Thermostat Wiring Explained!

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Here I go over the essentials that you need to know in order to have a better understanding of how thermostat wiring works. It's actually pretty interesting in my opinion!
You can support the channel by using one of the able affiliate links whenever you shop (even if it is for something other than what is linked) at NO cost to you! I appreciate it very much as it helps me keep making these videos for you.
Blessings,
Ben

[@Caretaker314]

You are incredible. I've been teaching mathematics for 35 years. I wish I could make all my lectures as crystal clear as you made this one. Thank you.

[@DS-fb9te]

😢

[@bradelliott8035]

You must be a piss poor teacher.

[@joecraven2034]

That was really a wonderful lesson on thermostat wires. You explained everything in terms that a typical DIYer can understand. Thanks!

[@LC-go1uh]

Thank you, sir! I taught this young lied everything he knows about the HVAC system. Do you think I did a good job?

[@sidneyfox6855]

Love your video I have a question that I hope that you can help me with. I have a large wood burner in my house that I have a stand alone blower on it is 120 volt how can I control the blower with a thermostat this just the blower to circulate the hot air

[@lockeyestlocksmith2349]

Use a Ford starter relay 6070s 80s even 90s. The big post on the relay Will be for your fan motor at 120 V. The thermostat will need a transformer at 24 V that will work with your two smallWire leads on the solenoid. Also wire and a five amp fuse on the thermostat side, you're 120 V circuit is already fusedAt the breaker box.

[@uhlersoth99]

Clear confident speaking ability. Non demeaning and non presumptuous tone.Well done really amazing learning process.

[@brettmulligan]

I have been binging these HVAC thermostat wiring videos in prep for installing a smart thermostat, and this is easily the best breakdown of the wiring that I have seen. Thank you!

[@SeriusQne]

LITERALLY why I'm here too

[@504BayouDago]

If you are installing a smart stat make sure you have a common wire! If not, make sure you get a smart stat that doesn’t require a common wire at the thermostat but will have a separate distribution panel that goes on top of the furnace or air handler.

[@gourikk7721]

I agree, i just got my AC to work finally with ecobee thanks to this video.

[@Garth2011]

Most decent thermostats will need that "C" or 5th wire to run them. Battery powered thermostats don't however, batteries leak, they will eventually need replaced at an inconvenient time unless you change them on a schedule, plus the cost over the years. There's really no gain to use a battery powered thermostat unless you want to avoid having to update your home with a 5 conductor thermostat bell wire to the attic or to the furnace. One day, all HVAC systems will require that 5th wire so may as well put it in for the day its needed.

[@atb2003]

I noticed that there has been a device “Google Power Connector” to gain the common wire, I suppose this is short of running that 5th wire up to the Nest thermostat. I think they are creating more of a hassle for people than to just requiring them to run a new cable. Usually the thermostat cable does have a spare wire but once they tell the public to install this Google Power Connector people just follow the instructions. It works but in my opinion it is hacked.

[@DjentToaster]

I never comment on videos but you saved me so much time and money with this video. Thank you!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

That's awesome! Thanks for the comment.

[@stephencaronia9802]

Usually the person presenting skips something that seems so obvious to them but is unknown to the viewers. This was thorough and extremely clear. No information was omitted. Thank you.

[@RedwoodGeorge]

Excellent job explaining the circuit logic! I'm building my own solar hot water heating system and needed to understand what voltages to supply to the smart thermostat and which control signals coming back from the thermostat to use to turn on the pump. You've done a great job of simplifying things and now I understand what all of those terminals are for!

[@jimharris1590]

An electrician for over 50yrs--enjoy your show---Very pleased with how you train your kids!!---PLEASE watch them, you are teaching them dangerous training with a very limited experience, -++--worked maintenance at a children's home for 37yrs. [wish I had more time when I was teaching them----hope I didn't hurt them] thanks again---Jim

[@mondavou9408]

I never comment and typically don't even browse while I'm logged in BUT I felt compelled to because your video is so good. Seriously - thank you! Thank you for taking the time to make the video, but even more importantly, thank you for being clear, concise and acurate. I went through a ton of trash infomation (some youtube, some HVAC manufacture's videos, countless google & bing articles) and had pretty much gave up. Then I found this - PERFECT intro to how these systems work.

[@jstravelers4094]

You would be surprised at how many guys are out there installing and attempting to repair AC units that have no understanding of this video. All they know is the colors of wires used. Nothing else.

[@davidvuchetich3045]

@@jstravelers4094 - Color can be a lil bit distracting too - I see COMMON can be brown or blue or white

[@jorgecampa57]

You make it so easy to understand the basic components of the air conditioning system, along with explaining the color coded wires and what their function is. Great video. Thank you .

[@drewstyring1446]

What a fantastic video. Thank you so much. I just installed my own AC/Heat pump and not being an HVAC tech, i need more in depth explanations about why certain things do what they do, as opposed to just following guides on how to hook something up. Your explanation cleared up the whole thermostat to air handler to condenser wiring confusion I had.

[@isyewhiting6258]

You have a gift to be able to explain things so clearly and simply. Exactly what I needed to fix the AHU in a rental without having to call in a technician. Thanks!

[@shaynearmstrong9290]

One of the best informative videos I've ever watched. A couple things were a little redundant for me but as far as the thermostat itself was mind-blowing compared to all the other videos out there. Thank you!

[@garylondon4137]

You're video is clear and concise. I've been a tech on various types of systems for many years, and have seen presentations from trainers good, bad, and terrible.... yours are good! this video explained more in 10 minutes than most people can do period... a good example the Y terminal and exactly why you need to use the terminal, and the explanation of Rc. Many thanks!

[@prasannagore]

Ben, you are an amazing teacher! Clear diagrams, crystal clear explanation it is extremely helpful. Thank you very much for sorting out the HVAC wiring so easily!

[@edlopez5661]

Thanks. I watched several other videos and your video really made sense to me. You not only connected the heater/thermostat while explaining the air conditioning/thermostat function, you really tied it all together the best possible way. I got my wires all prepped for installation now. I already have the circuit breaker off.

[@rakeshranade]

This is a very good explanation of the thermostat wiring, appreciate the time you've taken to do this, thank you

[@alimaleki217]

What a great explanation! I’ve switched out thermostats several times over the years but had no idea what the colors represented.

[@avanti-palestra]

finally! a guy with a very clear teaching, showing and explaining how it works. Very good.

[@tristanschaper281]

Absolutely the BEST video on thermostat and boiler wiring, thank you!! well Done!

[@martinpaquette2631]

I am installing my Ecobee thermostat this week and I am SUPER impressed on how simple and informative this video is. A big thank you!!!

[@romeotayag1954]

Thanks for the video I was going crazy after I installed my Honeywell Wi-Fi system and I didn’t know where to put the red and white wire for the AC. Thank you

[@bocfat]

I agree that your style of explaining is super clear and easy to install, absolutely excellent style of explaining while incorporating diagrams, video clips that all pull everything together. Immediately subscribed. Wish my mind was as organized as yours.

[@blindogt]

Most informative vid on this subject I've seen! Thank you so much!

[@lilkampy]

Great video! I'm researching a new thermostat and had a ton of questions before I choose the best fit for our HVAC setup. This answered all my questions and will make set up a breeze. Thank you!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Glad to have been able to help!

[@YellowBoltTC]

What would be a problem with a C wire not being able to send a signal to the ac but I have power at the thermostat. I take off the c wire and put batteries in and now the ac works

[@bigpoo02]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom Got a question when my heat kicks on, the thermostat will turn off just the display but the heat and everything is still running like normal what do you think is causing that? I have a Lux CS1 thermostat. Thanks

[@MrFreeze79]

you did awesome explaining this! I install home automation systems, and when installing thermostats it's really nice to know what those wires do. very handy! thanks :D

[@johnrjenson]

I needed to troubleshoot an issue after installing a new ecobee thermostat. The furnace was getting a signal to call for heat even though the thermostat was off. Turned out that the wires behind the wall were damaged and were shorting out. I couldn’t have sorted out the problem your great explanation. Thanks. You saved my bacon.

[@majwor3763]

This is one of the VERY best videos on HVAC wiring. No BS...straight nuts and bolts for guys...and ladies doing their own repairs. Very informative...will be using this info tomorrow. I have a 5 year old Trane that is an electric heat and A/C package combined w/ 2 240 shutoff panel boxes. It has worked flawless, but now...for some reason it is putting out heat from the vents when the thermostat is on auto and the COMMAND is for cooling.

[@anthonyfreiwald268]

Thank you for your easy to follow videos. I am not an electrician... but have always done my own outlets, switches, and other light electrical projects. It's great to have a more in depth knowledge of the why-fors of this stuff. I've worked in the electrical dept at a home center for years. I've had many cringeworthy moments with customers who have no business doing their own work. I have told not a few people they need to ask or hire a qualified electrician.

[@roberthancock7055]

One of the best demonstrations of the overall operation of the A/C system. Thanks for the easily understandable coverage. The best!!!

[@randybye6539]

Great video. I’ve changed quite a few thermostats in my life, but never really looked at the wiring. Since I do electrical as well, this really explained the schematic of the how the current flows and returns to the source.

[@DS-fb9te]

🧐

[@isabelandrewcameron5627]

Bro, I never comment on videos but this was way too sweet to not to. Thank you so much for this explanation. The drawing, the video on components, and just the simple explanations made this very easy and straightforward. I will definitely be subscribing to your channel. Thank you very much.

[@ricksmith7631]

That was perhaps the best video ive ever seen in regards to hvac wiring. if someones got a bit of a inclination towards wiring up their own then this is the video they want to watch, and watch again. nicely done.

[@josephtanga7366]

The best explanation I have seen so far ! Thanks for the video

[@johnhanrahan4243]

I found this video to be one of the most informative of all the videos I have watchef.

[@guidobenedit1]

What a clear explanation for this thermostat wiring and furnace wiring as well as to the air conditioner outside. You are a very good technician that should be teaching. Thanks for this video.

[@chito80246]

I loved this intro class. Thank you for the willingness on shearing you time and knowledge. 👍🏻👏👏👏

[@luis00903]

I've watched and referenced this video several times throughout my AC project. Thank you !!

[@ndnrocker]

Thank you! Best vid so far on explaining HVAC wiring between the thermostat and furnace.

[@IndelibleAndy]

This is a really good thorough explanation. I've been watching a lot of these and this has to be my favorite. Exactly what I needed. Subscribed!

[@RayStrilec]

Perfect. Thorough, succinct and straightforward. Thank you.

[@no3rdseat]

Great video, I screen captured your diagram and printed it out. It helped me to *understand* how my home AC/Heating system is wired so I could install a new Honeywell t-stat. The part about the "Y" wire was especially useful as I have a 30 year old furnace without a circuit board. It was wired like you said, with the "Y" not connected, but spliced together up higher. Thanks man, much appreciated!

[@NathanWatne]

Great stuff here. Never fully understood what each wire was for. Thanks for sharing!

[@donia7331]

Best video out there on the thermostat wiring! I've looked at 20 so far at least, and none compare to your video.

[@carltonlaing7225]

Thank you so much. Never installed anything electrical but wanted to install my own nest thermostat. The video makes it seems quite simple. But until I saw this video I wasnt sure which switch turns off the power to the thermostat. Now I know the switch on the boiler also turns off the power to the thermostat.

[@martingill2985]

Demonstrate and Explanation,what and how you can help to apply is very important for the person who are receiving the information, and you did a very great job on this, thank you.

[@IglesiaPentecostalElArca]

Thanks for such a great video, you're the best teacher I found, straight to the point with demostrations. Man I learn a lot, you answered all my questions.

[@pkliot]

Great Tutorial, very simple, clear, something that eludes so many KZbinrs...

[@r3warnno]

You are a terrific presenter! Kudos on making an obscure topic clear and in an engaging and easy-to-follow manner. The information you presented here will help me diagnose a problem of where the Air Handler's blower/fan is not being actuated when heat is called for. Thank you.

[@53roger]

Great job. You not only have an understanding of your trade but you do a good job explaining. I was getting ready to change to a Digital Thermostat and was looking for info about the C pad.

[@karenlydon2103]

Great video. Love the diagram and explanations for each wire and what it does. I feel way more intelligent about this now and confident that I can install my own thermostat. THANK YOU.

[@boeing757pilot]

Great job explaining basic wiring and theory but the additional explanation regarding why wires must terminate on the "Y" terminal made this outstanding. I don't think I've seen another video explain this.

[@MightyJoe0429]

Well done Ben. You helped me understand the wiring in this 100 year old house with a high efficiency furnace. Thank you!

[@craigneville8683]

Thanks Benjamin for the crystal clear tutorial - I felt like a pro after watching it!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Great to hear!

[@jollyscaria1922]

Allgood wire insuling inside fixed 24v all good Rc juper is .w 2v4v het wG fan c.

[@jawa6988]

Just wanted to add another Thank You. I was trying to research function of each wire... You made it super simple to understand which triggers what. Since I already had a 8c wire running from my furnace to my thermostat, I was able to simply connect the blue as Common. Using your diagram and explanation it was easy to find (even though there were no screw terminals accessible at the furnace}. Once I had a 5 wire connection instead of 4, it made installation of an Ecobee take less than 5 minutes. Appreciate the assist brother! Made this ol dad look like and expert! 🤣

[@2005christian1994]

Thanks to you I was able to connect with great certitude the c wire for my new wifi thermostat. I bought 2 smart thermostats a while ago, one for the family room and one for the basement. I installed the one for the family room without a problem. It had all the required wires but I could not do the same for the basement as it did not have the c wire. Today I decided to try again thinking that if there is a c wire upstairs there should be one downstairs and sure enough it was tucked wrapped behind the wall and it wasn't connected in the furnace. After I came across your clear explanations I understood what needed to be done in order to have the c wire connected. Thank you very much, not only did you teach me something but you also saved me some $$ since I was getting ready to go to the big bucks store to get an adapter for the c wire.

[@georgemageras]

Great Video! I am a retired electrician and stumbled on to your Video. Perfectly explained plus you have a very calm demeanor. You should go into teaching. Great job!

[@koijoijoe]

I know this video is a little older now but its still helping people with their home systems and projects, thanks alot! Im making my own smart thermostat and this is such a great rundown of everything.

[@ThePeachyCarpenter]

Super helpful. I had no idea when wiring my thermostat as to what the letters meant, I just mimic them to what was there before and what they were tied into the furnace. Now I understand what each means. Now to go back and figure out what the two cut wires were and why they were previously cut...

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Exactly. Its really fairly simple once you think it through a few times. Really makes troubleshooting a lot easier if you have a little understanding of the basics. Thanks for the comment!

[@robertmaisonet6296]

I dont comment much on things but this is a master class. Great birds eye view on how it all works. Awesome content. I've learned a lot from your other videos.

[@jimmywester1000]

Best Video I have ever seen You explained everything so I could understand ...Just found all the videos you have made now i have some great video to watch and please make more ...Thanks

[@irishhandyman2009]

Thank you so much for the info. You explained everything I needed to know. Wish you much success and luck.

[@acbeaumo]

This really helped me figure out the wiring in my thermostat. Mine had only four wires going to it, and the blue wire was connected to the Y terminal. Looks like when the previous owner had cooling put in, the technician used the common powering the thermostat to control the cooling, instead of running a new wire to the thermostat. The thermostat was using battery power only.

[@bobb.6393]

Saved on copper lol

[@RR-qd2gz]

Bravo, excellent video. I am a retired electrician and have never seen this subject covered so masterfully. If anyone asks me how a thermostat is wired I send them a link to this. Thank you very much. Btw love the brief history of older units.

[@jeffbean2409]

Very, very well done! Thorough explanations of the things that you only see occasionally, too!

[@tmarc1127]

Im taking intro to air conditioning and refrigeration, and this was a great video. Really helped me put everything together. Thanks

[@micos94]

Best explanation yet. Thank you. My thermostat and wife are very happy.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

As long as the wife is happy we've obtained success!

[@dustybooks1732]

Excellent presentation for the DIYer. Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video. It helped me out considerably.

[@user-wb8rs2of7p]

Very well done young man. As an electrical engineer seeking help with understanding the internal workings of a thermostat, you did an excellent job of detailing the contact logic contained within the thermostat and how those contacts ultimately control the external devices, such as the fan, compressor, heat system, etc. Well done, best explanation I have found. God Bless you

[@alexisfernandez8552]

Very good explanation especially for a first homeowner, I messed up on my first Instalation for my first house, wished I knew about this video, thanks 🙏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@zekearchuleta6061]

Can't Thank You enough for sharing this information, I know enough to get myself in trouble and have learned a little guidance goes a long way. Had me up and running within an hour 😁👍

[@donyvette3496]

Fantastic video! Quite helpful for the tasks I just performed on rewire to accommodate new gas furnace and my old AC. Very practical. Your hand- drawn schematic was great! Thank you for taking the time to make vid:-)

[@garymcbrien2288]

Kudos. Of all the videos on KZbin about this topic, this is the best one I have ever seen. I only wish it was around before I installed my smart thermostat. I had to infer a lot of what was presented in a very straight-forward way here. Thanks.👍

[@eriknegroe7121]

The best explanation I have seen! You saved me $100s by making a reference to the fuse on the control board. Thanks!

[@mcw1906]

That was the best explanation I’ve had thus far. Thx god I came upon that. I learned so much and fortunately. And fortunately. It was as if you were using my unit as the example.

[@Ratlins9]

Excellent video, thanks for taking your time to explain the function of these wires.

[@solarenergynow08]

Thanks for a super good, clear and to the point video. Very helpful. You have a knack for teaching!.

[@pilotjiggy1]

Ben, Very good information. Easy to understand with excellent explanation. I really like the screen shot of the components. My condenser fan intermittent short cycling. all the wiring is good, but i read 4 ohms at high pressure switch.

[@fabianm4327]

I like the way that you took the time to explain the wires and connections, thank you!

[@keithosterkamp6207]

Excellent explanation of everything including the why’s and how’s of each component. No second guessing or speculation about function. Great troubleshooting advice as well and pointing out the fuse should a mistake happen. Well done!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@quanvu9901]

Excellent video, explained in depth how the wiring at the thermostat, furnace and condenser. Thanks

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@quanvu9901]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom Hi Ben, I'm still having problem with my Honeywell T5 thermostat connected to a gas American Standard furnace and condenser. I have White wire to W, Blue to C, Red to R, Yellow to C and Green to G. When I turned on the cool mode, the heat air is coming out. I was able to fix it by moving the White wire from W to W1 and it works. In the winter, when I turned on the heat, normal air is coming out, not heat, this time, I fixed it by moving the White wire from W1 back to W. What is the problem with my wiring? Did I miss anything? I also tried by moving the White white to O/B and jumped a wire between Y and W but it didn't fix the problem. Please help. Thanks

[@ryanop6154]

Easy to understand thank you I just had my old ac replaced and saved it to use in my shop and I don't want to bother the techs too much and but simple things as this. Saved me time thanks

[@michaelgriffin2487]

That was an outstanding video. You did a great job explaining the functions of each terminal. Thanks

[@1970sureconnection]

Benjamin is Great!! At the end of the video , he said any question... after such a great explanation .. No questions ask..

[@XW1986]

I couldn't say how much I like this video more. Thank you very much!

[@markshatto8699]

Not directly related to my "current" situation. However was educational and explained very well. Has me considering installing my new control unit for my older MasterCool evap cooler.Just a step above my skill level, but I'm always wanting to increase my skills around the house! Thank you.

[@MatthewPauls]

What a great video! Clear and informative. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge!

[@kenpickeringsr216]

This is a fabulous video. It explains things perfectly. Thank you so much!

[@abanderson6098]

Awesome! I blew the 5 amp fuse on the control board and didn't know it when I was installing a Nest thermostat for a friend. You saved my butt dude!

[@louisnelson9765]

Very nice video easy-to-follow and to understand not emphasizing on unnecessary rhetoric good straight to the point video thank you

[@mymorristribe]

Dude! Wow! Best explanation ever. I'm totally a new subscriber. I'm currently working on installing a Goodman two stage LP furnace (no a/c) and didn't know how to do the thermostat wiring. Huge thanks for this!

[@eduardotroncoso3444]

Thank you to share your knowledge. Your way of explaining it was simple and clear👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Jemocan]

Great video! I really appreciate the drawings and the clear descriptions. Thank you!

[@shvideo1]

Great informative video. As an electronic hobbyist it was a pleasure following your detailed explanation. Thank you.

[@robertkerr8734]

Thank you. Kinda of a beginner with HVAC issues. Great video. New house and no a/c. I believe thermostat issues. I took theirs out and put mine in. Found a box tied into the tstat wiring at unit. Hopefully removing that fixes my issues. Video was great on explaining wire functions past red wire. Thank you.

[@roberthoffmann9757]

Great explanation and a beautiful drawing .The drawing makes it much easier to understand 👍👍👍

[@CitizenPerkins]

Yep! Nicely done, sir! 👍👍

[@joshpan2872]

Thank you!! You save me from having to call an A/C repair company $$$$. I had a blown 3 amp fuse.

[@danmech123]

Spot on! Best description of an HVAC schematic I've seen on YT.👍

[@palitopeque2111]

I'm starting on the field and watched the video, it had a very good explanation

[@aaronwadzinski5761]

Thank you, this was helpful... I needed to figure out how to just turn on the fan manually, and now I know!