
Are you experiencing problems with your thermostat? Or are you wondering if it is working correctly? Possibly there is a simple way to resolve any possible issue your thermostat is experiencing.
In addition, if you are experiencing problems with your home's temperature, maybe the problem is not related to your HVAC system. Instead, it could be your thermostat creating it. So what are the typical troubles you can get from a thermostat? Check this article to learn more!
This article goes over all the problems your thermostat can experience.
Room Temperature does not match with the thermostat
It can happen that you set the thermostat to a specific temperature, but your home never reaches it. The solution is not to keep increasing or lowering the value on your thermostat, but check the following things:
- A dirty thermostat
- A possible corrosion
- A poor installation (wrong location)
A dirty thermostat can have a high impact on how the temperature in your home is read. As a result, the thermostat can "think" your home is colder or hotter than it is. If this is the case, you have to clean it by removing its cover and wiping out the dirt or debris.
After some time, some electrical components of the thermostat can be affected by corrosion. You can try using an electronic contact cleaner or replace the thermostat if necessary. You should also check if your thermostat was installed correctly in the first place.
For example, placing a thermostat too close to the ground or where it gets direct sunlight, near a fireplace, or similar, will not help it figure out the correct house temperature.
The thermostat does not reach the set temperature
If your thermostat doesn't reach a proper temperature, it can be due to damaged sensors, a possible wrong location of the thermostat, and dirty parts that prevent it from functioning. Thermostats have multiple sensors that are necessary to read the temperature correctly.
When one or more are not functioning, the thermostat can fail to read the temperature. In this case, it can result in a temperature reading higher or lower than the one set at the beginning. Unfortunately, it is not possible to replace a sensor every time. Sensors are delicate components, and it could be necessary to replace the whole thermostat.
In addition, the thermostat location can bring about a false temperature reading. For example, when placed near a heat source.
Temperature won't change
If the temperature doesn't change, even though you attempted to adjust it, your thermostat may not allow it to happen. It can happen for different reasons. For example, if you have a digital thermostat with a "lock feature," and if it is enabled, you will not be able to change temperature.
In this case, you have to turn it off or disable it. In addition, if the thermostat is in Auto mode, you can't change the temperature manually. In this case, you have to remove the Auto mode. It can also be that the thermostat is not working because there is no power, or there is a loose wire.
Typically, a thermostat may not receive power because the batteries are dead, for a blown a fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. In addition, a wire may be loose. In this last case, the thermostat may not power on.
To figure this out, it is necessary to look inside the thermostat, locate the loose wire, and eventually fix it.
HVAC keep running
In general, the HVAC unit should stop running when reaching the desired temperature, but if it keeps running, there is probably something wrong with the thermostat. If you find that the house temperature is considerably different from the setpoint, you know this is the case.
In the worst of the possibilities, you need to replace the thermostat. In the best case, it just needs a thorough cleaning. In fact, dirt and debris inside can trigger continuous running, bringing about higher energy consumption and higher utility bills.
Higher energy bill
If you get a sudden increase in your energy bill, the chances are that the thermostat is responsible for it. A broken or damaged thermostat will misread the current temperature, force the system to work more, and consume more energy than necessary. If that happens is better to replace the thermostat.
Old thermostat
Thermostats can last for as long as ten years. However, you can experience various malfunctions and problems when you get older. Therefore, if you have had it already for a long time, it is better to get a new one to prevent higher energy consumption. It will pay off in a more efficient HVAC unit and lower energy bills.
Tips for maintaining your thermostat
You can take preventive actions to ensure your thermostat is not broken or malfunctioning. Here are some steps you can take to verify everything is properly functioning:
- Test the thermostat thermometer every fall. Check if there is a discrepancy between the actual temperature and the one shown by the thermostat. If that is the case, you have to recalibrate it.
- Adjust the anticipator in the case in case the heating is cycling often.
- Tune the thermostat following the instructions from the manufacturer.
- Replace the thermostat. If you have had a thermostat for many years, consider replacing it.
Routine cleaning of the thermostat can help as well to prevent malfunctions. It is not necessary to wait for that debris and dirt to cumulate. You can wipe your thermostat gently every couple of months by removing its cover and taking away the dust and dirt on the inside.
Cleaning is a simple action, but one of the most effective to resolve thermostats working incorrectly. Dirt can affect calibration making the system consume additional energy.
For example, if you set your temperature at 75 degrees Fahrenheit, your system will work to reach 78 degrees or more. As a result, you will consume more than you expect and get a surprisingly higher energy bill.
Conclusion
Although modern thermostats are set to run automatically, they can still be affected by problems, and if you do not know what they are, you can spend a lot more money on utility bills.
Hopefully, the above points can give you an idea of what to expect and how to solve it if you need help from an expert visit our site.