Thermostat Swaps
Thermostat Swaps | Heating and Air Conditioning | Hillsboro
When you swap out an outdated thermostat with HEP in Hillsboro, you’re not just getting a shiny new dial—you’re unlocking precise control over your heating and air conditioning system. Our technicians remove the guesswork, installing smart, Wi-Fi–enabled units that learn your schedule, trim energy bills, and keep every room at the perfect temperature year-round. Whether it’s a snowy Tuesday or a muggy Saturday, you can adjust comfort settings from your phone, and your home responds instantly.
Customers love that we handle everything in one visit: arrival, removal, installation, setup, and a quick tutorial. We also dispose of the old thermostat responsibly and check that your HVAC equipment is operating safely before we leave. Ready to feel the difference a smarter thermostat can make? Schedule your swap today and start saving on every cycle.
FAQs
Why should I replace my old thermostat with a modern programmable or smart thermostat?
Older mercury or manual thermostats can be off by several degrees, forcing your furnace or air conditioner to run longer than necessary. A modern programmable or smart thermostat maintains tighter temperature control, automatically adjusts settings when you are asleep or away, and provides energy-use reports so you can fine-tune comfort without wasting power. In Hillsboro’s temperate climate—cold, wet winters and warm, dry summers—these small adjustments can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10–20 % a year while extending HVAC equipment life.
What types of thermostats can you install in Hillsboro homes?
We install and service: • Non-programmable digital thermostats—straightforward temperature control with an easy-to-read display. • 5-2 or 7-day programmable thermostats—set different schedules for weekdays and weekends. • Wi-Fi–enabled smart thermostats—control heating and cooling from a phone, tablet, or smart speaker. • Learning thermostats—use motion and temperature sensors to create automatic schedules and integrate with home-energy platforms. We’ll recommend models that match your HVAC system (gas, electric, heat pump, or dual fuel) and your connectivity preferences.
How long does a thermostat swap take, and will I lose heating or cooling during the process?
A straightforward replacement typically takes 45–90 minutes, including shutting off power, labeling wires, installing the new base, connecting low-voltage wiring, and testing operation in both heating and cooling modes. Your HVAC system will be offline only during the installation and testing phase—usually less than an hour—so indoor temperatures should not drop or rise significantly. If we integrate additional sensors or a common-wire adapter, the visit may run closer to two hours.
Do I need a professional to replace my thermostat, or can I do it myself?
DIY swaps are possible, but several factors argue for hiring a licensed Hillsboro HVAC technician: 1. Wiring complexity: Heat pumps, multi-stage furnaces, and dual-fuel setups often require precise O/B, AUX, and C-wire connections. 2. Equipment protection: Miswiring can short a transformer or circuit board, leading to costly repairs that warranty programs may not cover. 3. Code compliance: Oregon electrical codes require low-voltage work to follow specific safety procedures. 4. Optimization: A pro will verify system compatibility, configure advanced settings (balance points, humidity control), and connect to Wi-Fi apps. For peace of mind and full manufacturer warranty coverage, professional installation is recommended.
Will a new thermostat work with my existing HVAC system?
Nearly all modern thermostats are designed to be compatible with single-stage furnaces, two-stage or variable-speed systems, conventional air conditioners, and air-source heat pumps common in Washington County homes. During our free pre-installation assessment, we check: • Voltage: Low-voltage (24-V) vs. high-voltage (120/240-V) systems. • Number of conductors: Whether a common (C) wire is present. • Control requirements: Heat pump reversing valve, emergency heat, fan-only modes, and dehumidification. If wiring is insufficient, we can run a new cable or install a C-wire adapter so the new thermostat communicates flawlessly with your existing equipment.
Can upgrading my thermostat help lower my utility bills in Hillsboro’s climate?
Yes. PGE and NW Natural estimate that heating and cooling account for 45–55 % of the average Hillsboro household’s energy use. Smart or properly programmed thermostats automatically reduce run-times when you are at work, on vacation, or asleep, cutting energy consumption by 8–12 % for gas furnaces and 10–20 % for electric heat pumps. Many models also offer energy-use analytics and filter-change reminders that keep equipment operating efficiently. On top of the monthly savings, Energy Trust of Oregon currently offers rebates of $50–$100 for qualifying smart thermostats, further shortening payback to as little as one heating season.