Funny how a little hole-in-the-wall problem can bring about this euphoric feeling of pride and accomplishment. Why is the hole so big? The old thermostat was larger. When I removed the old one to investigate the wire configuration I quickly discovered that the hole in the wall would not be covered up by the digital thermostat. I pondered the problem for a bit, not wanting to rush into something I'd never done before and tackled the new thermostat installation first. Already beyond my comfort zone with this small task and keeping in mind that slow and steady wins the race.
Hooked up the thermostat...set it for 70 degrees to make sure the heat would kick on properly. Let it run a bit to make sure it would turn off...and then knocked it down to 64...when I left to go south to Alabama for 10 days. Was quite the relief when I returned to Oklahoma and discovered that my new thermostat appeared to be working properly after my installation and read 64 degrees, with a chilly house to prove I'd hooked it up properly. BIG SMILE of accomplishment here.
Now to deal with the gaping hole and mounting the new thermostat. 1) Temporarily tack the new thermostat to the wall out of the way of the repair work. 2) Adhere the mesh screen across the hole, leaving enough space for the wires to pull in and out freely. 3) Spackle here...Spackle there and smooth it with a putty knife, doing my best to blend in with the textured walls around it (yeah, right....I score myself a 'C-' on this task); allow Spackle to dry. 4) Paint the Spackle to match the wall color -- in this case 'almond bisque.' 5) Follow the directions for mounting the digital thermostat. In this case, I got lucky and was able to use the existing anchors...even though the person who installed the old thermostat didn't get it hung straight. I fudged with the screws as much as I could and think I did a decent job of leveling it, so as not to drive me crazy each time I see it hanging there. Got everything put back together and mounted...and got a digital display reading of 69 degrees! Yup, still working...and is that the furnace kicking on I hear? YEAH!
