This may also be a good time to replace your air conditioner's filter or perform some other minor maintenance task on your HVAC system to keep it running in tip-top shape. Below are the steps to take to change the batteries in your thermostat.
Steps to Change Your Thermostat Battery
Step 1 Turn Off the Thermostat
- If you have an old-fashioned wall thermostat there will be a switch.
- For newer or more advanced digital thermostats, there may be a small gray button labeled "System" or "OFF." Press this button until the LED screen goes blank, and then unplug the unit from its power source.
Step 2 Remove the Thermostat from the Wall
- Remove the thermostat cover from your wall by unclipping it from the wall mount base.
- Once removed, you'll see the batteries behind your thermostat's display screen.
If unsure how to get to the batteries, just video chat with one of the HVAC technician on our list of virtual HVAC technicians, so they can help you better.
Step 3 Remove the Old battery from Your Thermostat
- There may be a cover that can be removed to access the batteries, if so, remove it to access the batteries.
- If your thermostat doesn't have a removable cover, look for small screws around the perimeter of the device that you can unscrew to open it up.
- Once you've accessed your thermostat's batteries, check which type they are. Most Honeywell models use AA or AAA alkaline batteries, but some models may require lithium batteries (which are usually more expensive).
Step 4 Insert New Batteries and Reinstall the Thermostat on the Wall
- To insert the new batteries, align the batteries inside the compartment matching positive to positive and negative to negative, and gently push them in until they click into place.
- Ensure that the new batteries are firmly seated in the compartment otherwise, your thermostat may not function properly when you turn on your heat or air conditioning system.
- Reinstall your thermostat cover by gently pushing down on each side of the surface until they snap into place at the bottom of your thermostat housing (the part where all of those wires are coming out).
If this doesn't work or if you're having trouble getting your cover to click back together there may be a wire blocking it or it is not properly aligning with the mounting plate.
- Remove, inspect, and try to properly line up tabs or connectors.
- Reinstall any other parts removed during removal.
Step 5 Turn Your Thermostat On
- To turn the thermostat back on put the switch to ON. Once it's on, you can set your temperature to a comfortable level.
The Best Place to Learn How to Diagnose and Repair Your Air Conditioner
Video Chat A Pro has a list of HVAC technicians who use our APP to facilitate their virtual HVAC services to use video chat to guide you while you work on your air conditioner. They guide you through the same process they do onsite to identify and fix problems with your air conditioner. There are a couple of things that you should do to repair your air conditioner.
First, you should check if the problem is with your thermostat. If it’s not working correctly, you can try replacing it with a new one.
Second, you should book a video chat with one of our virtual HVAC technicians so you can figure out what is causing problems with your AC unit.
Thirdly, you should video chat with a professional HVAC technician who already has experience so you can get guidance and ask questions.
Video Chat with Our HVAC Technicians to Ask Questions About Your AC System
HVAC is an acronym that stands for heating ventilation air conditioning. HVAC is an essential component of your home's overall comfort. If your HVAC isn't working correctly, you may be cold or hot, or uncomfortable in your home. You might also have trouble sleeping at night because the temperature setting in your home isn't comfortable leaving you too cold or too hot.
Fortunately, there are many resources available that can help you diagnose problems with your HVAC system. Because to date, there are still only two paths to fix your air conditioning system including hiring an HVAC Contractor or fixing it yourself.
You Can Fix Your Heating and Cooling System Yourself When You Learn How
Your first step should be to video chat with a certified technician to make sure you have everything you need and that you know what you are doing. It's generally a good idea to make sure you have diagnosed the problem and have a replacement part in your hands before starting any work.
When you book a video chat be sure to follow the virtual technicians' instructions carefully to learn exactly how to replace your thermostat battery.