Back to Cool Talk with Hartzell's | Your HVAC Questions, Answered!
Cool Talk with Hartzell's | Your HVAC Questions, Answered!

Toxic mercury in old thermostats

Jun 15, 2026 · 20 min

Give Use A Shout

DAVE: If you've got an old round Honeywell thermostat on your wall, the kind with the little mercury switch inside, you're sitting on a small environmental hazard. I pulled one off a wall in Okarche last week, and when I tilted it, you could see that silver bead of mercury rolling around in the glass tube. That's toxic stuff. Most people have no idea they're there, and even fewer know what to do with them when we swap them out. Today I want to talk about why these things matter, where they go wh

I'm Dave Hartzell at Hartzell's Heat & Air in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. 45 years in the trade, Master HVAC license. On Cool Talk I cover the stuff central Oklahoma homeowners actually need to know about heat, air, and indoor air quality.

More episodes: https://hartzellsheatair.com/podcast/

Thanks for tuning in to Hartzell’s Heat & Air — your trusted HVAC experts in Oklahoma and beyond. From Kingfisher to coast-to-coast consulting, we design, install, and maintain smart, efficient systems that deliver year-round comfort.

We’re employee-owned, family-run, and powered by 48+ years of experience. Whether it’s AI-powered thermostats, geothermal systems, or classic tune-ups, we deliver upfront pricing, expert care, and warranties that back it all up.

🛠️ Book Online:
https://book.housecallpro.com/book/Hartzells-Heat--Air/4a569038b3dc460daf2d5f6497b18351?v2=true
🌐 www.hartzellsheatair.com
📞 (405) 375-4822

🚛 Trane Comfort Specialist • Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer • ClimateMaster Elite
 🛡️ VIP Comfort Club • Remote Monitoring • Extended Warranties

📲 Follow us for tips, updates, and real-world installs:
 YouTube: @hartzellsheatair6003
X: https://x.com/HartzellsHVAC
Facebook: facebook.com/hartzellsheatair
LinkedIn: Dave Hartzell

Built on trust. Backed by warranty. Designed for comfort.

More from Cool Talk with Hartzell's | Your HVAC Questions, Answered!

EPA rules end cheap AC refills
22 min · Jun 26, 2026
Why 2025 AC units cost more
23 min · Jun 26, 2026
Why variable speed AC rarely pays off
23 min · Jun 26, 2026
How to fix a frozen AC unit
19 min · Jun 26, 2026
How leaky ducts ruin your air
24 min · Jun 25, 2026
Audit proof your AC for storm season
24 min · Jun 25, 2026