Air Conditioning Question 1: What is Involved in Installing a Programmable Thermostat?

If you’ve decided to replace your old manual thermostat with a new programmable model, you’ve made a smart choice. At Saddleback we like to keep our customers informed, so here’s what to expect when having your new thermostat installed.

First of all, location is key. Your thermostat will be installed on an interior wall, and will perform optimally when kept away from sources of heat or drafts such as heating and cooling vents, windows, doorways, and so on. To ensure that you are getting the most accurate performance out of your thermostat it should be in a spot representative of the room’s true temperature.

Your technician will most likely shut off the electricity during the installation. If the electricity is not shut off, the job is not being done safely. The fact that thermostats run on low voltage wiring does not make it acceptable to rush a job. Depending on your specific heating and cooling system you can expect to see anywhere from 2 – 10 wires at the point of connection.

If you are replacing your existing Irvine central air or heating system, we strongly advise that you also upgrade your old, manual thermostat. There is no comparing the accuracy you get from the old manual models to that of the new, programmable thermostats. Remember, with greater accuracy comes better efficiency and more effective performance levels from your heating or cooling system. Before you decide on a new thermostat for your heating or cooling system upgrade, talk with a professional. There are a lot of options out there, and you want to be sure that you are making the right purchase for your individual needs.

Also, if you’re having an old manual thermostat removed it is possible that the model may have a mercury switch inside. Mercury is a liquid metal once commonly used in thermostats to complete connections. It is also toxic. Your Irvine air conditioning technician will make sure that this substance is safely removed from your home and properly disposed of.

Upgrading to a programmable thermostat may not be a big job, but it is an important one. After all, this is the control panel you rely on to keep your home comfortable. Call the professionals at Saddleback and know that your new thermostat is properly installed.