While programmable thermostats are a great way to cut down on energy waste and maximize your home comfort, they do break down on occasion. While replacement may be necessary, there are a few common problems that are easy to fix that you should check for first. Here’s what you should do if your programmable thermostat is giving you grief:
- For thermostats with batteries, put in new ones. Some units are wired into your HVAC system, but many run on batteries. If your thermostat needs batteries to function, put the unit in the “off” setting and install new batteries to see if it corrects the issue.
- Installation verification. It’s possible for some wires to come loose over time, especially if the installation wasn’t perfect. Remove the cover and look for solid wire connections, a loose connection could be your problem. Turn off power to the system while you do this, if it’s connected to your household electrical supply.
- Check the fuse condition. A common issue is for a fuse to be blown in wired thermostats. Examine the condition of the filament encased by the fuse to see if it’s broken. A simple replacement fuse from a local hardware store can be put in instead.
- Test your HVAC system. If the cooling isn’t working, it’s possible there’s an issue with your A/C system. Turn on your heating system and adjust your thermostat accordingly to see if the heat will activate. If it does, call an HVAC professional to take a look at your air conditioner.
- Get a new unit. After the simple fixes have been exhausted, your best bet is to install a new programmable thermostat. If the issue still isn’t resolved, contact an HVAC professional to diagnose the issue. Before you buy a new thermostat, see if your damaged unit has any warranty coverage.
If you live in the Twin Cities metro area and need help with any part of your HVAC system, contact the experts at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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