Installing a smart thermostat is an excellent way to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. These innovative devices learn your habits, automatically adjust temperatures, and can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps.
In this article and accompanying video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey will take you through the process of installing an energy-saving smart thermostat.
Understanding Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are advanced temperature control devices that offer features beyond traditional programmable thermostats. They use artificial intelligence to learn your preferences and routines, adjusting temperatures automatically for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
Benefits of Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats offer several advantages over conventional models, such as:
- Detailed energy usage reports
- Energy savings through intelligent temperature management
- Integration with other smart home devices
- Learning capabilities that adapt to your schedule
- Remote control via smartphone apps
Preparing for Smart Thermostat Installation
Before you begin the installation process, it’s essential to ensure you have the right tools and that your HVAC system is compatible with a smart thermostat.
Compatibility Check
Not all heating and cooling systems are compatible with smart thermostats. Most work with conventional forced air systems, but homes with baseboard heating or other specialized systems may require specific models.
Check your current wiring and consult the manufacturer’s compatibility guide before purchasing.
Gathering Necessary Items
For a typical smart thermostat installation, you’ll need the following materials:
- Drill and drill bits (if mounting holes don’t align)
- Level
- Pencil
- Smartphone or tablet (for setup)
- Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
- Wire stripper
Safety Precautions
Always prioritize safety when working with electrical components. Turn the power to your HVAC system off at the circuit breaker before beginning the installation.
We strongly recommend consulting a professional if you’re unsure about any step in the process.
Smart Thermostat Installation
Installing a smart thermostat is a relatively straightforward process that most DIYers should be able to complete in under an hour. Follow these steps for a successful installation:
- Turn off power to your HVAC system at the circuit breaker.
- Remove the old thermostat’s faceplate and take a photo of the wire connections for reference.
- Disconnect and label the wires according to their terminal letters.
- Remove the old thermostat’s base plate from the wall.
- Install the new smart thermostat’s base plate to ensure it’s level.
- Connect the labeled wires to the corresponding terminals on the new base plate.
- Attach the smart thermostat to the base plate.
- Restore power to your HVAC system.
- Follow the thermostat’s setup instructions to connect to Wi-Fi and configure settings.
Configuring Your Smart Thermostat
Once installed, your smart thermostat will need some initial setup to optimize its performance.
Initial Setup
Most smart thermostats will guide you through an initial setup process, which typically includes:
- Connecting to your home’s Wi-Fi network
- Setting your location for accurate weather data
- Inputting basic information about your home and HVAC system
- Creating a basic schedule or allowing the thermostat to start learning your habits
Creating Schedules
While many smart thermostats can learn and adapt to your routines, you can also create custom schedules. Consider setting different temperatures for:
- Periods when you need extra heating or cooling
- Sleeping hours
- Times when the house is typically empty
- Weekdays vs. weekends
Connecting to Mobile Apps
Download your thermostat’s companion app to your smartphone or tablet. The app will allow you to control your thermostat remotely, receive energy reports, and adjust settings from anywhere with an internet connection.
Smart Thermostats: Maximizing Energy Savings
By design, smart thermostats can help you reduce your household’s energy consumption, but there are additional ways to maximize savings.
Utilizing Learning Features
Allow your thermostat time to learn your habits and preferences. As Trethaway mentions, after about a week of manual adjustments, many smart thermostats will start to program themselves based on your behavior.
Setting Appropriate Temperatures
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in winter and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) in summer when you’re awake and at home for optimal energy savings. Your smart thermostat can automatically adjust to these temperatures.
Taking Advantage of Away Mode
Use your thermostat’s away or vacation mode when you’re out of the house for extended periods. This feature adjusts temperatures to save energy while ensuring your home doesn’t get too hot or cold.
Regular Maintenance and Updates
To keep your smart thermostat functioning optimally, follow these maintenance and update tips:
- Battery Checks: For models with backup batteries, check and replace them as needed to avoid interruptions in operation.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check for firmware updates through the app to ensure your thermostat has the latest features and security patches.
- Sensor Cleaning: Keep the thermostat’s sensors clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
Monitoring Performance
To maximize energy savings and efficiency, regularly monitor the performance of your smart thermostat. This process involves:
- Adjusting Schedules: Periodically reassess and adjust the custom schedules you’ve created to reflect any changes in your routine or preferences.
- Inspecting Energy Reports: Review the thermostat’s detailed energy usage reports. This feature helps you understand your consumption patterns and identify areas for further improvement.
- Noting Environmental Changes: Consider any significant environmental changes, such as seasonal shifts, and adjust the thermostat settings accordingly to maintain comfort and efficiency.
Smart Thermostat Issues: How To Troubleshoot
While smart thermostats are generally reliable, you may encounter some issues. Here are solutions to common problems with smart thermostats.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues: Ensure your thermostat is within range of your router and that your Wi-Fi password is correct. If problems persist, try restarting your router or resetting the thermostat’s network settings.
- Incorrect Temperature Readings: Check for drafts or heat sources near the thermostat that might affect its sensors. If the thermostat provides an option to do so in the settings or app, recalibrate it.
- Battery Problems: Some models have backup batteries that may need replacement every few years. If your thermostat frequently loses power, check and replace the batteries.
