How to Install a Wireless Thermostat

In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a wireless thermostat to control one zone of heating.

Steps for Installing a Wireless Thermostat

1. Mount the electronic interface module (receiver) to the wall beside the boiler.
2. Run two wires from the receiver to the appropriate zone valve.
3. Run two more wires from the receiver to a transformer. Fasten the wires to the wall and ceiling with cable staples.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s easy pushbutton instructions to link the receiver to the thermostat.
5. Mount the thermostat to an inside room wall, away from any windows or heat-producing electronics.
6. Use two hollow-wall anchors to screw the thermostat’s mounting base to the wall.
7. Snap the thermostat onto the mounting base, then program it to the desired room temperature.
8. The heat can be controlled wirelessly at the wall-mounted thermostat or via the Internet on your computer, tablet, or cell phone.
9. Another type of wireless thermostat features a receiver that connects to wires of the existing thermostat, which greatly simplifies the wiring process.

Resources

Richard installed the Wireless FocusPRO Comfort System Programmable Thermostat, manufactured by Honeywell.

Then, in the loft, Richard demonstrated the Total Control Comfort app, designed by Honeywell, which allows the thermostat to be controlled from any location using a compatible cell phone or tablet. Richard used the iOS version of the app for an iPad, which is available for download from iTunes.

Richard also showed a wireless receiver that can replace a wall-mounted thermostat, which is the WTR thermostat, manufactured by Zone First.

Materials

• Wireless thermostat
• Cable staples, used to secure the wiring
• Hollow-wall anchors and screws, for mounting the thermostat

Tools