DIY & Home Improvement

Kaleva

(38,816 posts)

12. The type of thermostat you have can last for 2 or more decades

Wed Jan 1, 2014, 10:43 AM

Jan 2014

I've replaced many in the past few years that were installed back in the 60's & 70's and the only reason they got replaced was that the homeowner was upgrading his heating system.

If you have an old style mercury bulb thermostat, they generally don't "glitch" but can be affected by a dust buildup on the bulb and insides. If you can remove the round cover, gently blow on it and use a Q-tip to gently wipe off the dust off the bulb, if there is any left after blowing on it. Turn off the power to your heating system before doing this.

Back when I did service work, I kept a sandwich bag of Q-tips in the work van for cleaning mercury bulb t-stats and for wiping clean cad cell eyes.

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Has anyone here ever replaced a thermostat? [View all] Paper Roses Dec 2013 OP

It involves usually three or four wires, if I recall. X_Digger Dec 2013 #1

Usually four wires, color coded, standard. NYC_SKP Dec 2013 #2

Before replacing it, it's possible that a piece of grit or... TreasonousBastard Dec 2013 #3

True, but.. X_Digger Dec 2013 #4

Old folks at home use their index fingers Warpy Dec 2013 #6

True. A programmable t-stat isn't for everyone. Kaleva Jan 2014 #13

I did it a few years ago, only to find out the transformer under the house had fried Warpy Dec 2013 #5

Hi Warpy, have both types of screwdrivers and a good vocabulary. Waiting a few days to see that hap Paper Roses Dec 2013 #8

I don't know which is worse Warpy Dec 2013 #9

Boy, can I relate to your statement! n/t Paper Roses Dec 2013 #11

What you have is a Honeywell T-87F OffWithTheirHeads Dec 2013 #7

Yes. Followed the instructions and it was a piece of cake. LiberalEsto Dec 2013 #10

The type of thermostat you have can last for 2 or more decades Kaleva Jan 2014 #12

Thanks for your cleaning tip. Paper Roses Jan 2014 #14

Hope I am not in trouble. This AM, the first floor was 55 when I got up. Paper Roses Jan 2014 #15

If it happens again, I think the t-stat needs to be replaced. Kaleva Jan 2014 #16