How to Replace a Broken AC Thermostat
- 1). Shut off power to your air conditioner by turning the appropriate circuit breaker "Off."
- 2). Unscrew the old thermostat's wall plate and gently pull it off the wall.
- 3). Label the wires connected to the back of your old thermostat, using masking tape. Note which wire goes in which terminal to make it easy when you install a new air conditioner thermostat.
- 4). Loosen the screws that secure the HVAC wiring into your old thermostat, and then pull the wiring out of the thermostat.
- 5). Mark on the wall where you will install your replacement thermostat. If necessary, add touch-up paint to the wall if your new thermostat is smaller or a different shape than your old thermostat.
- 6). Drill pilot holes to insert sheetrock anchors into the wall. With your package of sheetrock anchors, you should have a drill bit that's the perfect size for them. Drill the pilot holes into the wall, and tap the sheetrock anchors into place with a hammer.
- 7). Screw your new wall plate to the wall by inserting screws through the wall plate and into the sheetrock anchors.
- 8). Connect your HVAC wiring to the replacement air conditioner thermostat using the labels you made earlier. Tightly screw the wiring into the new terminals to ensure a good connection.
- 9). Snap your thermostat into place on the wall plate, pushing the HVAC wiring back behind the wall so it's not in the way.
