You will need a level, screwdriver, and drill. Do not forget to purchase the new programmable thermostat, anchors, pan head screws, and batteries.

Now that you are back from the store, let’s get started.

Turn off the power to the thermostat and the furnace. Make sure you have all the power off! Now remove the cover from the existing thermostat. Unscrew the existing thermostat from its back plate. You will need to remove the wires. Be careful not to tear up the wires. Make sure to pay close attention to where the wires went. You will need to know this for the new thermostat.

Remove the back plate from the wall. This should only take a few screws out of the wall. If it has been painted around, take a utility knife and pierce the paint all the way around. Now it should come off easily.

Now hold your new thermostat base and hook up the red wire to the R terminal. The white wire will go to the W terminal. If you have more wires you will need to match them up to your old numbers. Make sure you put all the wires in place. If you get stumped, the manufacturers instructions are there to help you. Make sure to follow them.

Remove the old anchors and replace the new ones in the correct holes for the new thermostat. Hold the base up and screw it to the wall. Not too tight. Insert the batteries and put the cover on. Turn the power back on so that you can make sure that it works.

You get to do the fun part now and program your new thermostat. Way to go. You have now saved yourself money. See you next week!

T.J. Lindsey is the manager of Best Lumber and Building Supply in Mesquite, NV. You can see T.J.’s helpful home repair and maintenance column each Tuesday at www.mesquitelocalnews.com.