Why You Should Consider Upgrading Your Thermostat

If you have been thinking about installing a new thermostat, you should consider a WiFi thermostat. These devices offer traditional temperature control features and also allow you to manage your home’s heating and cooling with a finger tap or voice command from just about anywhere. As a plus, if you are a frequent traveler or own a vacation rental property, a WiFi thermostat allows you check the temperature remotely. They can also deliver savings on your utility bills, and some utilities even offer rebates when you purchase and install certain models.

What is the Difference Between a Smart Thermostat and a WiFi Thermostat

All smart thermostats are WiFi thermostats, but not all WiFi thermostats are smart. Smart thermostats connect to your phone to track and adjust your home’s temperature settings and may offer additional features like the ability to adapt to your family’s patterns to set an optimized daily or weekly schedule. Some smart thermostats also have proximity sensors, geofencing, and other high-tech features for consumers who want more control over their home’s cooling and heating.

On the flipside, a thermostat with WiFi is not a learning (smart) thermostat. However, this can still be a solid option for you depending on your budget, lifestyle, and household needs.

How to Install a WiFi Thermostat

When you are ready to install your WiFi thermostat, follow these 6 basic steps:

1. Uninstall Your Old Thermostat: Start by turning off power to your HVAC system at your home’s breaker panel. This safety step will prevent accidental shocks and other electrical issues. Once you have turned off the system’s power, remove the faceplate of the old thermostat. Make sure any hidden screws are accounted for and loosened before fully removing the faceplate. Once you have pulled off the faceplate, take a picture of the wiring behind it so you can identify which wires connect to which terminals. Finally, remove the thermostat wires from the backplate before uninstalling the backplate from the wall.

2. Add a C-wire: If your previous system already has a common wire, or C-wire, then you can skip this step. If your old system doesn’t have a C-wire you can either add one yourself, use the adapter sold with your WiFi thermostat, install an “add-a-wire” adapter, or hire a professional to add a C-wire to your system.

3. Install The New Backplate: Mark the wall with a pencil to indicate where the screws go in your new thermostat’s backplate. Then, pull the wires through the backplate and screw it into the wall.

4. Connect The Wires: Connect the thermostat wires to the correct terminals. Use the picture you took in Step 1 as a reference.

5. Install The New Faceplate: Install your new WiFi thermostat faceplate onto the backplate. Then, turn the breaker back on to restore power. Your new thermostat should start booting up.

6. Connect Your Thermostat to WiFi: Your WiFi thermostat should offer a series of prompts to follow so you may connect it to WiFi. Once you have the device connected to WiFi, finish setting it up with the corresponding mobile app.

Although these simple instructions work for installing most WiFi thermostats, be sure to follow the instructions provided with your new WiFi thermostat.

Final Thoughts

Keeping up with your home’s maintenance is an essential way to protect your investment, and your HVAC system is no exception. A great way to safeguard the systems and appliances in your home is through a home warranty plan from American Home Shield®. Their home warranty plans provide coverage for up to 23 major systems and appliances. They even cover parts and components of A/C and heating units, which is comforting during the desert’s high summer temps and cool winter evenings. To learn more about what American Home Shield® can cover and to view pricing and plans, check out their website.

Bennion Deville Homes assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.