How to Adjust the Thermostat Set Screw

Published: Dec 9, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read
  1. Turn off the air conditioning/heating unit, then open or turn off the breaker at the main power panel so that no electricity is flowing and phantom or latent power is present.

  2. Gently pry the cover off the thermostat using a flathead screwdriver.

  3. Locate the set screw using a flashlight. It will be a Phillips screw or Allen screw.

  4. Turn the set screw to the desired position using a Phillips screwdriver or Allen wrench. Models vary, but in general, a clockwise turn will deliver more volume, while a counterclockwise turn will deliver less volume.

  5. Reattach the thermostat cover and close or turn on the breaker on the main panel. Turn the air conditioning/heating unit back on and test it for volume delivery.

Owen E. Richason IV

Owen Richason grew up working in his family's small contracting business. He later became an outplacement consultant, then a retail business consultant. Richason is a former personal finance and business writer for "Tampa Bay Business and…

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