With all the choices on the market today, the most difficult part of installing a new thermostat could be deciding which one to purchase. Programmable thermostats can save money and energy, if used properly, but for some, choosing a nonprogrammable or wireless thermostat may be a better option.

Step 1: Choose a nonprogrammable thermostat if sticking to a schedule or programming a device is not your forte. Going old-school and turning a thermostat up or down throughout the day is easier for some people. Programmable thermostats do not save time or money if they are not used to control a home’s temperature on a regular basis.

Choose a programmable thermostat to schedule times throughout the day when heating or cooling a home can be kept at a minimum. Choose a wireless thermostat to control temperature settings from anywhere in the world. Wireless thermostats are great for people who travel often or have unpredictable schedules. Investing in an auto-programmable thermostat is actually an option for both tech-savvy and non-tech-savvy individuals. Thermostats such as The Nest require no programming. Instead they set average heating and cooling schedules based on the manual adjustments occupants make to the thermostat throughout the week.

Step 2: To replace a thermostat, use the breaker or fuse in the service entrance panel to turn off the power to the heating and cooling system.

Step 3: Remove the old thermostat from the wall. Use masking tape and a pen to label each wire with the corresponding letters located next to each terminal screw the wires are attached to.

Step 4: Disconnect the wires from their respective screws. Wrap the wires around a pencil or tape them to the wall to assure that they do not slip down into the wall.

Step 5: Use the appropriate mounting hardware to secure the new thermostat’s wall plate to the wall.

Step 6: Attach each wire to the new thermostat’s terminal screws. Match the wires with the corresponding screws — Y to Y, G to G, Rh to Rh, etc. Refer to the manufacturer’s installation guide for exact wiring instructions.

Step 7: Secure the new thermostat to its wall plate. Turn the power back on and reduce heating and cooling bills by setting the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees in the winter and no lower than 78 degrees in the summer.

— Have a question? Email Linda Cottin at hardware@sunflower.com.