly installed.
Location Still Matters
Although the capabilities and performance of smart thermostat remains unrivaled by both standard thermostats and programmable ones, poor placement of a smart thermostat will still negatively impact its functioning. No thermostat should be installed too near:
- A large window or other source of natural light
- Radiant flooring
- Heat-emitting appliances
It’s also important to put a smart thermostat for a central HVAC system in a central location. If you have a zoned central heating system, you will need to install a separate smart thermostat in each individual zone or room.
Things to Remember When Replacing a Standard Thermostat With a Smart One
Choosing the right location for your new thermostat may seem easy enough. After all, you’ll likely want to put your smart thermostat right where your old one was. However, thermostat technologies have advanced quite a bit. Installing a smart thermostat requires a more than basic knowledge of electrical wiring. These devices include precision-based electronics.
If you remove your old thermostat and aren’t quite sure of what you’re looking at or how to proceed, contact a professional. Among some of the things that can go wrong when tampering with electrical wiring without adequate knowledge or training are:
- Irreparable damage to your new thermostat
- Blown fuses
- Electric shock or severe electrocution injuries
Step-by-Step Instructions for Smart Thermostat Installation
Always start by turning your home’s HVAC system off at the breaker panel. Then, remove your old thermostat’s faceplate. Next, remove your old thermostat’s wires from the backplate. When doing so, pay attention to where each wire is positioned.
Install a C-wire to provide your smart thermostat with power. Position the back plate for the new thermostat on the wall and drill holes to accommodate the necessary screws. Before screwing the new backplate on, take the time to draw the thermostat wires through the plate for reconnection. Once the backplate is installed, you can put the thermostat wires into its terminals. Then, screw the new faceplate on and restore power to your HVAC system.
Installing your new smart thermostat might seem like a quick, do-it-yourself project, but it can actually be quite involved. At Fritch Heating & Cooling, Inc., we can install your new thermostat to manufacturer specifications and with superior results. We can also show you how to get the most from this brand new device. Since 1981, we’ve been providing reliable indoor air quality services and HVAC system installations, maintenance, and repairs to residents of the greater Peoria area. Call us today to schedule an appointment.