Are mercury thermostats illegal?
California law has prohibited the sale of mercury thermostats since 2006, but there is no requirement that you replace your existing mercury thermostat.
Are thermostats with mercury dangerous?
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. If one or more small glass bulbs are inside, they contain mercury.
When did they stop making thermostats with mercury?
October 2009
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.
Should I replace mercury thermostat?
Some are specific to mercury-bulb thermostats. 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.
Can I buy a mercury thermostat?
Thermostats with mercury will have the “Hg” sign for mercury on the packaging. Most thermostats sold today don’t contain mercury. Programmable electronic thermostats and many manual thermostats are now mercury-free.
Why is my mercury thermostat not working?
Troubleshooting. Remove the thermostat cover and look at the mercury bulb while turning the dial; the bulb should rotate as the dial is turned. 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.
How long does 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.
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.
Can I replace a mercury thermostat with a digital?
Sometimes you have to flip the switch on the back of the thermostats depending on which type of system you have. If you’re going from mercury to a modern age digital thermostat the process can be simple if you just watch what you’re doing to pay attention.
Where can I take my mercury thermostat?
You can also recycle mercury thermostats at an LA County-run, HHW S.A.F.E. collection center.
- 7660 W. Imperial Hwy., Gate B, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293.
- Open Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00am – 3:00pm.
Should I replace my mercury thermostat?
What kind of thermostat does not contain mercury?
Electronic and magnetic snap switch thermostats don’t contain any mercury. To identify whether a thermostat contains mercury, remove the front plate. If one or more small glass bulbs are inside, they contain mercury. These bulbs are called tilt switches.
How much mercury is in a snap switch thermostat?
Electronic and magnetic snap switch thermostats don’t contain any mercury. To identify whether a thermostat contains mercury, remove the front plate. If one or more small glass bulbs are inside, they contain mercury. These bulbs are called tilt switches. Each tilt switch contains roughly 3 to 6 grams of mercury.
When do you remove mercury from a thermostat?
Myth: Mercury should be removed from a thermostat when the thermostat is replaced. Fact: Replace the cover on the thermostat and return the intact thermostat to your wholesaler for mercury recycling. If your favorite wholesaler does not participate, it should be easy to find one that does.
How does a Honeywell mercury thermostat work?
The tube is held in place by a bimetallic coil that rotates the tube as the coil heats up or cools off. When the tube rotates enough, the drop of mercury makes contact between the two wire contacts, allowing electricity to flow between them. This electricity powers a relay that turns on your furnace or air conditioner.
Electronic and magnetic snap switch thermostats don’t contain any mercury. To identify whether a thermostat contains mercury, remove the front plate. If one or more small glass bulbs are inside, they contain mercury. These bulbs are called tilt switches.
Electronic and magnetic snap switch thermostats don’t contain any mercury. To identify whether a thermostat contains mercury, remove the front plate. If one or more small glass bulbs are inside, they contain mercury. These bulbs are called tilt switches. Each tilt switch contains roughly 3 to 6 grams of mercury.
Myth: Mercury should be removed from a thermostat when the thermostat is replaced. Fact: Replace the cover on the thermostat and return the intact thermostat to your wholesaler for mercury recycling. If your favorite wholesaler does not participate, it should be easy to find one that does.
Is the Honeywell mercury thermostat used in my home?
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The Honeywell mercury thermostat has been installed in homes and businesses for decades, though it is used less often since the digital programmable thermostat became popular.