Can You Switch Out a Regular Thermostat With a Smart Thermostat?
If you want to optimize the performance of your HVAC system and lower your heating and air conditioning costs, installing a smart thermostat is one of the best investments you can make. Smart thermostats are extremely convenient and provide a range of benefits that make them far superior to any other type of regular programmable thermostat. In terms of whether you can replace the old regular thermostat in your home with a smart thermostat, the answer is absolutely.
An Overview of the Installation Process
In many cases, the process for switching from a regular thermostat to a smart thermostat just involves disconnecting and removing the old unit and then connecting the wiring and mounting the new unit on the wall. Once your heating and cooling services technicians disconnect the wires from the existing thermostat, they'll label the wires so they know which terminal each one corresponds to when wiring the new thermostat. After the new thermostat is wired up and mounted on the wall, the last step is to connect it to your home Wi-Fi network and then test it to make sure it's properly calibrated and works correctly.
The only issue you may encounter when trying to wire and install a smart thermostat is that almost all of them require a common or C-wire. The C-wire allows the HVAC system to provide a constant source of power to the thermostat instead of depending on batteries.
If you have an older home or your existing thermostat uses battery power, there's a high chance that there isn't a C-wire running to the thermostat. In this case, the technician will have to install a C-wire after removing the old thermostat before they can wire up the smart thermostat. Luckily, they'll often be able to run this wire from the HVAC system through a wall or ceiling and then pull or fish it up or down through the wall the thermostat is on. They may need to cut a small hole in a ceiling or wall, but they usually won't have to perform any major demolition.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Smart Thermostat
You're normally best off mounting your new smart thermostat in the same location as the old unit. That way the technician should just be able to use the existing wires that run between the thermostat and the HVAC system as long as they're still in good shape.
The only concern is that the thermostat in some homes isn't in an ideal location, which can lead to issues with the HVAC system's performance or cause unnecessarily high energy bills. One of the biggest concerns is if the thermostat is in a place where sunlight shines on it during any part of the day. Any time the sunlight is shining on the thermostat, it will register a higher temperature than the house actually is. That means the heating system may not run often or long enough, and the AC may run more than it really needs to. This can also happen if the thermostat is in a warmer location like a kitchen or bathroom. You also want to make sure that the thermostat is in a fairly central location on an interior wall and not near any windows, exterior doors, or supply vents.
If the technician determines that your thermostat isn't in a good location, they can then advise you on the ideal location. Moving the thermostat will require abandoning the old wires and then running new wiring from the HVAC system to the new location.
The Importance of Ensuring Thermostat Compatibility
The first step when choosing a smart thermostat is to make fully certain that it's compatible with your HVAC system. Most smart thermostats are compatible with all types of HVAC systems, but not every model is. For instance, some units may not be compatible with a heat pump system and others may only be designed to work with heat pumps. This is why it's a good idea to discuss any thermostat you're considering with a knowledgeable HVAC professional before buying it to make sure it's compatible.
For nearly 40 years, New River Heating & Air has been one of the most trusted HVAC services in the Radford, VA area. We have a team of experienced, NATE-certified technicians that's ready to help if you want to install a smart thermostat or need any other assistance with your heating or air conditioning. If you have any questions about installing a smart thermostat in your home or want to schedule an appointment, contact us today.