Renovation Videos

Fix it, build it, learn it.

Install a smart thermostat

A smart thermostat is a popular upgrade, but the wiring decides whether it works. Look at your old thermostat before you buy: which wires does it have, and is there a common (C) wire? The videos here show two cases: reusing old two-wire wiring, and adding a power extender kit when there is no C wire.

Thermostat wiring is low voltage, but you still turn off the furnace or air handler breaker first, label each wire with tape and photograph the old connections. Use the maker’s compatibility checker for your system. If the system is gas, a problem after install may be the furnace, not the thermostat; see furnace not turning on.