Is it easy to install a programmable thermostat?

We turned on our A/C for the first time today, and I'm thinking about going to Lowes or HD and getting a programmable digital thermostat. I've looked at the wires behind the thermostat cover, and they're labeled Y, Rc, G W, and Rh. We currently have a White Rogers thermostat, but I want to get a Honeywell due to their reputation.

It's a single-stage system, and I think it'd be pretty easy to do this afternoon. Has anyone gotten a programmable thermostat and installed it yourself? Was it easy? According to the instructions on the Honeywell Website, it looks pretty simple - just connect the wires to the new thermostat.

 

[thebestMAX]

Ive done 3 and no problem if you are not color blind.

Remember to turn off AC/Furnace power circuit breaker first though. They sometimes forget to tell you that.

 

Originally posted by: thebestMAX
Ive done 3 and no problem if you are not color blind.

Remember to turn off AC/Furnace power circuit breaker first though. They sometimes forget to tell you that.

Yup, I did that even before I took the cover off the thermostat. No one else is home, so it'd be quite bad if I electrocuted myself.

Any specific model numbers of Honeywell programmable thermostats to look for?

 

[thebestMAX]

Only 12V there so you probaly couldnt hurt yourself but you could short it out.

Cant help you with that. I usually buy the one that has the features I want regardless of brand name as long as it is a known brand. Any work better than the mercury capsule and spring that you probably have.

 

Originally posted by: thebestMAX
Cant help you with that. I usually buy the one that has the features I want regardless of brand name as long as it is a known brand. Any work better than the mercury capsule and spring that you probably have.

Yup, that's exactly what I've got now - I cant wait for the energy savings to start!

 

[thebestMAX]

Yeah, and house will stay at a more even temp too. Need to get one myself here now. Either too hot or too cold.

 

[Freejack2]

We've had a honeywell programmable for years now. Never had a problem with it.
Heck I can't even remember the last time we changed the batteries on it.

 

[foolanger]

i've done it.. its awsome.. and easy to install and i'm pretty dumb.. so you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[jw791]

I'm thinking of doing this to. Anyone got a link on how to swap out a manual for a digital one?

 

[StormRider]

I've been thinking of doing this too. What about the programmable ones that allow you to have it only be active during certain parts of the day? For example, I don't want it on while I'm at work. But I've also heard that it is actually more stressful to do it that way since the AC has to work really hard to cool down the house after you get home.

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: jumpr
We turned on our A/C for the first time today, and I'm thinking about going to Lowes or HD and getting a programmable digital thermostat. I've looked at the wires behind the thermostat cover, and they're labeled Y, Rc, G W, and Rh. We currently have a White Rogers thermostat, but I want to get a Honeywell due to their reputation.

It's a single-stage system, and I think it'd be pretty easy to do this afternoon. Has anyone gotten a programmable thermostat and installed it yourself? Was it easy? According to the instructions on the Honeywell Website, it looks pretty simple - just connect the wires to the new thermostat.

honeywell makes fram, how's that for reputation :|

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: StormRider
I've been thinking of doing this too. What about the programmable ones that allow you to have it only be active during certain parts of the day? For example, I don't want it on while I'm at work. But I've also heard that it is actually more stressful to do it that way since the AC has to work really hard to cool down the house after you get home.

there are schedules you can set. like you can set it to come on 30 minutes before you come home or whatever.

 

[Davegod75]

they aren't that bad..just make sure if you have a heat pump that you get the right model.

 

[Ornery]

Our HVAC man insisted on Maple Chase We ended up with the 9620.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: jumpr
We turned on our A/C for the first time today, and I'm thinking about going to Lowes or HD and getting a programmable digital thermostat. I've looked at the wires behind the thermostat cover, and they're labeled Y, Rc, G W, and Rh. We currently have a White Rogers thermostat, but I want to get a Honeywell due to their reputation.

It's a single-stage system, and I think it'd be pretty easy to do this afternoon. Has anyone gotten a programmable thermostat and installed it yourself? Was it easy? According to the instructions on the Honeywell Website, it looks pretty simple - just connect the wires to the new thermostat.

honeywell makes fram, how's that for reputation :|

Honeywell also makes their Performance Fibers line. It balances out in the end.

 

[WTT0001]

I put a honeywell in our house. Putting it in was easy (only problem was the wires were really short so I had to be careful not to drop them in the wall ) It actually plans ahead so that the house is @ the temperature at the time it is set for, thats cool

Anyway to sum it up, it's easy and well worth it