If your current thermostat in Galt, CA, has stopped working or if you want to upgrade to a model that can help you to save energy, proper installation of your new thermostat is key. Unlike a basic electrical connection that only involves three wires, the connection between a thermostat and an HVAC system can be quite complex. To help you succeed with your project, we at Hawk Heating & Air Conditioning offer this basic guide to thermostat installation.
Newer Thermostats Require Power
Older mechanical thermostats required no outside power to function. With no screen to illuminate or settings to save, mechanical thermostats could operate without any special wiring. Newer thermostats, however, need a constant supply of electricity to power their screens and, in the case of smart thermostats, their Wi-Fi connection.
To provide this power, you’ll need what’s called a common wire. These wires, always blue in color, provide the direct electrical connection that’s necessary for programmable and smart thermostats to operate as designed. Therefore, before you begin to install your new thermostat, you’ll want to make sure that you have a common wire or one installed by an electrician if you don’t.
Making the Connection
Before you begin the installation process, you’ll want to be sure to turn off the power to your cooling system. This will prevent the unit from engaging while you’re working on the electrical components. Then, you’ll want to remove the old thermostat by disconnecting the electrical connections and unscrewing the backplate from the wall.
Next, screw the new backplate in place using the provided screws and anchors. Then, you’ll need to reattach the electrical wires to their correct positions on the thermostat. It’s important to remember that each component of your air conditioner is separately drawing its own electricity. Therefore, each part has to be individually wired to your thermostat so that it can properly sequence the system start-up when the thermostat detects that the temperature needs to change. Once you have the correct connections in place, all that’s left to do is to install the front plate and program your new thermostat.
Don’t Push It
If you start down the road of thermostat installation and realize that you’re in over your head, it’s important to call in the professionals. If you install the thermostat incorrectly, you could damage it and the existing HVAC components.
At Hawk Heating & Air Conditioning, we can install thermostats of all types to allow you to operate your Galt system efficiently. We can also install heat pumps, air conditioners, and furnaces. Our team can maintain and repair these units, too. When you work with us, your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you want to install a new thermostat for your system and you need a little assistance, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Hawk Heating & Air Conditioning today.
