A smart thermostat is one of the essential parts of an air conditioning system.
Thankfully, installing it is a straightforward process that you can DIY. You only need to ensure that the thermostat is compatible with your HVAC unit for a successful installation.
It’s also essential to know the best time to install the thermostat, preferably in mild weather. If you feel that is overwhelming, opt for professional AC installation in Miami to walk you through smart thermostat installation. That way, you won’t deal with the problems of DIY AC installation.
Steps on How to Install a Smart Thermostat at Home
Installing a smart thermostat is straightforward, but only when you have the skills and expertise required for the installation process. If you don’t, the following steps can help you get started.
Step 1: Assess Its Compatibility with Your HVAC
The first thing you must do when installing a smart thermostat is assess its compatibility with your HVAC system at the point of purchase. The wiring should shed light on the compatibility.
The types of systems you have, such as a heat pump or furnace, can also guide you on the suitability of a smart thermostat. If you plan to replace an old thermostat with a smart one, surveys list location first to see if it’s a smart thermostat.
Step 2: Cut Off the Power Supply to Existing Thermostat
The next step is cutting off the power supply to the thermostat at the circuit breaker panel. Flip all the switches if there’s more than one.
Shutting down the power supply minimizes the chances of electrical injuries. Test if the power is off by turning on the system to see if the AC or heating system runs.
Step 3: Remove the Cover to the Old Thermostat
Uncover the old thermostat by removing its faceplate, which is the first step of removing the old thermostat. Remove the screws, and it comes right off. The faceplate covers the low-voltage wiring. Take a picture of the wiring before touching it, and take a mental note of its arrangement.
Have the instruction manual for the smart thermostat handy too. Next, disconnect the wiring while labeling it and the corresponding terminals. Be gentle when unscrewing and pulling the wires from the terminals. Once done, you can unscrew the backplate of the old thermostat.
Step 4: Install the New Mounting Plate
Find the new mounting plate and screw it into the wall. Do this after attaching the smart thermostat to the wall to make the mounting holes. Level them and then drive in the screws to secure the mounting plate.
Finally, you can remove the labels from the wires and pass them through the spaces on the mounting plate. There isn’t much to it since the mounting has been labeled. The model’s manual for your smart thermometer can provide further guidance on what else to do.
Step 5: Reconnect the Wires
Reconnect the wires to the proper terminals on the smart thermostat. Push every wire until you hear a click sound. Look for the C wire, which enables some of the thermostat features. The C wire may be absent depending on the smart thermostat model.
An adapter would be present in its absence. Check the wiring once you finish, ensuring everything is right. Lay the wiring fault on the wall to create room for the display plate. When it comes to wiring, a licensed thermostat installation expert may be the best option.
Step 6: Add the Smart Thermostat
It’s time to secure the seat thermostat’s faceplate next to the mounting plate. It snaps once it’s in place. Ensure that everything aligns without obstructions. Check to see if your thermostat runs on batteries to add one.
Step 7: Switch the Power Back On
The final step is to turn the power back on. The smart thermostat should switch on immediately. A smart thermostat is programmable, often requiring a Wi-Fi connection to work. It has the basic steps to connect to the Wi-Fi on the screen.
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Why Should a Professional Install your Smart Thermostat?
There is more to installing a smart thermostat than just connecting wires. Unfortunately, thermostat problems are common and usually originate from the point of installation.
Once you realize the work and skill that goes into smart thermostat installation, you will understand why you should let trained personnel do it for you. Here are some reasons why you should hire experts to install smart thermostats.
1. Poses the Risk of Electrocution
Installing a smart thermostat is electrical work. So, experts understand the danger that comes with it. Also, there’s the possibility of causing a fuse to blow, damaging the smart thermostat.
Electrical injuries often range from mild to fatal. Electrocution could also shorten some of the delicate components inside the thermos.
2. Preserves Your Warranty
Devices like smarts thermostats come with warranties guaranteed after following the manufacturer’s requirements during installation.
A warranty ensures you don’t have to pay for repairs or replacements from your pocket. However, installing an AC yourself could lead to warranty nullification even if you did it correctly.
3. Ensures Your System Is Working to Maximum Capacity
An expert inspects a smart thermostat after installation to ensure it works well. The inspection involves checking placement and setting, which are vital determinants of a thermostat’s work. An expert won’t dismiss trivial factors that eventually influence your thermostat’s functionality.
4. A Professional Has the Proper Equipment for The Job
Trained personnel know what equipment to bring to a smart thermostat installation project. However, if you install it on a DIY basis, you might miss out on essentials such as a camera to take pictures of the wiring.
Conclusion
Installing a smart thermostat involves working with electrical wiring. Therefore, it poses a risk of electrocution if you don’t know your way around electrical wiring.
Although that’s the case, there is little to installing a smart thermostat at home. All you have to do is be intentional and specific about placement. Most importantly, enlist the AC installation services of HVAC professionals.