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Battery blues no more: how to effortlessly change your programmable thermostat battery

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • Changing the battery in your programmable thermostat is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes.
  • You should change the battery in your programmable thermostat once a year, or more often if you notice that the battery is starting to die.
  • No, you should only use the type of battery that is recommended by the manufacturer of your thermostat.

When your programmable thermostat’s battery dies, it can be a major inconvenience. You may lose all of your programmed settings, and your thermostat may stop working altogether. That’s why it’s important to know how to change the battery in your programmable thermostat.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to change the battery in your programmable thermostat, step-by-step. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right battery for your thermostat.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

  • New battery (CR2032 or CR2025)
  • Screwdriver (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn off the power to your thermostat. This is usually done by flipping a switch on the side of the thermostat.
2. Remove the faceplate of your thermostat. This is usually done by gently pulling on the faceplate.
3. Locate the battery compartment. The battery compartment is usually located on the back of the thermostat.
4. Remove the old battery. Use your fingers or a screwdriver to gently pry the old battery out of the compartment.
5. Insert the new battery. Make sure that the positive (+) terminal of the battery is facing up.
6. Replace the faceplate. Gently push the faceplate back onto the thermostat.
7. Turn on the power to your thermostat.

Tips for Choosing the Right Battery

  • Use the correct battery type. Most programmable thermostats use either a CR2032 or CR2025 battery. Check your thermostat’s manual to find out which type of battery it uses.
  • Choose a high-quality battery. A high-quality battery will last longer and provide more consistent power to your thermostat.
  • Consider the size of the battery. CR2032 batteries are slightly larger than CR2025 batteries. Make sure that the battery you choose will fit in your thermostat’s battery compartment.

Troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble changing the battery in your programmable thermostat, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • Make sure that the power to your thermostat is turned off. If the power is on, you may not be able to remove the faceplate.
  • Check the battery compartment for corrosion. If there is corrosion, clean it off with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar.
  • Try a different battery. If the new battery you installed doesn’t work, try a different battery.

The Bottom Line

Changing the battery in your programmable thermostat is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your thermostat is always working properly.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: How often should I change the battery in my programmable thermostat?

A: You should change the battery in your programmable thermostat once a year, or more often if you notice that the battery is starting to die.

Q: What happens if I don’t change the battery in my programmable thermostat?

A: If you don’t change the battery in your programmable thermostat, the thermostat may stop working properly. You may lose all of your programmed settings, and the thermostat may stop regulating the temperature in your home.

Q: Can I use any type of battery in my programmable thermostat?

A: No, you should only use the type of battery that is recommended by the manufacturer of your thermostat. Using the wrong type of battery can damage your thermostat.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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