How much mercury is in an old thermostat?
According to the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC), mercury thermostats contain an average of 1.4 mercury switches (i.e., components), with a minimum of 2.8 grams of elemental mercury per switch. Therefore, the total amount of mercury used in a thermostat is approximately four grams.
Is there mercury in old thermostats?
Are thermostats 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.
When did they stop using mercury in thermostats?
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.
Are old mercury thermostats accurate?
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.
Do Honeywell thermostats have mercury?
Mercury is typically found in older mechanical thermostats like the Honeywell Round T87 and rectangular T8090. NOTE: Do not place your old thermostat in the trash if it contains mercury in a sealed tube.
How much mercury is toxic?
Blood mercury levels above 100 ng/mL have been reported to be associated with clear signs of mercury poisoning in some individuals (e.g., poor muscle coordination, tingling and numbness in fingers and toes).
How much mercury is in a thermostat?
approximately four grams
According to the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC), mercury thermostats contain an average of 1.4 mercury switches (i.e., components), with a minimum of 2.8 grams of elemental mercury per switch. Therefore, the total amount of mercury used in a thermostat is approximately four grams.
What do I do with my old mercury thermostat?
If you determine that the thermostat contains mercury, you can bring it a household hazardous waste collection or a electrical wholesaler that participates in the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) program.
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.
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.
Can you buy a mercury thermostat?
Mercury thermostats were the standard for nearly 200 years, however they haven’t been made since the early 2000s. New digital thermostats and programmable thermostats are designed to work without mercury. This is due to the hazards that have been discovered to be associated with mercury.
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.
Can I throw away my old thermostat?
In most states, including TN, it is illegal to throw out thermostats in the trash. Although mercury cannot be destroyed, it can be recycled and reused. However, mercury-containing products cannot be recycled by simply throwing it in your curbside recycling container.