In this video, This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey helps a homeowner upgrade his existing thermostat to a smart model by finding the power source the new device needs.

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With everything smart thermostats can do (scheduling, voice control, remote access, and remote temperature sensing), it’s obvious they’re a major upgrade over standard models. But, with the upgrade comes the need for constant 24-volt power with a common wire. When a homeowner couldn’t figure out how to wire his new smart thermostat, he called home technology expert Ross Trethewey for help.

Where to find it?
To install a smart thermostat you’ll need electrical tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xkMVA3], hand-held drill [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R50Wna], pliers [https://homedepot.sjv.io/eK29k1], screwdriver [https://homedepot.sjv.io/m5MxR7] and extra twist-on connectors [https://homedepot.sjv.io/VmPoy6].

Use a multimeter [https://homedepot.sjv.io/nLMD1V] to check for wiring continuity.

Use foil tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/3eQbPr] to reseal the face of the air handler—which was manufactured by Ecobee [https://www.ecobee.com/en-ca/smart-th...].

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Materials:
Air handler [https://www.ecobee.com/en-ca/smart-th...]
Electrical tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xkMVA3]
Foil tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/3eQbPr]
Wire labels [https://homedepot.sjv.io/75P3mY]
Wire nuts [https://homedepot.sjv.io/VmPoy6]

Tools:
Drill/driver [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R50Wna]
Screwdriver [https://homedepot.sjv.io/m5MxR7]
Pliers [https://homedepot.sjv.io/eK29k1]
Voltage tester [https://homedepot.sjv.io/DKoDV5]
Multimeter [https://homedepot.sjv.io/nLMD1V]

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From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

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How To Install A Smart Thermostat | Ask This Old House
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