How to Hook Up an Electric Heat Thermostat Yourself

Replacing a used or broken thermostat allows you to maintain control over the temperature of your home as well as optimize the utility budget. Following simple installation steps will allow you to install your thermostat and avoid electrician fees.

Preparing the Old Thermostat

• 1

  Replace the battery in an existing thermostat before replacing it to avoid unnecessary work. If you still need to replace or want to replace your thermostat, turn off the power supply to the unit from you fuse box. Remove the cover of the old thermostat and reveal the wires underneath. Ensure that the fuse is turned off by placing the tip of the voltage tester pen on each of the wires inside the thermostat. Depress the button on the tester and stop work immediately if the voltage pen lights up, indicating that the proper fuse has not been turned off. Return to the fuse box and depress additional switches until the voltage tester does not light up on any wire inside the thermostat.

• 2

  Label the wires inside the old thermostat before removing them from the thermostat. Note the color indicated in the screw to which the wire is attached rather than the actual color of the wire. Wrap a 2-inch length of white electrical tape around each wire about 3 inches from the exposed end to make a tag. Write with the permanent marker on the white electrical tape to identify the wire color before unscrewing them from the old thermostat.

• 3

  Gently loosen the screws on the back of the thermostat to release the wires. Set aside the front piece of the thermostat. Using a screwdriver, remove the old thermostat back piece from the wall. Pull the wires out from the opening in the wall to make installing the new thermostat easier.

Installing the New Thermostat

• 1

  Place the new thermostat back piece on the wall and check that it's aligned correctly with a level. Using a pencil, mark where you want to drill holes. Use your screwdriver to create anchor holes and then put the back of the thermostat in place and affix the screws to the back of the thermostat, pulling the wires out through the opening in the thermostat back piece.

• 2

  Match up the wires to the appropriate screws on the thermostat unit, using white electrical tape markers. Wrap the exposed end of the wire around the loosened screw on the thermostat and gently turn the screws until they are flush with the thermostat, being careful not to crush the wires. Test the adherence of the wires by providing a moderate tug on the wires--you should not be able to remove the wires.

• 3

  Install a battery if indicated, which is usually necessary for digital models. Affix the front of the thermostat to the wall by clipping it onto the back thermostat piece. Return to the fuse box and turn on any fuses you previously turned off.