5 Most Common Thermostat Problems Impacting Your Comfort
HVAC systems are expected to maintain indoor comfort levels all the time. One should immediately investigate when it cannot do that. It could be that a component or two is not working correctly. For instance, thermostat problems are common in heating and cooling units. Figuring out the reason for the thermostat issue will help determine whether or not a thermostat repair or replacement will remedy the situation.
Signs Of Home Thermostat Problems
Below you will discover some signs that the thermostat may be causing your HVAC system to function incorrectly:
Problem 1: Thermostat Not Reaching Set Temperature
The thermostat is the brain, or control center, of any HVAC system. When you set the desired temperature, you expect your system to reach that comfort level quickly. If you find that after a reasonable amount of time, the room feels like it’s at the same temperature, a real problem exists.
Is your thermostat located close to a heating source? For example, does the sun’s heat have direct access to the thermostat through doors and windows? When the thermostat is exposed to heat like this, it can display false readings. The thermostat is designed to respond by switching the system on and off according to settings. However, during the winter, when it is close to a heat source, it will kick the system off when it “detects” the desired temperature. It does this even if the rest of the room is a different temperature. Of course, during the summer, it will have the opposite effect. It will turn the AC unit on, thinking that the room is much warmer than it actually is.
You can remedy this by not placing other heat sources near it or blocking the sun by closing curtains or shades. Also, you can talk to an HVAC contractor to discuss a more suitable location for your thermostat.
Problem 2: Old Thermostat
Aged thermostats often produce errors. While thermostats are designed to last for years, at some point, they are not as effective as newer models. They are more difficult to maintain, and multiple problems arise. Additionally, they become harder to clean, and their sensitivity plummets. To get a fresh start and obtain better performance, you might think about replacing an old thermostat with a new smart one.
Problem 3: Dirty Thermostat
An HVAC system thermostat is supposed to measure room temperature accurately. If you discover yours is throwing errors, the first thing to do is investigate the cause. At times, the cause is a buildup of dust in the box. Particles between contact points sometimes cause thermostat problems. It’s simple to open the box and brush the dust and dirt away with gentle strokes using a soft brush.
Problem 4: Miscalibrated Thermostat
Factories set the calibration of thermostat internal sensors before they are even sold to ensure proper readings. Over time and with use, though, they become less efficient, and the calibration fails. This causes uneven temperatures throughout the house. One room may feel cold while another feels hot. Incorrect system commands, such as the compressor or fans cycling off too soon, can also be the result of miscalibration. It’s not hard to understand why short cycling leads to a lack of comfort, higher energy bills, and reduced lifespan of the unit.
Problem 5: Thermostat Display Not Working
HVAC system thermostats are designed to display critical information about the current state of the unit. This includes the current operating mode and temperature.
In addition, touchscreen displays readily accept input. When the screen fails to display this information, it becomes impossible to make any changes to the system or check its state of operation.
This is when you should check to see if the system is turned off. Turn it back on if necessary. If the unit still operates, even though the display doesn’t work, replacing the batteries might help. While you are at it, check for faulty connections and loose wires.
What Are The Advantages Of A Thermostat Replacement?
Here are some benefits you’ll discover from replacing your thermostat:
Save Money On Home Heating And Cooling Costs
A lot of energy goes into operating heating and cooling systems. Reducing energy consumption comes with many benefits. One of these is savings on energy bills. A very effective way of accomplishing this is to replace an older, worn-out manual thermostat with a new one.
A new, smart thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature according to your schedule and preferences. You can set it to work hardest when you are at home and shut down to a lower temperature when you’re working. That will certainly save on energy.
You can even learn to better manage your energy costs by tracking your energy usage with a modern thermostat.
HVAC Auto Adjustments
With a programmable thermostat, you can set your system’s behavior to change settings throughout the day according to your schedule. Just set it once, and you will never have to think about it again unless something changes. That way, you can leave your home knowing that the setting will be right. Also, you can go to bed at night, not having to remember to change the setting for a comfortable night’s sleep. The system will remember everything for you and adjust the temperature automatically.
HVAC System Optimization
Even when dealing with old AC or heating units, not very many people have the budget to replace their system.
A thermostat upgrade is another option that will improve the operation of any HVAC system without going to the added expense. Significant gains in efficiency and reliability can often be noticed simply by replacing an old thermostat with a modern one.
One important quality of a modern thermostat is its ability to improve the efficiency of your home’s HVAC system and its comfort level. Nevertheless, if your heating or cooling system is outdated, don’t forget that it may be time to replace it with a new, modern one.
You cannot expect a mere thermostat upgrade to achieve the same benefits of replacing an old furnace or air conditioner. An energy-efficient thermostat works in conjunction with an energy-efficient HVAC system. Therefore, if your HVAC system is outdated, be sure to replace it when necessary. Your thermostat upgrade can help optimize its performance.
Improved Connectivity
Today’s modern thermostats are programmable with built-in connectivity options like never before.
For instance, they can be connected to the home’s Wi-Fi and network in such a way to allow owners to control them from anywhere using their connected phones.
Most people appreciate the convenience this affords.
Contact Tower Energy With All Your HVAC Requirements
There are often simple solutions to thermostat problems. These include fresh battery installation, repositioning, and cleaning. Still, sometimes it becomes necessary to completely replace the old unit with a more reliable, newer model. By contacting Tower Energy, you can find out more about improving everything about your HVAC system.
Tower Energy hires only the best NATE certified technicians to provide you with superior tune-ups, repairs, replacements, and installations of heating and cooling systems. Our service is second to none. We have the knowledge and experience to help you decide whether repair or replacement is right for your situation. Our priority is always energy efficiency, comfort, and quality indoor air quality.
Schedule an appointment today for a free, in-home estimate with Tower Energy.
Contact us now or call us at (860) 677-7347 to find out more.