How To Wire A Thermostat (Step-by-Step Guide)

Are you planning to install a thermostat? They are the top-of-the-line control systems for HVAC equipment, including furnaces and air conditioners. If you want to ensure the new thermostat is working properly or if you need to repair an old thermostat, knowing how to wire a thermostat is useful.

Without experience, installing electrical equipment is not a simple operation. Still, if you’ve decided to do it yourself rather than hire a professional, follow this simple yet comprehensive step-by-step guide from the RG Electric technicians to learn how to wire thermostats properly.

7 Simple Steps to Wiring A Thermostat

When installing a new thermostat, there are several things to consider to avoid potentially harmful consequences, such as electric shock or damage to the thermostat unit. 

Let’s take a look at 7 simple steps to properly wiring your new electrical equipment

1. Read and follow the instructions carefully

It might sound easy, but you should carefully read all of the recommendations in the installation instructions before connecting a new thermostat to your wall. Why? Because each piece of equipment has its own instructions for installation, you shouldn’t miss any important details. 

Pay attention to any additional guidance provided for your specific mode too. The best source of information on how to use a thermostat is its accompanying instructions because each one is unique

2. Turn the electricity off at the thermostat

It’s important to cut off the electricity until you start working on the wiring. Turning off the electricity helps to prevent any electrical issues or injuries when removing the old one to replace it or installing a new one

3. Take down the old thermostat and wall plate

If you still have an outdated thermostat, now is the time to remove it. Typically, the thermostat will glide up and off the wall plate. Prepare the area for the new thermostat by loosening and removing the screws holding the wall plate in place

4. Check your old thermostat wire connections

There are several colored wires underneath the old thermostat that you will discover as you remove it to install the new one. But it’s important to understand what these wires are for and how they work before wiring your thermostat. You might be able to figure out some things by looking at the old thermostat.

Label or make a note of the wires that were connected to the former thermostat’s letter designations.

5. Wall plate replacement

If there is a replacement wall plate, install it. Make new holes with the same spacing as the wall plate’s holes. Make sure the wall plate is straight and still. Drill the new plate’s holes. As a final step, screw the new plate onto the wall.

6. Attach it to the new wall plate

Your new thermostat needs to be wired into the wall. Refer to your labels or the notes you made to ensure that you connected them properly. You can twist the wires onto the connectors on the back of the thermostat or adhere to them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Slide the plate onto the wall plate after pushing all the wires back into the wall. It must be straight and positioned straight up against the wall.
7. Turn the electricity back on and check if it works

Flip the switches in your breaker box to turn the electricity back on for the objects. You can check the thermostat by turning on the furnace and air conditioner at various temperatures. If the thermostat doesn’t function, go over all the procedures again.

Get Help From Professional Technicians at RG Electric

As you can see, wiring a thermostat is nothing too complicated. Just follow these simple instructions carefully, and you’ll see that you can install your new thermostat yourself. Nevertheless, different types of thermostats require different wiring solutions, and not all of them might be compatible with the instructions. 

So, if you’re unsure if you can install it yourself, experienced electricians at RG Electric are always willing to help! Our professional team is ready to provide in-depth consultation and go over every critical aspect with you. You are always welcome to go over our extensive list of electrical services and get in touch with us for further details!