About the Program

Switch the 'Stat is a thermostat replacement and collection program delivered in partnership with heating and cooling contractors/wholesalers in Ontario and British Columbia. Launched in 2006, the goal of this program is to encourage the uptake of more energy efficient programmable thermostats and to provide a safe and responsible disposal option for older mercury-containing thermostats. The rapid increase in programmable thermostat installations for residential energy savings has meant that an increased number of older mercury-containing thermostats are being disposed of in household waste and ending up in landfills. More and more businesses are also making the switch to programmable thermostats, often not realizing the harmful effects of throwing their old thermostat into the garbage.

An older thermostat can contain approximately 2.5-10 grams of mercury and it only takes one gram of mercury to contaminate an eight-hectare lake to the point where the fish in that lake are inedible for a full year. Mercury is especially a concern to young children and women of child-bearing age because it can inhibit the development of the brain and nervous system. Summerhill Impact is proud to work with the Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), more than 1,300 heating and cooling contractors and wholesalers, our recycling partner Aevitas Inc., and Purolator to deliver the Switch the 'Stat program. The program is currently supported by thermostat manufactures Honeywell, Emerson/White Rodgers and Johnson Controls.

If you would like to have your old thermostat replaced or if you would like to drop off your mercury-containing thermostat to make sure it’s disposed of responsibly, find a Switch the 'Stat contractor near you! If you are a contractor or wholesaler and you would like to participate in Switch the 'Stat, just fill out our short Registration Form.

If you have more questions about the Switch the 'Stat Program, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section.