Nowadays, with mercury-containing products few and far between, most people may not remember how potent mercury is. Just one gram of mercury is capable of polluting a twenty-acre lake. A single mercury thermostat contains around three grams of mercury.

Do any of the homes you manage or own still have mercury-containing thermostats? If you’re replacing a manual thermostat with a smart thermostat, chances are that the old thermostat contains liquid mercury, especially if it was manufactured before 2006.

Removing mercury thermostats and upgrading your property with smart thermostats can have multiple benefits:

• Protect your community from mercury exposure and associated repercussions
• Cut energy costs
• Potentially leverage higher rent to tenants for upgraded units by including smart thermostat benefits, such as scheduling

Plus, there is an opportunity for you to get paid for dropping off your old mercury thermostat. Keep reading to learn how you can get $30 for every mercury thermostat you replace.

Profit and Protect Your Property with Thermostat Care

Thermostat Care, a free mercury thermostat disposal program mandated by California legislation, incentivizes California residents to safely dispose of mercury thermostats by offering a $30 mail-in rebate for each mercury thermostat dropped off at a Thermostat Care location.

Read the quick and easy steps below to help your community benefit from mercury-free properties and receive your mail-in rebate.

Take Control: How to Safely Upgrade

Step 1: Identify the Type of Thermostat

Answer these questions to find out if you have a mercury thermostat

• Does the thermostat have any type of digital screen (even if older)? Example below
  • If yes: you do not have a mercury thermostat
  • If no: continue
• When was the thermostat manufactured?
  • 2006 or later: you do not have a thermostat
  • Prior to 2006: you may have a mercury thermostat

If you want to be absolutely sure, you can take the cover off. If you see small glass ampules inside the thermostat, it is a mercury thermostat. But, opening a thermostat makes it more fragile. If you’re unsure, we advise you to bring the thermostat to a Thermostat Care drop-off site.

Step 2: Carefully Remove the Thermostat from the Wall

Wearing protective gloves, carefully remove the thermostat from the wall and place it inside a sealed clear bag – Thermostat Care drop-off sites may have these bags available if you do not. Do NOT disassemble or attempt to remove the mercury-containing glass tube inside the thermostat.

Step 3: Find a Drop-Off Site

Once you’ve replaced your old thermostat, it’s crucial to ensure proper disposal. For mercury thermostats, find a Thermostat Care drop-off site nearest you in California on this page.

Please contact your local Household Hazardous Waste facility for more information on how to dispose of electronic or other types of thermostats.

Step 4: Safely Dispose of Your Mercury Thermostat at a Thermostat Care Drop-Off Site

At the location, fill out a form and place it in the bag with your old mercury thermostat. The bag will then be processed, and the $30 rebate will be mailed to you within 1 year. If you’re curious about the status of your check, email info@ThermostatCare.org.

Step 5: Replace Your Mercury Thermostat with a New, Safe Model

Upgrade your thermostat to a modern, digital model that does not contain mercury. These newer thermostats offer precise temperature control, energy efficiency, and peace of mind knowing that your property is free from the risks associated with mercury.

Understanding Mercury Thermostats and Their Adverse Effects

When not disposed of properly, mercury-containing thermostats can harm local wildlife and the health of surrounding communities either through water pollution or the inhalation of mercury vapors.

Mercury exposure can have adverse neurological effects on humans. Potential effects include:

1. Neurological disorders, such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, and developmental delays in children.
2. Cardiovascular system issues, leading to increased risks of heart disease and high blood pressure.
3. Kidney damage and dysfunction.
4. Inhalation of mercury vapors can result in respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and difficulty breathing.

Join the Movement: Spread Awareness and Take Action

By learning about the risks associated with mercury thermostats and sharing this knowledge with others, you can promote a safer living environment for all. Encourage others in your community to check their thermostats, replace them with newer models, and responsibly dispose of old mercury thermostats at nearby Thermostat Care drop-off locations.

For more information, visit ThermostatCare.org or email any questions to info@ThermostatCare.org.