This guide will walk you through removing your old thermostat and connecting the thermostat wiring to the new one. If you haven’t removed the old one yet, wait!

There’s important information here about what to do with the thermostat wiring when disconnecting it from the old unit. It will help you avoid confusion when wiring the new unit.

Why You Might Need to Replace the Thermostat

There are three common reasons to replace a thermostat.

If your HVAC system is having any of these problems, there’s a possibility the thermostat is the cause:

• Your HVAC system won’t start or it won’t stop: Broken thermostat wiring or terminals prevent the HVAC components from getting the signal to start. A miscalibrated thermostat will misread the temperature and not start the system when it should or start it when it should not.
• Hot and cold swings: A faulty thermostat can cause heating and cooling cycles to run too long or too short leading to temperature fluctuations.

Secondly, you might have to upgrade the control if you’ve installed two-stage or variable-capacity equipment and your current thermostat wiring doesn’t support it.

Finally, you might want the convenience and potential energy savings of a programmable thermostat or a WiFi thermostat like the Nest, Ecobee or Honeywell Lyric.

Tools & Specs to Keep in Mind

The tool list for replacing a thermostat is short:

• Narrow flat screwdriver;
• Phillips screwdriver;
• Vise-grip pliers;
• Drill or driver;
• 3/16” or 1/4″ drill bit;
• 12” to 24” level;
• Cellphone with camera or masking tape and a marker.

The new control must match your system’s capabilities. If you don’t know these, pull the cover off to check the thermostat wiring on the old unit. Yellow wires are typically for AC. If there is one yellow wire, it’s a single-stage AC; Two yellow wires indicate a two-stage or variable-capacity unit. White wires are for the furnace, and the same principle of one or two wires applies. There might be one or two wires not connected to a terminal. They are for HVAC components or functions your system doesn’t have, such as a heat pump reversing valve typically connected to the orange wire.

When shopping for thermostats, their packaging or the control’s online description should list what type systems each supports. With the preliminaries out of the way, here are step-by-step thermostat wiring instructions. Please also look at the below extra tips extracted from the steps.

Replacing a Thermostat in 14 Steps

1. Turn off the power;
2. Remove the thermostat cover;
3. Open the new thermostat package;
4. Take a picture and label the wires;
5. Remove the wiring from the old unit;
6. Remove the baseplate from the wall;
7. Attach vise grip pliers to the wires;
8. Mark the new baseplate holes;
9. Install the new baseplate;
10. Attach the wires to the new thermostat;
11. Install batteries in the thermostat;
12. Mount the thermostat on the baseplate;
13. Program the new thermostat;
14. Turn on the power, and test your HVAC system.

Extra Info and Instructions for the Steps

• 1: Turn off the circuit or circuits in the electrical box that powers your HVAC system.
• 2: Most unclip at the top and can be pulled forward and off.
• 3: You’re looking for ready-made labels marked Y, G, W and so forth.
• 4: Before removing any wires, take a picture showing to what terminal each is attached. Then, use the new labels or marked tape to label each wire with the letter on or next to its terminal connection. These two steps are redundant, but a safeguard against miswiring the new control.
• 6: Hold the wires with one hand, and pull the baseplate away from the wall with the other. When there’s room, reach behind the baseplate, and grab the wires. Remove the baseplate.
• 7: This ensures the wires aren’t pulled into the wall
• 8: Place the new baseplate over the wires and mark the holes.
• 9. Drill the holes and install wall anchors before securing the baseplate with screws
• 10. Loosen each terminal screw first. Then, attach the wires to the terminal with the same letter. Double-check yourself using the picture you took of the old thermostat wiring scheme.
• 11: Most units require one or more batteries for lighting.
• 13: The thermostat might have a switch indicating the type furnace you have gas/oil is one option, and electric is the other. Position the switch appropriately as well as switches for AC/Heat and Fan On/Auto. Follow the included instructions to program, monitor and use your new control. If there’s a phone app for it, download it, and get familiar with its operation.

Caution Notes

There is an industry standard regarding the color of the wires used for each function, yellow for cooling and white for heat, for example. It is surprising how often the standard isn’t followed. This is why labelling and taking a picture of the thermostat wiring on the old unit are essential. When installing the new unit, connect the wires to the same terminal on the new unit they were connected to on the old thermostat, regardless of color. If you rely on color, and the standard was not followed, your system won’t run. The worst-case scenario is that you might short the control board on the furnace or air handler, and that is a pricey repair.

If your HVAC system doesn’t work properly once the new thermostat is installed, make sure each wire is secure in its terminal. If problems persist, turn off the system and get assistance from a local HVAC professional.

Save Money on Thermostat Wiring

Replacing a thermostat is DIY-friendly. Just go slow, take a picture and label wires. Hiring an HVAC technician for the work will cost $75+, and that’s money that should stay in your pocket.

An easy way to save your family and friends that cash is to share this thermostat wiring guide with them. They’ll appreciate the tips! After you replace your thermostat, feel free to chime in here on how the job went for you. It will encourage others to tackle thermostat wiring rather than spending money on pro installation.

Image from pixabay.com.

The heat pump vs furnace question is not as subjective as others; Sure, preference has a say in every decision we make for our homes, but when talking about HVAC systems there are other things to keep in mind. Climate area, fuel availability, and costs determine the feasibility of a furnace vs heat pump system. Here are the most important facts everyone needs to know before deciding which acclimatization system is the right one for them:

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Some Basics

Here is some ground info to get you started into the whole heat pump / furnace discussion:

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are reversible acclimatization systems that can cool and warm an inside space efficiently. During the summer months, a heat pump will extract the heat from your house and eliminate it outside. There are two types of heat pumps based on their fueling system: Electric and gas. There are three types of heat pumps based on where they collect the heat from in the winter months:

• Air heat pumps are the most common. They take heat from the outside air and transfer most of it indoors.
• Water heat pumps need a constant water source like a river, lake, water tables, or man-made reservoirs. They use the water heated by solar radiation to provide warmth but are not as dependable as other systems.
• Geothermal heat pumps use the ground to provide constant temperatures all year around. The piping is installed at certain depths where heat is stored naturally, hence they are considered a modern technology that uses renewable resources. They are considered more efficient than solar panels.

How a geothermal heat pump works.
Note: All heat pumps work by the same principle and have the same main components. Air and water heat pumps have different heat exchangers, but they function the same way.

Pros of Heat Pumps:

• Work well all year around since they can cool and heat the air.
• Efficient, they generate up to 3 times more energy than they consume.
• Very environmentally-friendly.

Cons of Heat Pumps:

• Heat pumps usually cost more than furnaces, no matter the latter’s type (but it pays off in the not-so-long run).
• If temperatures regularly drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or so, an additional heating system might be needed – like a furnace.
• Heat pumps generally have shorter lifespans because they are used all year around & higher maintenance costs. To protect their components from wear, you need to get professional help with selecting the appropriate size of heat pump.

Furnaces

Furnaces are only able to provide warmth, but they have no restrictions when it comes to outside temperatures. They use a variety of fuels like methane (natural gas), propane, etc. There are 4 types of residential furnaces, based on the principle behind them and their efficiency:

• Natural draft furnaces: This type of atmospheric burner furnaces use warm air’s tendency to rise up to effectively heat a home. They are the least efficient and the simplest HVAC devices that exist since the early 20^th They use wood, coal, natural gas, or oil to produce heat, which is then distributed through large ducts all over the house.
• Forced air furnaces: Also a type of atmospheric burner furnaces, these are an upgrade to the previous systems. They cannot surpass 65% fuel efficiency.
• Forced draft furnaces: These mid-efficiency furnaces use a steel heat exchanger and a multi-speed blower to compliment an air conditioning system.
• Condensing furnaces: These high-efficiency furnaces register at least 89% fuel efficiency and can go as high as 98%. They are the most common modern furnaces and require at least 26% less fuel than other furnace types.

Modern residential furnaces can also be classified into one of the following 3 categories:

• Single-stage furnaces, also known as standard furnaces, only have on/off settings; The fuel flow cannot be controlled further. They are about 80% efficient.
• Two-stage furnaces have an additional transition option which only uses about half of their capacity. They use a thermostat to conserve energy by regulating their activity between off, mid, and high. Most two-stage furnaces have an efficiency rate of about 90%.
• Modulating furnaces are the most efficient heating systems at the moment. They work by permanently adjusting their activity and output with as little as 1% increases or decreases.

Although furnaces can use a multitude of fuels and resources to heat up your home, the gas furnace vs heat pump debate mainly refers to gas furnaces. They can either have a large tank that is to be refilled yearly or whenever needed, or be connected to the residential gas distribution system and be billed monthly.

Pros of Furnaces:

• Generally, a furnace will be less expensive than a heat pump.
• Gas furnaces are the most efficient: They convert up to 98% of the gas into heat.
• A furnace will efficiently heat a home during the coldest winter months and can also act as a backup to a heat pump when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
• About 15-years lifespan, a bit longer than a heat pump.

Cons of Furnaces:

• A furnace will only heat the air; To get a comfort and efficiency that is similar to a heat pump’s, an upgraded air conditioner is needed.
• Gas leaks and fumes can endanger your life. In addition, there’s always a risk of fire if the controlled gas combustion goes wrong. Always use a professional installation service and never cut corners on maintenance.

Now that we know how the two systems work and which are their most important characteristics, let’s see how these pros and cons influence some important criteria everyone needs to keep in mind.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: A Point-by-Point Breakdown

Here is a breakdown of the info we discussed in this article, which will hopefully make it easier to find the best acclimatization system(s) for your home:

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Health & Safety Concerns

The electric heat pump definitely wins this round, given that no combustion takes place inside your home. other than the refrigerant, no fumes can escape from a heat pump. They are also environmentally-friendly.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Costs

Operating costs generally tip the balance in favor of heat pumps for warmer areas. Installation costs are similar, but we need to take into account the fact that heat pumps can also cool off a house. If you choose to go with the furnace, you might also need an air conditioner for those hot summer months.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Efficiency

New gas furnaces can be up to 98% efficient – which is an impressive rate. However, a heat pump can be as much as 300% efficient if outside temperatures don’t drop too low. This is possible because heat pumps do not use fuel to heat up or cool off your home, but amplify the heat that is already present in the outside air, water, or ground.

In the heat pump vs furnace debate on efficiency, heat pumps win if talking about hotter climates or mild ones with few extremely cold days. Otherwise, a furnace will be the right choice. It is important to note that heat pumps register their highest efficiency rates when warming up the house.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Reliability & Comfort

Furnaces are more reliable for heating since they work well at any outside temperature. However, some heat pumps also incorporate an electric backup system for when temperatures drop below 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pumps offer comfort all year around in areas with mild winters.

Frozen heat pump

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Lifespan

Gas furnaces have an average lifespan of about 15 years. Heat pumps generally have shorter lifespans since they are used twice as much as furnaces. This can also increase yearly maintenance costs to considerable amounts. However, if the capacity of the heat pump accurately matches the space it needs to acclimatize, these costs are drastically reduced.

Heat Pump vs Furnace: Ease of Use

Both systems can be easily operated and have multiple safety mechanisms; Nevertheless, furnaces should never, ever be operated by children.

What Else to Look Into

• Resources & local infrastructure: Fuel availability and cost are important variables that need to be taken into account. Natural gas,
• Global location and climate;
• Volume of the space you want to heat up and cool off;
• Feasibility of different systems for your area.

Heat Pump vs Furnace Recap

The heat pump vs gas furnace debate is only controversial for areas where temperatures rarely drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. In the heat pump vs electric furnace debate, the heat pump will always prevail as the most efficient. If you live in the Southern part of the U.S. or on one of the coasts, a heat pump might be the best investment if you did not just replace your air conditioner.

Having a heat pump and an air conditioner is redundant and will drastically increase the energy costs, since air conditioners and heat pumps (when cooling the air) are big consumers. unlike ACs, however, heat pumps make up for these losses during the winter months.

All in all, a furnace is a good choice for those who do not need to cool off their homes or already have an air conditioner installed. They are highly functioning no matter the outside temperature and provide warmth and comfort throughout cold months. Heat pumps are great for areas with gentler winters and extreme summer temperatures.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3.

The heat pump vs AC debate is about 100 years old but stronger than ever. A quick look at their reviews illustrates this better than anything else. While a customer praises a product for being the best and most efficient, another one condemns it for not working properly or breaking down.

Surprisingly, they can both be right. Most performance issues in HVAC appliances are due to improper installation or an uneducated choice when it comes to which one would be more fitting. Here are the main differences between heat pumps and air conditioners, and how to decide which one is the best for you:

Heat Pump vs AC:
The Ultimate HVAC Battle

The air conditioner vs heat pump discussion is far from short or simple.

Many factors influence which appliance works best under certain conditions, some that can be controlled and others that are independent of our will or actions. Here are the most important:

Heat Pump vs AC: How They Work

ACs and heat pumps use coils to circulate refrigerant which is expanded and/or compressed when moving through coils. The expansion process cools off the refrigerant, while compression heats it up. Unlike most air conditioners that only have air cooling functions, heat pumps are able to use both processes to provide comfortable temperatures all year around.

Excessive humidity makes us perceive the air as warmer or colder than it actually is, so removing moisture is essential for a comfortable environment. Even though air conditioners are known to control moisture, more heat pumps offer this option as well.

There are many variations to these products. Heat pumps, for example, can come in all sizes and capacities – and so can air conditioners. Ductless heat pumps, or mini split heat pumps, are recommended for smaller rooms or garages that do not need cooling and heating 24/7.

But is the heat pump vs AC battle really necessary?

You might have noticed we mentioned most wall air conditioners are only able to cool off the air inside a home; This happens because some AC units make use of the inverter technology to also heat the air. To put it simply, they incorporate heat pumps to create a highly efficient heat pump air conditioner combo. However, they are only to be used occasionally since central air conditioners with heating functions are not efficient and will drastically increase energy costs.

A portable air conditioner with heat pump is a great choice for small rooms that only need climate control from time to time. They take up little space and can be stored far away from guests’ eyes when not in use.

Heat Pump vs AC: Effectiveness

Other than the fact that ACs usually have higher SEER than heat pumps when cooling off the air, there is no major functionality difference when the outside temperatures are high. However, heat pumps are considered the most effective electrical heating systems at the moment.

It’s impossible to assert which one of these two HVAC appliances is more effective because there are many variables involved. Climate is the most important one, but local electricity prices and the staggering variety of air conditioners and heat pumps also add to the difficulty of this question.

Heat Pump vs AC: Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in buying, installing, and running a heat pump vs AC:

Note: The values mentioned below are approximates only. Running costs heavily depend on local energy prices and frequency of use.

Heat Pump vs AC: Acquisition & Energy Costs

When looking at the acquisition prices, heat pumps usually cost more than air conditioners: Up to $2,000 more than a central air conditioner and about $500 more than a ductless one.

However, if installed in appropriate climate areas and under the right conditions, they can save energy from day 1. The U.S. government often provides rebates for saving energy to citizens who only use heat pumps to regulate the temperature inside their homes. Air conditioners initially cost less, but even the most effective one will not help you save as much as a heat pump on the long run.

Heat Pump vs AC: Installation & Maintenance Costs

There are no major differences when talking about installation costs of a heat pump vs air conditioner. Troubleshooting and maintenance costs are not much different either if used in the right climates. No matter your choice, we recommend only buying new appliances that have not been used as display models. To verify this, you can look for an original manufacturer’s seal on the outside of the packaged item.

How to Choose Between a Heat Pump vs AC

For those who live in warm areas where heating is only needed a few days or weeks per year at most, an air conditioner is the right choice. Its generally higher SEER and ability to cool off the air like no other appliance makes it the best HVAC unit in these cases. If you live in an area where temperatures rarely go beyond the freezing point, a heat pump can be the right choice. It can successfully act as a furnace and an air conditioner with heat pump if the outside temperatures are not extreme.

However, heat pumps have limited capabilities and functionality when it comes to extremely cold climates. When temperatures drop well below freezing points for prolonged periods of time, its outside coils collect ice which interferes with their efficiency. Many heat pumps have special burners to remove the ice, but they are only effective above certain temperatures and can drastically increase annual operating costs. Therefore, a furnace could be a much more fitting choice for colder areas (under 30F).

How to Choose a Heat Pump or AC

No matter your choice, there is one aspect you need to take into account when deciding how powerful the HVAC appliance will be. A higher BTU air conditioner or heat pump is not always the best option – especially if we’re talking about humid areas.

A powerful climate control appliance will, indeed, heat or cool the house faster, but it will not fix an important aspect: Humidity. Given it will only function at reduced capacity and from time to time, the AC or heat pump will not be able to properly control the moisture and will lead, in time, to mold and respiratory issues.

For moist climates, the best HVAC appliance is one of small capacity since it will work at a steady speed and permanently remove moisture from the inside air.

Those living in sunny areas might benefit from a solar panel compatible heat pump or AC. Although considerably more expensive, once installed they will require little to no running costs. If you already have an environmentally-friendly house which converts solar power to energy, these might be what you need. They can be used as standalone HVAC appliances or as auxiliaries that will help keep a steady and comfortable temperature while maintaining expenses to a minimum.

Some Energy-Saving & Health Tips

Acquiring a highly efficient HVAC appliance is a must for keeping energy bills low. The latest models have a SEER of up to 25, but anything above 18 is considered very efficient. But efficiency isn’t all: Extra functions are just as important. We already mentioned moisture and how it can enhance the perceived temperature. Other useful features can be mobile control or programming.

Regularly changing the filters can also help with keeping the bills to a minimum, since dirty and clogged ones will make the appliance run at higher than needed capacities. This results in extra monthly expenses that can be easily avoided and can even lead to the appliance breaking down which will add to the costs.

Changing filters is also recommended for health reasons since over time they gather dust, spores, allergens, or bacteria that can be harmful to our wellbeing. Itchy or runny nose and eyes are signs the filters need changing or cleaning. This should be done as often as possible, at least twice per year for temperate climates and 4 or 5  times for areas where the appliance is used all year around.

When using an HVAC appliance, keep the windows closed to avoid wasting energy. Inside ducts or vents and outside units should not be obstructed by furniture, walls, or other objects since this might impede proper functioning and can also damage the obstructing object. For example, heat pumps or air conditioners which can also increase the amount of moisture in a room can deter furniture, doors, or other woodwork items.

Window coverings are another energy-saving tip that is often overlooked. Thick textile coverings can keep the house a few degrees cooler or warmer by stopping sunlight and draught from coming in.

Heat Pump vs AC: Bottom Line

Although we mentioned heat pumps involve lower running expenses, the cost effectiveness of a heat pump vs AC heavily depends on the frequency of use, global positioning, the needs of individual customers, and local energy costs. There is no universally right choice when it comes to cooling and/or heating systems: Every type and model of appliance on the market is someone’s best choice, as well as the most unfit product for someone else.

Image sources: 1, 2.