Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Moving Thermostat

I plan to replace my existing mechanical thermostat with an electronic programable thermostat. I also want to change the location of the thermostat since the existing location is in the center of a wall. Although the new location is only a few feet (maybe 5' or 6') from the existing one, I have been told by HVAC service people that I could replace the existing thermostat myself, but I should get an electrician to move the wiring to the new location. Why can't I do this myself?

No reason you can't do it if you feel comfortable fishing the wire. Just take extra care to not knick the insulation on the wire and cause a short. Also make sure power is off before attempting to rewire and mount the t-stat.

Like said : Just make sure you keep the same color wire where it is. Also check and see that you dont have a light or T/V near the otherside of the wall. Be sure and plug the holes that you pull the wire through.

ED;)

Thanks for the advice about wiring. Since re-thinking this little project it has come to my attention that there are wireless thermostats available. There seem to be two types. The one that is interesting would allow me to replace the current thermostat with a receiver and add a portable thermostat/controller that could be placed anywhere in the house. This would be a much more effective solution, if it actually works. Does anyone have experience with this type device?

I have never tried one and can't really think of a reason to, unless I become crippled, but I would suggest that if you go this route to definitely install a time-delay relay to prevent short-cycling. I would be concerned that the signal might make/break too quickly if the signal gets weak.

Just my thoughts as I have never even seen a wireless t-stat. I just found out they have wireless doorbells! At this rate we may be building a wireless house in a few years and we'll all be wearing aluminum foil hats to block the radio waves from frying our brains :-)