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Sue K
10-21-2011, 03:23 PM
I'm looking for someone to replace my old thermostat with a programmable digital one. Estimates range from $179 to $255. Can anyone recommend someone a little less expensive and yet reliable?
red tail
10-21-2011, 04:45 PM
any DIY guy can do it. ask one of your handy neighbors. the wires are color coded and its very easy.
redwitch
10-21-2011, 05:12 PM
I'd contact John (Handieman) 350 7 3 7 3. He's reasonable and knows how to do stuff like this.
aljetmet
10-21-2011, 05:50 PM
any DIY guy can do it. ask one of your handy neighbors. the wires are color coded and its very easy.

Very well said!
hoseman
10-21-2011, 06:09 PM
Whoever you get to change to a digital thermostat, make sure they show you how the change the batteries...also save the instructions. Keep spare batteries on hand (FYI - mine seem to last about two years). Digital is the way to go once you get the hang of it.
zcaveman
10-21-2011, 07:13 PM
Whoever you get to change to a digital thermostat, make sure they show you how the change the batteries...also save the instructions. Keep spare batteries on hand (FYI - mine seem to last about two years). Digital is the way to go once you get the hang of it.

I change the batteries in my thermostat once a year when I change the batteries in my smoke alarms. It is only thre AAs. Makes life easier.

I do it on the change clock weekend.
chuckinca
10-21-2011, 07:35 PM
I don't recall ever changing batteries in the digital stat - have had this house for 6 years. Are they backup only like the smoke alarms and the stat will work without them as long as there is normal house power?

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Sparty6971
10-24-2011, 10:47 AM
Chuckinca - The batteries are usually backup only but may need to be replaced annually anyway. Some of them are rechargeable sealed lithium batteries which shouldn't ever be a problem. Most of them use AA or AAA penlight batteries which will leak after a bit of time and will ruin your thermostat or whatever else they are in. A quick look at them will tell you the difference real quickly. Even the sealed rechargeables will eventually start to fail on you and after 10 years I would swap them out just to be safe. Same general advice goes for smoke and CO alarms.
784caroline
10-24-2011, 12:23 PM
While you are at it, I would change the batteries in the outside garage door opener pad and the control unit for your sprinkler system.