When your heating and cooling system is not working as effectively as you’d like, there is a good possibility that your thermostat is the reason. Basically, the thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system, so it tells your system how hot or cool to make the air in your home so that you are comfortable. When the thermostat is working, there is not going to be anything that makes it respond differently from the settings you programmed.
Most thermostat issues are simple to fix. Understanding common issues will help you troubleshoot them more quickly when they do occur. In this guide, we’ll explore seven common thermostat issues and how to fix them.
1. The Thermostat Sensor Is Dirty
The sensors in a thermostat are sensitive, so you need to make sure they are clean in order to provide you with the proper reading. The sensors detect the temperature in a room, so if dust and pet hair cover them, an inaccurate reading could result. When the sensor reads incorrectly, the air conditioner could shut off early, without actually cooling the space. In addition, the heater might run for a longer period than necessary to reach a comfortable temperature.
If the room temperature is not the same as the thermostat setting, the sensors could need attention. If you notice that your heating and cooling system is short-cycling without reaching the desired room temperature, check the thermostat sensors to see if they are clean. If cleaning the sensors doesn’t solve the issue, there could be damage that requires a professional repair job. Our team will be able to decide whether an adjustment can solve the issue or if you need new sensors.
2. Placement of Thermostat Is Wrong
You may not be aware that the placement of the thermostat is important when it comes to heating and cooling your living space. If the thermostat is in direct sunlight, incorrect temperature readings could result. The heat from the sun will add a few degrees to the actual temperature in your home, which means the thermostat will think it’s warmer in your home than it actually is. This can keep the heater from coming on in the winter and keep the air conditioner from going off in the summer.
If the thermostat is near a vent, the opposite will occur. This means that the draft will make the thermostat think the air in the room is cooler than it actually is. As such, the system will adjust to reach the preferred temperature based on that information. Ideally, you want to position the thermostat in a central area that is away from direct sunlight and drafts.
3. Thermostat Needs New Batteries
Most new thermostats hardwire into your HVAC system, so this shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you have an older thermostat, some of those devices require batteries to work. This means that fixing the thermostat issues could be as easy as a simple battery change. That said, don’t forget that batteries can be a backup power source in newer thermostats that you’ll want to change on occasion.
4. Thermostat Is Reaching End of Its Lifespan
If something is wrong with your thermostat but you can’t pinpoint the issue, consider its age. How long have you had the thermostat in your home? Was it already in the house when you bought it? These questions will help you determine the age of the thermostat and whether it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. Most thermostats have a lifespan of about 10 years, but with proper maintenance, they can last up to 15 years.
Signs that your thermostat may be nearing the end of its lifespan include:
- A short cycling HVAC system
- Issues with the HVAC system turning on and off
- Incorrect temperature readings
- Displays being unresponsive
- A much higher energy bill
5. Thermostat Calibration Is Off
If the temperature in your home feels different from what the thermostat indicates, then the thermostat’s calibration may be off. The calibration could be off in the thermostat because it is aging. The wear and tear that thermostats experience over time makes them more prone to calibration issues. That said, regardless of the reason, getting your thermostat recalibrated is essential for an optimal HVAC system. Contact our team at El Indio AC, and one of our HVAC specialists can help you recalibrate your system.
6. Thermostat on Wrong Setting
If the temperature is not to your liking, check the thermostat settings to ensure that no temperature setting adjustments occurred. If you want warm air to come out of your HVAC system, make sure it is on the heat setting. For cool air, cool is the right setting to select. Having the system set to fan only moves the air around; it won’t actually change the temperature. That said, it also doesn’t remove humidity from the space. If you aren’t comfortable in your home, check the settings before adjusting the temperature.
If you have smart thermostats in your home, there’s also a chance that your app preferences aren’t set accordingly. You can easily adjust it from your phone. There could also be an issue with the thermostat connecting to Wi-Fi or problems syncing the thermostat to the application. Regular HVAC maintenance will also help ensure that your entire system is in good working order. During a maintenance inspection, we check thermostat programming and schedules to make sure they meet your needs.
7. Displays Are Unresponsive
If your thermostat display isn’t responding, there’s a reason for it. This could be something simple, like a low battery charge in the unit, but it could also be something more serious, such as an issue with the system’s power. If the display stays off after changing the batteries, contact a member of our team to help you pinpoint the cause of the malfunction. The display could also be a sign that the internal components are failing because of the age of the thermostat. Another reason for an unresponsive display is that the wiring is faulty. Make sure you don’t try to fix any electrical issues when your thermostat is malfunctioning; leave that to the professionals so that you don’t get shocked.
Contact an HVAC Specialist Today
Regardless of how small issues with your thermostat seem, they can have a significant impact on the comfort level you experience in your home. There are many reasons a thermostat could have issues, and calling an HVAC specialist from El Indio AC is a great way to determine whether you need repairs or consider a replacement. We have been serving the Tolleson area since 2002, so we know how to prioritize your comfort. Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system is a great way to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the year.
We are one of the top family-owned HVAC companies in the Tolleson area, always prioritizing your family’s comfort. For all of your HVAC needs, contact El Indio AC to schedule an appointment.
