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Steps for installing a GPS-enabled smart thermostat
- Before doing any work, turn off power to the heating/cooling system.
- Disconnect and remove the old thermostat. If it contains mercury, it needs to be disposed of properly. Check local regulations for more information.
- Feed the wires through the thermostat, level the thermostat, and screw it to the wall.
- Use the app to help determine the correct wiring configuration for your system.
- Push the thermostat wires into the correct terminal.
- Attach the cover to the thermostat and configure through the app.
How GPS Geofencing Works: A GPS-enabled smart thermostat communicates with your smartphone’s GPS. When the last person leaves the house, it automatically detects that everyone is gone and sets the system back to a lower temperature. As you get close to home, it senses your return and starts bringing the house back to your comfort setting — fully automatic, with no need to manually override from an app.
Wiring Tip: On a basic heating system, you’ll typically find just a red and a white wire. The base plate terminals are clearly labeled — R for red, W for white. But if you have a furnace with air conditioning, you could have five, six, or even seven wires. The app that helps you control the thermostat actually helps you get it wired right by walking you through each connection.
Pro Tip: When removing the old thermostat, check if the new unit’s base plate is a different size or shape. If the outline of the old thermostat is visible in the paint, the manufacturer may include a trim plate to cover the patch. But if you have matching paint on hand, it looks much nicer to skip the trim plate and simply touch up the wall before mounting the new unit.
Resources
Richard travels to Pittsburgh to install a smart thermostat that interfaces with a smartphone to save energy and money.
Richard installed the Lyric thermostat, which is manufactured by Honeywell.
Expert assistance with this project was provided by Fire & Ice Heating & Cooling.
