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Can I still buy a mercury thermostat?
Mercury thermostats were the standard for nearly 200 years, however they haven’t been made since the early 2000s. New digital thermostats and programmable thermostats are designed to work without mercury. This is due to the hazards that have been discovered to be associated with mercury.
Are thermostats still made with mercury?
Many thermostats use mercury switches, but as long as a thermostat is intact, it isn’t dangerous. Electronic and magnetic snap switch thermostats don’t contain any mercury. To identify whether a thermostat contains mercury, remove the front plate.
How do I know if my mercury thermostat is bad?
There should be an open circuit when the mercury is not contacting the wire contacts and a closed connection when it is. If the thermostat fails either of these simple checks, it is defective. The easiest way to check thermostat function is to jump across the terminal screws with a jumper wire.
What states are mercury thermostats illegal?
The following IMERC-member states currently have restrictions on the sale and/or distribution of mercury-containing thermostats: Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
How long will a mercury thermostat last?
20 years
Although a mercury filled thermostat may last 20 years, or more, the mechanical parts begin to wear out long before that, becoming less accurate and therefore less efficient over time.
Do Honeywell thermostats have mercury?
Mercury is typically found in older mechanical thermostats like the Honeywell Round T87 and rectangular T8090. NOTE: Do not place your old thermostat in the trash if it contains mercury in a sealed tube.
Should I replace my old mercury thermostat?
Myth:Mercury-bulb thermostats should be replaced because they are inaccurate. Fact:Mercury bulb thermostats are among the most accurate for temperature control within the HVAC industry. Cheap electronic thermostats provide inferior temperature control. Myth:Mercury bulb thermostats are hazardous and should be removed.
How long do mercury thermostats last?
Although a mercury filled thermostat may last 20 years, or more, the mechanical parts begin to wear out long before that, becoming less accurate and therefore less efficient over time.
What do I do with old mercury thermostat?
If you determine that the thermostat contains mercury, you can bring it a household hazardous waste collection or a electrical wholesaler that participates in the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) program.
Are old mercury thermostats accurate?
Fact:Mercury bulb thermostats are among the most accurate for temperature control within the HVAC industry. Cheap electronic thermostats provide inferior temperature control. Myth:Mercury bulb thermostats are hazardous and should be removed.
When did they stop making mercury thermostats?
manufacturers in the U.S. – General Electric, Honeywell, and White-Rodgers. These companies reported that they phased-out the manufacture and sale of mercury-added thermostats in October 2009. Since 2001, many states have passed legislation restricting the sale of mercury-added thermostats.
Does Home Depot take old thermostats?
Homeowners can bring their mercury-containing thermostats to participating household hazardous waste (HHW) collection facilities. The HHW facilities pay a one time $25 fee for the collection bin which comes with postage-paid mailing labels.
Are mercury thermostats better than digital?
The digital thermostat is a much more efficient thermostat than the mercury. Instead of using a temperature-sensitive bimetal it uses an electric temperature sensor to bring the system on and off. This allows for much greater accuracy in trying to maintain your home at a constant comfortable temperature.
Is replacing a thermostat easy?
Upgrading to a thermostat that automatically changes the indoor temperature setting is fairly easy, and it can trim about $180 off your annual heating and cooling costs, according to the EPA. Simple models that only control heat are sold at home centers for around $25.
How do you dispose of a mercury thermostat?
area and also neighborhood wellness divisions;
Does my thermostat contain mercury?
Thermostat Recycling Corporation
How to safely dispose of an old mercury thermostat?
Place all mercury-containing products or containers of mercury inside a larger container with a tight fitting lid.
How does the Mercury in a thermostat work?
How does a mercury thermostat work? Mercury thermostats contain bimetal coils that contract and expand with room temperature. When the coil contracts or expands, it activates the mercury switch, which opens or closes a circuit to make the furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner turn on or off.