Customers rely on IRBIS for all types of HVAC services in the San Jose area. What we know about thermostat installation in Fremont County and nearby areas can help you save on your energy bills. Installing a new thermostat is a relatively simple and affordable task considering the impact it can have on your home. But there are things you need to know, especially regarding placement and installation.
Thermostat Placement Directly Affects HVAC Performance
Incorrect positioning can reduce the efficiency of your entire HVAC system. Always install the thermostat in a central location to get the most accurate temperature readings possible. If the unit is in the corner of an exterior wall, for example, it may be inaccurate and struggle to regulate the temperature throughout your home.
Also, avoid placing it:
- In direct sunlight, where temperatures will be higher than in the rest of your home. This can force your AC to work harder in summer and make your home colder in winter.
- Near an air vent, where the thermostat will get a cooler or warmer reading. This causes it to shut off the HVAC system before your home gets comfortable.
- Close to heat-producing appliances. These radiate heat and can give the thermostat a false impression of what the actual temperature in your home is.
Smart Thermostats Can Help You Save Money
A smart thermostat can learn your schedule. It then adjusts HVAC settings throughout the day based on your behavior. This means your AC won’t run when you don’t need it, or will automatically adjust higher or lower as required. You can save as much as 25% on your heating and cooling bills!1
Smart thermostats can also be controlled remotely. You can adjust settings with your smartphone if you are returning home or plan to stay away for a while. Some units can even sense when someone is in the room or not, or use GPS to determine whether you’re on your way home. The perfect temperature may be achieved by the time you arrive.
In addition, they use Wi-Fi, so can connect to voice assistants and other smart home devices. You can adjust the AC using voice commands without getting up off the couch.
Installation Is Easy If You Know What to Do
To install a thermostat, you need to:
- Turn off the power to your HVAC system via the main service panel.
- Remove the old thermostat by unscrewing the cover plate and thermostat body.
- Label the wires according to their terminal screws, and disconnect them (securing them so they don’t fall back into the wall).
- Install a C-wire to power a smart thermostat, if one isn’t already in the wall, using parts included in the package or an “add-a-wire” or power extender kit. You can also use a 24-volt adapter to run a C-wire from a nearby outlet.
- Install the new thermostat by leveling and securing the new base to the wall. Thread the low-voltage wires through the opening and connect them to the appropriate screw terminals. Use the new thermostat’s installation diagram (in its owner’s manual) for correct placement.
- Tighten all wire connections and install the battery.
- Mount the base by pushing the wire into the wall, plugging the hole with insulation and fire-resistant material, and screwing the unit to the base.
- Restore power, press the reset button, and program the thermostat before testing the system.
When In Doubt, Contact an Electrician
Thermostat installation can be tricky. If a C-wire is needed, the manufacturer’s instructions or having a C terminal included on the HVAC control board can make things easier. However, an electrician has the skills and tools to install the wire for you. There may also be other requirements, which can vary depending on the model. Fortunately, IRBIS’s technicians are trained to quickly and correctly install all types of thermostats in area homes.
Book an Appointment Today
IRBIS can provide a thermostat for your new HVAC system, replace an old one, or help you upgrade to a smart thermostat. Schedule thermostat installation in Fremont County by calling 669-266-5464 today.