Your thermostat may be a small device with
a tiny screen, but it plays a big part in your overall comfort at home. This nifty device allows you and your family
to deal with extreme weather and remain cozy. However, due to its
straightforward task, it tends to be ignored and most homeowners only pay
attention to their thermostat begins to act up. Most of the time, thermostats
do their job virtually unnoticed — without requiring much interference on your
part. However, when it stops working, your whole family is affected.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your reliable HVAC company in Roseville MN. We are adept at fine-tuning any HVAC system, including thermostats. In this blog, we will give you some helpful insights on how to manage a thermostat that is not working properly.
What is a Thermostat?
A thermostat is a device that controls the
temperature in an HVAC system. It enables you to set a preferred temperature
and works to keep your room at your desired level. When your furnace or air
conditioner reaches your set temperature, the thermostat will turn the system
off to prevent it from overheating.
How to Know When Your Thermostat is Not
Working Properly
The HVAC System Won’t Start
One of the easiest indications of a faulty
thermostat is the failure to turn on your HVAC system. Whether it’s your furnace, heat pump, or air
conditioner, the system just wouldn’t start. When this happens, you may assume that the entire system is
not working, but it could be the thermostat that’s causing the problem.
The first thing you need to do is determine
the thermostat has power. If you have a regular thermostat, be sure to know
where the batteries are located and replace them with fresh ones. If you have a
wireless thermostat, it likely uses AA Lithium batteries instead of regular
ones.
If your thermostat is attached directly to
the wall, check for blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers. These issues
prevent your thermostat from doing its job.
The HVAC System Won’t’ Stop
Sometimes, it’s the opposite that occurs: the unit
refuses to stop. This isn’t a simple issue. When an HVAC system fails to shut down, there’s a possibility of electrical and wiring
issues. If your furnace or AC and thermostat are both old, you could expect
damaged electrical wires and similar problems. This situation requires
professional attention. You shouldn’t work with electrical problems unless you have proper training and
tools.
The Thermostat is Old and Inefficient
Older thermostats tend to show performance
issues. Electronic or mechanical thermostats will stop working at some point,
and replacing parts doesn’t always fix the problem. You would probably have to replace it when it
shows signs of malfunction. Doing so will help you get rid of such unnecessary
troubles.
The Thermostat Fails to Respond
Sometimes, you touch your thermostat
screen, trying to change the settings, but it does not respond. Such a case is
a clear indication of a faulty thermostat. It may seem like a huge problem, but
sometimes, changing the batteries or cleaning the thermostat does the trick.
A buildup of dirt and grime can cause
discrepancies between your temperature settings and the actual room
temperature. This means that the thermostat needs cleaning. To clean the unit,
gently dust off the inside of your thermostat. If your brush is too large and
can’t fit within
the plates, try sliding a soft paper back and forth to clean them.
If these steps don’t solve the problem, it may indicate an
electrical problem. Same as above, it’s best to call a qualified technician.
The HVAC System Delivers Air Unevenly
Inconsistent heating or cooling may not be
as serious as an HVAC system that does not work at all, but it still causes
inconvenience to you and your family. If you notice a significant difference in
the temperature between rooms, a faulty thermostat might be the culprit. When
it fails to work properly, it randomly turns your HVAC system on and off, which
results in hot and cold spots. This problem may require you to call a
professional.
Call the Thermostat Experts
For more information on how to troubleshoot and repair your thermostat, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. Our technicians are factory trained and can identify problem causes and apply appropriate solutions. We are your reliable New Brighton heating and air conditioning company.
