How do I replace a line voltage thermostat with a 24-volt one?

Live in a condo complex with a very strange thermostat. It has two high voltage wires (not sure if 110v or 220v) going to a fan control (low/med/high) then from there, it goes to the thermostat (for both heat/cool). Trouble is, it's old, the know is very hard to turn and I would like to replace with a modern 24V thermostat. Had an AC guy out that said it can be done, but that I would need an electrician to add voltage transformers...says he had a system done and cost near $300. Can I do this myself? How? Or can I just buy a new line voltage thermostat? Trouble is, the ones I have found only do heat or cool, not both.How do I replace a line voltage thermostat with a 24-volt one?Go to a Plumbing Supply, Home Depot, Lowes, Sears or other home center and ask in the department that has preferably some experienced help. It would help to have as much information about the old thermostat as possible as there should be one that is a line voltage model as they are still made. They are not that expensive and it would be a lot more trouble to rewire for a new low voltage system. Since the condo already has a setup for the line voltage model, check around and get a licensed Electricians advice as that is more in his line of work and an Electrical Supply house carries a lot of different Thermostats too! Replacement %26quot;in kind%26quot; is cheaper, believe me.How do I replace a line voltage thermostat with a 24-volt one?the ac guy was ripping you off.if you have a thermastate now,then you have a transfomer,24 volts,i cant explane without seeing it,but call another ac company,i use to do that kind of work and there are alot of shady companiesHow do I replace a line voltage thermostat with a 24-volt one?Buy and install a new line voltage thermostat. Use a tester prior to installation after removing the fuse or tripping the breaker.

Don't bother with the conversion.How do I replace a line voltage thermostat with a 24-volt one?Keep in mind that I am not a AC guy. I work in the electrical industry and have replaced a few low voltage thermostats. I am just using some funk logic here.



Here are your options. The first is to have the two line voltage thermostats next to each other on the wall. Not such a bad idea if you are afraid to dive into this mess.



The second option is a transformer. For starters, I would find out what your amperage draw is on that thermostat line (Probably not much at all). Then head down to your home store, like Home Depot and get a transformer for the required amperage at 120v transformed to 24v. You have wire the transformer in-line of the power cable, so (whether wire is in pipe or romex), you have to find a breaking poing (probably at the air handling unit / blower). The transformer will mount in a box or they have these %26quot;Box Transformers%26quot; that mount directly on the outside of an electrical box (also can buy at Home Depot). Then, use the wires that go to the thermostat to carry your 24volts. Just make sure to check the thermostat for the number of wires you need. Typically thermostats today have like 6 or 7 wire connections. If you just have a hot and neutral from power to the thermostat now, you won't have enough wire. You may want to consider fishing in a new multi-conductor wire back to the air hander / blower.How do I replace a line voltage thermostat with a 24-volt one?24 volt thermostats work off the transformer that comes installed in the appliance being used. The fan motor is dependent on the 120 for the variable speed. You would have to rewire the motor to work with a new control board for the same operation. Probably not worth the expense or hassle. They do make 120 stats that control both heat and air. Search on line for one if you can't find it locally.How do I replace a line voltage thermostat with a 24-volt one?Norm %26amp; krazykrau are steering you straight.The bulk of the people who answered your query are F.O.S. You'll find it much simpler (and cheaper) to stick with your line-voltage control circuit. Bite the bullet and have an HVAC contractor do it. Good luck.How do I replace a line voltage thermostat with a 24-volt one?The line voltage guys are right. Conversion would be folly. A new appropriately matched thermostat will work best and may be more efficient. Do your research and see if there may be %26quot;set back%26quot; stats that will allow you to customize your heat/cool settings to fit your home/wake/sleep schedule.How do I replace a line voltage thermostat with a 24-volt one?Transformer to reduce voltage, additional relay on evaporator air handler and boiler/furnace.