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How to Tell If Your HVAC Thermostat Needs to Be Replaced
Research shows that 90% of Americans have HVAC systems in their home. This is no surprise as it is gradually becoming a very essential technology to keep us comfortable all year round.
With HVAC systems, you need not worry about the excessive heat of the summer or the unimaginable cold of the winter. Just get home and feel comfortable. As complex as the HVAC system seems to be, it is as good as useless without a properly functioning thermostat.
When the HVAC system seems to have faults, it’s so easy to point fingers at the heating or cooling equipment. But most times, you should blame your thermostat for its inability to warm or cool your home.
Well, if it’s your thermostat that is faulty, that’s less trouble for you as the thermostats are accessible and relatively inexpensive to replace.
But before concluding where the fault is coming from, you should check out what we have for you in this article. We’ve laid out some signs that best suggest that the problem is from the thermostat and not necessarily the system.
HVAC Thermostats and Their Function
Before diving into the cry of replacement, your HVAC system might be crying to you daily, let’s first get things straight. What is an HVAC thermostat and what is its function?
HVAC thermostats help to control and maintain the temperature level of your home. Simply put, with a HVAC thermostat, it’s possible for the temperature in your home to always be at your most preferred level. Morning, afternoon, and night. Both in winter and summer.
The temperature in your room won’t exceed your preferred temperature. This is possible with the aid of your HVAC thermostat. It does this by switching on the cooling equipment when it seems to get hotter than the most preferred temperature and the heating equipment when it gets cooler.
With such continuous operation round the clock, you rest assured to always feel your preferred temperature on a 24/7 basis throughout the year.
The thermostat doesn’t just operate as the nervous system of the technology to feel when there’s a deviation from your wanted temperature. It also operates as a switch to put on and put off both the cooling equipment and the heating equipment. So, a fault on that small little tool mounted on your wall could compromise the entire operation of the system.
Now, let’s show those signs to you.
Signs of a Bad Thermostat
1. Thermostat screen won’t display
If the screen of the thermostat isn’t displaying, it normally translates as a faulty thermostat. This is one of the surest ways to know a good thermostat from a bad one. A blank screen usually means that the batteries of the thermostat are dead, or there is a malfunction in the thermostat itself. Whichever, a blank screen needs the call of HVAC professionals. It should display the temperature in the room and details about your programmed schedule.
2. HVAC system won’t turn on
Normally, you should be able to turn your HVAC system on with your thermostat. You should also be able to switch from cooling to heating and vice versa with it. But if your HVAC thermostat is faulty, it will deny you the privilege.
If you can’t turn on your air conditioner or heater, don’t assume it to be a system failure. It is a clear sign of a faulty thermostat. It could also be a problem with the wiring. When you input your preferred temperature on the thermostat, it sends this message to the HVAC system through the electrical wires. When these electrical wires develop faults, there won’t be any link to communicate anymore.
3. HVAC system won’t turn off
Just as it’s the responsibility of the thermostat to switch on the air conditioner or heat pump, it’s also its responsibility to switch it off. A faulty thermostat can cause the system to run non-stop. Once you notice your room keeps getting warmer or colder than desired, probably your HVAC is on a non-stop streak. It’s usually not a HVAC failure, it is a thermostat failure.
4. Thermostat readings don’t match the room temperature
Your thermostat should normally display the actual temperature the room feels like. Although you can’t tell the exact temperature of your home by just feeling the air on your skin. But you can know when the room is obviously hotter or cooler than what it is displaying. If that’s the case, then your thermostat can’t accurately read temperature anymore. It needs to be properly calibrated or completely replaced.
5. Thermostat doesn’t respond to changes in instructions
You might want to change the temperature you want to feel on the thermostat. When you do that, the HVAC should respond almost immediately. How does it respond? You will hear a clicking sound followed by the noise of air moving through the ductwork. You can place your hand on the vent to feel for the hot or cold air, just as you adjusted. If you adjust your temperature setting, and you didn’t notice changes within a minute or two, then your thermostat is faulty.
6. Programmed settings keep getting deleted
If you’ve upgraded your thermostat to a smart and programmable thermostat, then this is for you. A programmed thermostat is meant to keep your programmed settings and schedule over an extended period. Your thermostat is not supposed to forget the programmed settings. It should always run with the same program until you probably change it. So, if you notice that you have to always re-input your programmed setting and schedule all over again, then your smart thermostat is getting unreliable and should be changed.
Location Matters
At what location is your HVAC thermostat mounted? The location is as important as its functionality. If you have a thermostat operating in its best condition, but located in the wrong place, its reading won’t still match the reading of your room.
What do we mean? If you mount your thermostat at a place where it is in contact with direct heat, sunlight, or heat from an indoor heat source. It will keep taking the reading it gets from the heat source. So even when your room is cold, the thermostat still gets a war reading and keeps cooling. If you are noticing your home getting cooler than desired, it’s wise to first consider its location.
Keep In Touch with HVAC Professionals
If you notice any of these signs on your HVAC system, reach out to HVAC professionals. They will do an overall check on the system before taking any professional action. Here at Precision Air Solutions, we keep our service professional at an affordable price. Reach out to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
An HVAC thermostat is a device that regulates the temperature in your home by controlling your heating and cooling systems. It ensures your home maintains a comfortable temperature by signaling your HVAC system to turn on or off depending on your temperature settings.
Common signs that your HVAC thermostat may be malfunctioning include a blank display, inaccurate temperature readings, or the inability to control your heating or cooling system. If your HVAC system doesn’t turn on or off as expected, it’s often an issue with the thermostat.
Replacing an HVAC thermostat can be a DIY task for those comfortable with basic electrical work. However, for complex systems or smart thermostats, it’s recommended to have an HVAC professional handle the installation to ensure compatibility and functionality.
Most HVAC thermostats last about 10 years, but if you notice issues like inconsistent temperatures or a non-responsive display, it may be time for a replacement. Routine maintenance and system upgrades may also prompt a thermostat change.
A programmable HVAC thermostat allows you to set temperature schedules that align with your lifestyle. This can help save energy by reducing heating or cooling when you’re away from home, making it both a cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly upgrade.