Search Louisville Area Real Estate

Family Realty Louisville KY Louisville Real Estate Blog

Installation of a Programmable Thermostat


In my last blog entry, I discussed the benefits of installing a programmable thermostat. Here I am going to detail the steps it takes to actually do the installation. Including the purchase, of a new thermostat, the install can be completed in 10 easy steps

Step one is the hardest part because you have to purchase the thermostat. Most thermostats are going to be compatible with your heating and air system. However, you can review your system to verify you have the correct thermostat. The basic options are:

                "Works with 1 stage heating and cooling" which is used when you have separate heating and cooling units

                "Works with 2 stage or multi-stage heating or cooling" which is used for units that have multiple fan speeds                

                "Works with Direct Line Voltage" which is used when the thermostat is powered by the wires coming from the wall

                "Works with 24mv" which is used with fireplaces, floor, or wall furnaces

                "Zoned HVAX" which is used when units can control the temperature in different areas from the same system

Step two is to turn off the power, to the thermostat, at the breaker box. Usually the power to the thermostat is not that dangerous, but one never knows how much power is truly running through the lines, so turn off the power to be safe.

Step three is to remove the old thermostat from the wall.  Most thermostats are in two pieces; the main portion just slides up and out, exposing the base plate. Use a screwdriver to remove the base plate from the wall; do not disconnect the wires, from the base unit, yet.

Step four is to label the wires. You will see letters, on the base plate, and wires connected to the screws at the letters. These wires may not, necessarily be color-coded, i.e., the blue wire may not be connected to the "B." You want to label the wire with the letter it was originally assigned, for example, if the blue wire was connected to the "R," place an "R" label on the blue wire. You can use a piece of tape or the chosen thermostat could come with a label sheet.

Preventing the wires from falling back into the wall is step five. The professionals wrap the wires around a pencil. The weight of the pencil hold the wires in place. If the wires fall into the wall, you may have to contact a professional to fish the wires back out.

Step six is installation of the wall plate. Use the wall plate as a template to mark your holes for the screw. You will want to make sure the thermostat is level, because the mercury tube that registers the temperature will not provide accurate readings. If your thermostat comes with anchors, use them as well, as they support the weight.

Step seven is when you are ready to hook up the wires to the thermostat. Use the labels you made in step four to match up the wires to the proper connectors. Wires on a heating and air conditioning system range from two to five wires, so you may have empty connectors. This is normal. Push any excess wire back into the wall.

Step eight is to place the thermostat on the wall. Install batteries in the thermostat. Usually a thermostat requires two AA batteries. Place the thermostat against the wall, slightly above the wall plate. It then slides down to catch the grooves to sit in place.

You are now ready to power the thermostat. Return to your breaker and turn the power back on.

And step 10 is to program your thermostat. This is the most important step; if you don't program the thermostat, you are not getting the benefits of your recent purchase. Every thermostat is different, so you will have to read the manual to get the exact procedures.

Programmable thermostats are easy to install and use. They can be installed within one hour. Once you program it, you don't have to worry about making adjustments throughout the day. With the ease of install and utility bill savings, there is no reason to not install a programmable thermostat.

...

New Listings - Clarendon Ave - Wildwood Ln

Use a programmable thermostat to help the environment

Energy conservation is a hot topic these days. With the difference in high and low temperatures, in Louisville, not only during the year, but can also be experienced in a day, replacing your old home thermostat with a programmable thermostat is a way to help conserve energy and money, in the long run. A programmable thermostat allows the user to automatically adjust the temperature in your home.

During the summer months, a programmable thermostat will allow you to raise the temperature setting, while you are at work, so the air conditioning will not run while you are at work. You then have the temperature adjust to your ideal temperature prior to you returning home. This can be set opposite in the winter, where you allow the temperature to drop, so your furnace isn't running when nobody is home.

Programmable thermostats start around $20.00 and can go up to several hundred dollars, depending on the additional features you are looking for. A basic thermostat will allow you to making one setting that works for the entire week. This, however, may be inconvenient because most people are not gone every day of the week, so they have added the ability to have one program during the week and another one for the weekend or what is called a 5 + 1 + 1 program which allows separate programs Monday through Friday, one for Saturday, and another one for Sunday.

Programs can also allow you to set different time frames during the day. For example, you have the settings for when you are at work. Then you have the it adjust for the evening, when you get home for the evening. Thirdly, you can have a different setting for the time you are sleeping. And finally, a fourth setting for the morning when you are preparing to leave for the day.

Just as it seems with everything, adjustable thermostats are now joining the wireless world, which can connect to your home's data network. The thermostats do have a setting where you can override the programmed setting, so if the environment isn't comfortable, you can make temporary adjustments. If you leave the house and forget to go back to the program, you will have a way to log into the thermostat and make the necessary adjustments.

Not only can you help save the environment, a properly installed and programmed thermostat can help save money on your utility bill. Preventing your air conditioner cooling an empty house, in the summer, or heating your unoccupied house in the winter, you limit the use of your air conditioner and furnace when their use is not required, saving you money.

...

Our Open Houses This Sunday 6-5-2016 in Louisville KY

We have four amazing open houses this Sunday, June 5th from 2-4PM in the Louisville! Two homes in St Matthews, one in the Highlands and one in MIddletown.

518 Altagate Rd, Louisville, KY 40206 - $639,500

altagate

Gorgeous 4 bed/3.5 bath ranch on private cul-de-sac in Cherokee Gardens! Hardwood floors in Kitchen, Living room & dining room. Eat in Kitchen features granite counter tops, island, custom cabinets, bar, desk, pantry & leads to front porch. Living room has crown molding, fireplace, custom wood wainscoting, is open to dining room & also leads out to deck through french doors. Dining room has crown molding, wainscoting & also leads to deck through french doors. Master bedroom has custom built-in closets/drawers along entire wall, french doors leading to deck & has a huge full bath with whirlpool tub, separate large shower & his & her vanities with granite tops. 1st floor also has a half bath & another bedroom with 4 closets & vaulted ceiling with skylights currently a sitting room. Basement is brilliantly finished with possible 5th bedroom ensuite...perfect for guests! Basement also has a great room with built-in bookcase and crown molding, 2 other bedrooms, full bath, laundry, storage space and entry to side patio. The exterior is absolutely magnificent with a multi-level deck, patios, gorgeous landscaping including a pond with waterfall, stone retaining wall, rock stairs that lead to yard, gorgeous driveway and lots of trees and privacy. Home alarm, outdoor lighting and irrigation, This home is a must see!

3072 Beals Branch Dr, Louisville, KY 40206 - $425,000

3072 beals branch

Beautiful 4 bed/ 3 bath home next to the Seneca Park loop! Take a stroll in Seneca Park, open the back gate, and take a deep breath as you view the terraced landscape of this inviting backyard. Features gorgeous crown moldings throughout main level, hardwood floors throughout 1st and 2nd floors, new driveway, newer triple pane windows, newer roof & new high efficiency furnace. Eat-in kitchen features brand new stainless steel appliances with 3 yr limited warranty, corian counter tops & custom cabinets with matching built-in bench for custom table. Living room has fireplace & is open to Dining room. 1st flr also includes large master bedroom, another bedroom & full bath. 2nd floor has 2 large charming bedrooms with walk-in closets & full bath. Basement includes possible 5th bedroom ensuite perfect for guests! Basement also includes family room & exercise area. Beautiful home in amazing location! This home is a must see!

1810 Woodbourne Ave, Louisville, KY 40205 - $300,000

woodbourne

Superbly updated and charming 3 bed/2 full bath bungalow is the Highlands! Meticulous attention to detail in maintaining home's original character throughout extensive renovation. Some features include newly refinished hardwood floors with custom detailing throughout 1st floor, elaborate trim, crown molding, lots of natural light & the entire 2nd floor transformed into a huge master suite with hardwood floor, sitting area, large walk-in closet & a huge master bath with his & her vanities, whirlpool tub, large tiled shower, beautifully tiled floor, built-in storage & skylights. 1st floor includes eat-in kitchen with all new stainless steel appliances except oven & large picture window, living room open to the dining room which is open to florida room. They include beautiful french doors to separate those rooms when you prefer privacy. The 1st floor also includes 2 good-sized bedrooms also with hardwood floors and charm, a full bath with jetted tub and a sunroom at the back of the house. There is also a large covered front porch which leads into the living room. It is perfect for relaxing and can also serve as a mud room. The basement has a finished great room with new carpet and built-in bookcase and cabinet and a large laundry/storage area. The backyard has a large level yard fully fenced. Off-street parking with room for a garage. Home is in a great area close to Lakeside and all the restaurants, shops, etc on Bardstown Rd.

405 Malcolm Ave, Louisville, KY 40223 - $175,000

malcolm

Traditional brick 2-story home, conveniently located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Middletown. Open living room with high ceiling and hardwood floors leads to private dining room and kitchen, both with access to the shady backyard and deck. Large master upstairs with 2 additional, nicely sized bedrooms. Basement has great storage and is currently being used as living space and easily finishable.

...

From our Blog


Posts By Category

All Categories Agent of the Week (16) Family Realty (146) Listings (110) Louisville Events (41) Neighborhoods (12) Open Houses (48) Real Estate (114) Real Estate Events (3) Sold (25)

Posts By Month

Grab Our RSS Feed
Start Your Home Search
Search For Homes What's My Home Worth? Instant New Home Alerts