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Are the Batteries Low on Your Home’s Thermostat? Simple Steps for Replacement
It may seem hard to believe that the smallest, most inexpensive component of the HVAC system yields the most power, but it's true. Without the thermostat, you have no control over the central heating or cooling equipment, which, in the middle of a Cincinnati heat wave or cold snap, can be devastating. Knowing how to replace batteries in a thermostat can save you time, discomfort and the expense of an unnecessary visit by your HVAC contractor.
Warning Signs
The best course of action is to be proactive with battery changes, opting to switch them out once a year when you turn back the clocks in the fall. This is also a great time to change the batteries in smoke alarms and CO detectors. Warning signs that you might not make it until the fall may include a blank screen, low battery warning or erratic or unusual behavior by the heating or cooling system.
How to Replace Batteries in a Thermostat
The batteries in a thermostat provide power for the digital display, save your programmed settings, and prevent heating or cooling equipment from shutting down in the event of a power outage, making them an indispensable component of the HVAC system. To change them, follow these tips:
- Detach the thermostat from the wall mount by pulling toward you. Alternately, try sliding the thermostat up the wall mount and then pull it off.
- Turn the unit over to locate the batteries or cover plate and remove.
- Insert the new batteries, making sure the positive and negative ends match up with the indicators on the thermostat.
- Replace the unit back on the wall mount, aligning the pins on the back with the terminal screw block. Slide down and snap the unit in to place.
If you continue to have issues with the HVAC system after the batteries have been replaced, call for professional service so an HVAC contractor can determine the source of the problem.
For more tips on how to replace batteries in a thermostat, or for any other HVAC concerns, give us a call at Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We've been serving homeowners in greater Cincinnati since 1910.
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