--104.231.xxx.xxx

Why didn't you have him go-ahead and fix it while he was there? --73.19.xxx.xx

Thermostats are cheap. Switch it out and see if the AC comes on. --24.152.xxx.xx

Because he told me it was shot. He told me that the switch that controls the heat and cool functions wasn't working when it was put to the cool setting --104.231.xxx.xxx

I know the AC does work because it works when it is jumped. I don't want the hassle of continuously "jumping it." --104.231.xxx.xxx

So he said thermostat was shot and you don't believe him? I'm kind of confused what you are asking? --173.28.xx.xxx

Seems like he is not saying that you need a new A/C but only a thermostat. If he were to replace the thermostat then you won't be needing to jump any wires. As WMH, I am confused. --73.19.xxx.xx

Trust issues. --204.10.xxx.xx

Do I trust him? Maybe not. --104.231.xxx.xxx

Given what you mentioned earlier about being able to cross the wires and the A/C comes on, it likely is the thermostat. I would go for letting the first guy replace it and see what happens. He would already be there and be billing for diagnosis anyway. --73.19.xxx.xx

Let me ask you this for clarification. What do you mean by when it is jumped? My assumption is that you are referring to touching the wires together that the thermostat would be controlling. --73.19.xxx.xx

But...unless you are willing to learn to do it yourself, you have to find someone and trust them to do it right. --74.222.xx.xx

gevans (SC) Thank you for the information. And, yes, a second service call will cost me more money. I already spent $200 on this one. I have changed them in the past. In fact, I changed this one. So I'm sure I can change another one. Which ones do you recommend for longevity and what do I do with the old mercury one? --104.231.xxx.xxx

Marcia, if you’re able to share, who did you use? I’d put my two cents in if we’ve used them before. Is this a rental or your house? --75.11.xx.xx

I have just used simple programable honeywells. They are no frills. Many of these things are either built in Mexico or China. So getting one that is tenant proof might be a challenge. --173.188.xx.xxx

Always get one that uses system control voltage with the battery just as a backup. --74.222.xx.xx

Oreo. I used gross heating --166.182.xx.xxx

Oreo. I used gross heating it is at my house --166.181.xx.xxx

Havent used them, but noted they have a 4.9 rating on Angies List. --75.11.xx.xx

Swapping a thermostat isn’t just a matter of hooking up the wires properly, you’ll also need to set the parameters up to match your system. Unless you know the finer details of your system, it’s a job best left to the pros. --75.75.xxx.xxx

Gevans (SC) Which model would you recommend for a non programmable one? I would like non programmable only because people in the household are often times making adjustments to the temperature anyway, so why pay for the extra? Thanks --104.231.xxx.xxx

There's almost nothing to those old mercury t-stats. Mercury bulb mounted on a 2 metal coil. Tough to calibrate temp setting, but last long time. Were you or the tech able to see what part of the tstat failed? --174.220.xx.xx

Dodge (PA) apparently it is the switch (hot/cool) switch. I know. that is why I would like to keep it as long as possible, but from the feedback i received, I believe I need a new one. --104.231.xxx.xxx

Sounds like a soldering project... Is there a Radio Shack nearby. Ha, but Amazon probably has a similar switch. How bad do you want to keep it? Does the switch still feel like it has the correct feel? Try spraying some tv tuner cleaner fluid as best you can to flush the contacts. Or is the switch movement a typical and some internal plastic got old brittle and broke? --174.59.xxx.xxx

if you need a substitute for specialized TV tuner cleaning fluid, consider using a product like CRC QD Contact Cleaner or high-concentration isopropyl alcohol, applied carefully with a suitable cloth or swab. Always prioritize safety and follow proper cleaning techniques for electronics to avoid causing damage. --174.59.xxx.xxx