THERMOSTATS
Site Survey
Before installing the new smart thermostat in the customer's home, we need to verify that the existing thermostat is functioning correctly.
If the HVAC system in the customer's home is not working properly, do not continue with the installation.
This will need to be addressed by the customer before we will install the new thermostat for them.
Once it is verified that the HVAC system is working, you can then move on to the next step in the process.
First, locate Heat and AC units on the customer's breaker box.
Most often it will be labeled as "AC", "Furnace", "Heat Pump" or "HVAC"
Turn these breakers to the "Off" position.
It is helpful to keep the system fan still running so that you can hear the fan power off signifying that the correct breaker has been switched off.
If you encounter mislabeling, proceed to the Heat/AC unit itself to see if there is disconnect at the source to power it off.
Note: Most thermostats have back up batteries in them. A great way to make sure power is off, is to take the thermostat off and pull out the batteries. Once batteries are out, put the thermostat back on the wall to make sure it doesn't turn back on.
Kill power every time!! No exceptions!
Remove the existing thermostats faceplate.
Take photo of existing wires and upload into field pro.
label the wiring:
Make sure to tape the "C" and "O/B" wires to identify them.
The "R", "G", and "Y" wires should correspond with the color of the sheathing for the other three wires.
example: "Y" is the yellow wire.
In the event that the thermostat was wired not following the proper color coding, mimic the labeling as they appear in the existing terminals.
Now remove the wires from the existing thermostat terminals and fully uninstall the thermostat.
Remove the existing backplate as well.
Confirm wire terminals match ours. The following thermostat/HVAC system types will not be compatible with our thermostats:
PID thermostats- These are used mostly in larger commercial buildings. They communicate to a server and are usually controlled and supervised by the buildings facilities/HVAC team. They use terminals labeled “A,B,C,D or A,B,C” “1,2,3,4 or 1,2,3.”
Honeywell IAQ- These are thermostats that use a special control board that can only use 3-4 wires to control filters, dehumidifiers, humidifiers and HVAC equipment. They use terminals labeled “A,B,C,D or A,B,C” “1,2,3,4 or 1,2,3.”
Honeywell Wire Saver- These are used on systems that need more wires to properly work but either the HVAC can’t or doesn’t want to pull new wire. These use a special thermostat and control board. They use a “K” terminal.
Lennox iComfort- These are a type of thermostat that only work with a certain type of system. They use terminals labeled “+ and –” terminals.
Trane ComfortLink- These are a type of thermostat that only work with a certain type of system. They use terminals labeled “B, D, A” terminals.
Carrier Infinity/Bryant Evolution- These are a type of thermostat that only work with a certain type of system. They use terminals labeled “VG, V+, R, RS” terminals.
High Voltage- These are used on some boilers and electric radiant heat systems. These are identified by the thickness of the wires. These are never ok to replace as a Smart Home Pro.
Mount the new back-plate over the existing wires and mount using the provided anchors and screws.
Ensure thermostat back plate is level
Using the Therm Flow connect the existing wires to the thermostat. Ensure the wire is stripped properly and in good condition.
In addition, ensure that it is fully inserted into the terminal
If there is an O or B wire it is a heat pump system, if there is not an O or B wire, it is standard/conventional system.
Occasionally, the B wire can also be a C wire if it’s a Trane or American Standard system
Good & Bad examples of wire management:
Wires are organized with little to no copper showing
Too much copper showing
Too much copper showing, wires are crossed and could touch creating a short
Attach the front of thermostat and follow prompts on finalizing install on the thermostat and connect it to wifi.
Help the customer download the app and get them connected.
Take 5-10 minutes to test the thermostat.
Turn on heat for 3-5 min and then cool for 3-5 min.
Note: if heat pump (O/B wire) there will be a delay. You may need to give it more time while testing.
Issue: Thermostat can have issues connecting to panel for multiple reasons.
Solution: Check the Customer’s internet connection. Make sure Nest is linked to the WiFi.
Issue: Customers often time get confused and come to believe their thermostat is not working. They call in frequently and sometimes trucks are rolled to adjust the settings.
Solution: Educate the customer on how to adjust the settings on their thermostat.
Issue: Customers often have issues when the seasons change when they realize that their cooling or heating function does not work.
Solution: Properly test the heating and cooling to avoid a truck roll when the season changes.
Shut off power at breaker
Test with multimeter to make sure power is off
Remove thermostat from their account on the thermostat app
Sign in to the app
If you have another home, on the app home screen, tap the Menu icon in the top left corner, then select the home that has the product you would like to remove.
On the app home screen, tap the Settings icon
Tap the thermostat you’d like removed
Scroll down and select Remove thermostat
You’ll then be asked to confirm your choice
Verify the thermostat was removed. (all account information will no longer be visible on the thermostat)
Factory reset the thermostat in settings
Remove wires from back plate
Remove back plate
Reinstall the existing thermostat
Test heat/cool and make sure it is working properly before leaving