How do you remove a Honeywell thermostat from the wall plate?

Removing a Honeywell thermostat from the wall plate is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few minutes with some simple tools. Here is a step-by-step guide to safely remove your Honeywell thermostat from the wall plate.

Step 1: Turn Off Power to the Thermostat

Before removing the thermostat, you need to turn off power to the unit. This is an important safety step that prevents electric shock and damage to the thermostat. Here’s how to do it:

• Locate the circuit breaker box in your home. It is usually found in the basement, garage, or laundry room.
• Open the circuit breaker box door and locate the breaker switch controlling the thermostat circuit. It will likely be labeled as “Heating”, “Cooling”, or “HVAC.”
• Flip the breaker switch to the “Off” position. This disconnects power to the thermostat.

You can confirm the thermostat power is off by setting it to heat or cool mode and making sure the system does not turn on. Once you have confirmed the power is off, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Remove the Thermostat Cover

With the power switched off, you can now remove the cover of the thermostat housing. Here is how to do it:

• Locate the release latch or screws on the bottom or side of the thermostat housing.
• For a latch, press it inwards to release the thermostat cover from the baseplate.
• For screw-mounted covers, use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the cover screws and detach it from the baseplate.
• Gently pull the thermostat cover away from the wall/baseplate to remove it.

Be careful not to damage any wires while removing the thermostat cover. Set the cover aside in a safe place.

Step 3: Take a Picture of the Wire Connections

Before going any further, it is highly recommended to take photos of the existing wire connections. This provides you with a reference when re-installing the thermostat or troubleshooting any issues. Follow these tips:

• Use your smart phone to take clear, well-lit pictures of the wire terminal block.
• Get photos of each wire connection terminal label (Y, W, G, etc.).
• Take pictures of any bundled or unused wires for reference.
• Save or back up the photos where you can access them later.

Having photos of the original thermostat wiring is invaluable if you get lost or confused during reinstallation. It also helps with troubleshooting if the new thermostat does not function properly.

Step 4: Disconnect the Wires

After photographing the wire connections, you can begin safely removing the wires from the thermostat’s terminal block. Here is how to do this properly:

• Loosen each terminal screw using a Phillips head screwdriver.
• Gently pull the wire end free from the terminal it is fixed under.
• Keep track of which wire went into each terminal label.
• If wires are bundled together, keep them bundled once removed.

Take your time removing each wire one at a time to avoid confusion. Be extremely careful not to damage the wire ends or pull them completely out of the wall. The photos you took will help if you do accidentally mix up any of the wires.

Step 5: Unscrew and Remove Old Thermostat

With all of the wires detached, you can now remove the thermostat baseplate from the wall. To do this:

• Unscrew any remaining screws securing the thermostat base to the wall mounting plate.
• Carefully pull the thermostat straight off the wall mounting plate.
• Set the old thermostat aside for now.

Be careful not to let the remaining wires disappear into the wall cavity. You may want to tape them to the wall temporarily to keep them visible.

Step 6: Install the New Thermostat

Once the old thermostat is removed, you can install the new Honeywell replacement using the following guidelines:

• Orient the new thermostat on the wall plate correctly.
• Insert and tighten any screws to affix the thermostat housing.
• Refer to your wire photos and reconnect each wire to its labeled terminal.
• Ensure the wires are firmly fixed under the terminal screws.
• Neatly bundle any remaining, unused wires.
• Double check that you have not switched any wires accidentally.

Take care while reconnecting the wires to avoid mistakes that could prevent the new thermostat from functioning. Refer frequently to the photos you took earlier of the original wires and connections.

Step 7: Replace Thermostat Cover

The last step is to reattach the thermostat’s cover:

• Align the thermostat cover over the baseplate.
• For latch-mounted covers, press the cover closed until the latch clicks in place.
• For screw-mounted covers, reinsert the cover screws and tighten them with a Phillips head screwdriver.

Ensure the cover is securely reattached and aligned properly on the thermostat housing.

Step 8: Restore Power and Test Operation

With the new thermostat installed, the last steps are to restore power and test for proper operation:

• Return to the circuit breaker box and flip the breaker switch controlling the thermostat circuit back to the “On” position.
• The thermostat screen should power on once electricity is flowing.
• Rotate the thermostat mode dial through the various settings (heat, cool, fan) to verify correct operation.
• Adjust the temperature up and down to trigger your heating/cooling system.
• Confirm that the thermostat is controlling your system properly.

If the heating or cooling system does not respond to the new thermostat settings, recheck your wire connections against the photos to identify any mistakes in the wiring setup.

Helpful Removal Tips

Here are some additional tips to help make your Honeywell thermostat removal go smoothly:

• Use needle-nose pliers to get a better grip on wires for removal.
• Try labeling wires with masking tape as you disconnect them.
• Make sure wall mounting plate is properly aligned and level.
• Clean wall area and thermostat baseplate prior to installation.
• Have replacement batteries ready for battery-powered thermostats.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your new Honeywell thermostat is not working properly, here are some common issues and solutions to check:

Issue	Possible Solution
No power to thermostat	Make sure wall switch/breaker controlling the thermostat circuit is on. Check thermostat wire connections. Replace batteries if applicable.
Heating or cooling not turning on	Double check wiring matches original thermostat setup. Test heating/cooling system independently to confirm functionality.
Temperature readings inaccurate	Make sure thermostat is mounted on interior wall away from direct sunlight, vents, windows or doors. Reset thermostat to calibrate.
Thermostat display is blank	Ensure thermostat is getting power. Batteries may need replacement. Relocate thermostat if sunlight is directly shining on screen.

Carefully go through each troubleshooting step to identify and resolve any wiring or installation issues. Contact a technician if problems persist.

Conclusion

Removing an old Honeywell thermostat and installing a new one is a straightforward DIY project that most homeowners can tackle themselves. Just be sure to turn off power, take wiring photos, disconnect and remove the old unit, then carefully reconnect wires and mount the new thermostat. Refer to the manufacturer instructions provided with your specific Honeywell model as well. With adequate time and care taken during the process, you can enjoy the improved temperature control and efficiency of a new Honeywell thermostat.