Do modern thermostats use mercury?

Many thermostats use mercury switches, but as long as a thermostat is intact, it isn’t dangerous. Thermostats may have up to six tilt switches. Most thermostats last at least 20 years before they wear out. When they must be replaced, discarded mercury switch thermostats become “universal waste”.

What replaced mercury in thermostats?

The Best Alternative to Your Mecury Filled Thermostat A digital electronic thermostat has no moving parts, no mercury, and will always remain efficient over its lifespan, which can be longer than 15 years.

Do smart thermostats contain mercury?

The new electronic thermostats do not contain mercury. But there is no concern with exposure to mercury inside these devices, as long as the mercury is contained.

Are old mercury thermostats accurate?

All in all, old fashioned mercury bulb thermostats are still great to use on your hydronic systems. The mercury poses no hazard as long as it remains in the glass bulb. The accuracy of a mercury-bulb thermostat is close to the best electronic thermostats, and far superior to the cheap ones.

When did thermostats stop using mercury?

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.

How do thermostats work without mercury?

The mechanical contact thermostat uses a simple mechanical contact instead of a mercury contact switch. Like a mercury contact thermostat, a mechanical thermostat uses a bimetallic coil (to open or close the mechanical contact points) and includes a ​heat anticipator.

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.

When did they stop putting mercury in thermostats?

Do old thermostats have mercury?

While many older, manual slider or knob style thermostats contain mercury, most digital thermostats do not. If they do, it is frequently noted on the packaging with an “Hg” marking. To safely remove your mercury-containing thermostat: Turn the thermostat entirely off.

How can you tell if a mercury thermostat is bad?

Can you still get mercury thermostats?

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.

Do old thermostats contain mercury?

What is used to replace mercury in thermometers?

Galinstan is commercially used as a mercury replacement in thermometers due to its nontoxic properties, but the inner tube surface must be coated with gallium oxide to prevent the alloy from wetting the glass surface.

Does my thermostat contain mercury?

For thermostats in use, take off the cover and look inside. The thermostat has mercury if there is a glass ampoule (or ampoules) containing a silvery liquid. In King County, it is illegal to put mercury thermostats in the garbage or to pour the mercury down the drain.

How do you replace an old Honeywell thermostat?

Replacing an old Honeywell thermostat usually involves changing to a newer model or to an energy-efficient programmable digital thermostat. This process is straightforward and can be performed using a few simple hand tools. The first step is to turn off power to the HVAC by switching off…

Are mercury thermostats safe?

A: Mercury thermostats are safe when used as designed. The mercury is sealed inside a glass ampoule. The consumer is not exposed to the mercury unless the ampoule is tampered with and breaks. Mercury thermostats were designed with a sturdy casing to protect the mercury switch.