Thermostats are devices that help regulate the climate inside a home by communicating the preferred settings to the HVAC system. If the thermostat does not work correctly, it can cause discomfort by making the house too warm or too cold. Most of the time, simple troubleshooting can easily fix thermostat issues.
Simple troubleshooting and how to easily fix thermostat issues
Here are seven culprits behind a non-working thermostat and what you can do to fix it:
1. Malfunctioning Sensors
The thermostat is not working correctly if it displays inaccurate readings or the HVAC unit is having trouble maintaining the desired settings. A way to check if the thermostat is malfunctioning is to compare the thermostat readings with a room thermostat. If there is a difference, the thermostat might malfunction and need replacement.
2. Lack of Maintenance
It is important to regularly clean your thermostat to keep your home temperature at your preferred setting. If you do not clean your thermostat, your cooling/heating equipment will cycle frequently, and your home temperature will never reach the desired setting. Dust and debris can accumulate inside the thermostat’s delicate components, causing electrical and mechanical issues. Dirt particles can block the sensors, too, leading to inaccurate temperature readings.
To clean your thermostat, turn it off and remove the cover. For some thermostats, you can remove the cover while it’s mounted by unscrewing the nuts on the side or bottom. For others, you will need to remove the thermostat from the wall. Once the cover is off, use a soft cloth to dust the inside of the thermostat.
To clean your thermostat, you’ll want to use a microfiber cloth or soft brush to wipe away any debris gently. If you have prior cleaning experience, you can also use a compressed air duster. Be careful not to use a wet cloth or wipes, as this can damage the internal components.
3. Incorrect Placement
The most accurate readings will be taken from a location not too close to any heat-generating appliances, windows, or doors. If you install a thermostat in your kitchen, it probably won’t give you an accurate reading because other appliances in the kitchen generate heat. This would cause the thermostat to think your house is hot when it might just be the kitchen.
It’s best to place your thermostat in the center of your home or a room you use frequently. It should also be installed on an interior wall, away from any doors or windows, to avoid having the temperature affected by the fluctuating outdoor environment. The main reason for installing your thermostat on the first floor of a two-story building is because the second floor usually gets warmer due to hot rising air.
4. Incorrect Calibration
If you think your thermostat might be off, check to see if the device is clean and unobstructed. You may need to get a new thermostat if it appears dirty or damaged. If the thermostat appears in good condition, try recalibrating it by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
First, check if the temperature difference is due to a calibration issue. To do this, place a household thermometer in the room where the thermostat is located, and keep it close to the thermostat to avoid any temperature fluctuations. Wait at least 15 minutes before checking the difference between the two readings. A large temperature difference indicates that the thermostat needs to be recalibrated.
The difference between the thermostat and thermometer readings is the degree difference. In the example, the thermostat reads 5 degrees higher than the thermometer.
Each thermostat is different, so you’ll need to refer to your manual to figure out how to enter calibration mode. On some models, you can turn the thermostat off and simultaneously press the up and down buttons. Once a number appears on the screen, use the arrow keys to adjust the temperature change. After that, just exit the calibration menu. Double-check that your calibration is accurate by using a thermometer. Make sure that your readings are correct before continuing.
5. Loose Wiring
If you notice that your thermostat isn’t working as well as it used to, it may be because the wiring has come loose or the thermostat itself is corroded. This can interfere with the electrical connections, so your thermostat may not be able to communicate with the HVAC unit.
If you’re having issues with electrical outlets, one thing you can try is to turn off the power at the circuit breaker and check the wires. Make sure they’re not corroded or detached. If you find corrosion, remove the affected section with a wire stripper and reinstall it in the terminal. You may also need to tighten any loose screws.
6. Locked Thermostat
Digital thermostats usually have a lock or range control feature to prevent others from making unnecessary temperature changes. This can be useful if you want to ensure that your home remains at a comfortable temperature.
Sometimes people forget that they turned on the eco mode on their thermostat, and they can start to panic, thinking that their climate control gadget has failed. If this happens, always check the thermostat settings before doing anything else. Turning off the eco mode will solve the problem.
7. Tripped Circuit Breaker
The circuit breaker trips when there is an overload of electricity going to your thermostat. This causes the thermostat to shut down, so the electricity doesn’t overload the system. You will notice the thermostat’s blank screen because it no longer receives power.
A circuit breaker is a safety component that protects appliances when the circuit overloads. A power surge inside your unit can cause this issue. If your circuit breaker has tripped, flip the switch back on and check if this restores the thermostat screen. If it keeps tripping repeatedly, do not try to reset it, as it can result in a fire. Instead, immediately remove your HVAC system and your thermostat and seek professional help.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why your thermostat may not be working, but the most common culprit is usually a bad battery. If you have a battery-operated thermostat, check the batteries and replace them if necessary. The problem may be with the wiring if your thermostat is hardwired. Check the wiring for any loose connections or frayed wires. If you suspect the problem is with the thermostat, you may need to replace it.
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