Nearly 80 million individuals in the United States alone have ac or central units in their homes. The remainder uses alternative cooling methods or even a heater to keep their homes cool. You will understand how to utilize an AC thermostat if you have a central heating system or a furnace. The thermostat is not only an important but also a complicated component of an HVAC system. Furthermore, repairing a thermostat problem is quite frustrating.
8 Common Thermostat Issues
This post will go through the 8 Most Important Thermostat Issues That Can Cause HVAC Problems:
1. Incorrect Thermostat Placement
When it comes to ensuring that your HVAC system operates effectively and efficiently, appropriate thermostat placement is critical. As a result, you must ensure that your thermostat is situated in an appropriate location. If you place your thermostat in front of a large window, for example, and the sun shines on it all day, it will wrongly read your home’s temperature. As a result, your system will be forced to overwork and operate continuously to achieve the necessary temperature. The same is true for positioning the thermostat over an air vent. Incorrect thermostat placement stresses your unit, raising energy expenses and increasing the frequency of repairs required, eventually lowering the unit’s lifespan.
2. Thermostat’s Batteries Are Low
If your thermostat is constantly giving you an error message, it is most likely because its batteries are low. Batteries are an essential part of a thermostat, as they provide power to its electrical components, including the motor and sensors that control the temperature. Thermostats that require batteries are usually equipped with an automatic sensor to inform the end-user when the batteries need to be changed. However, if you do not notice the error message on your thermostat or if you do not change the batteries regularly, then your thermostat will cease to function. To troubleshoot this issue, simply check the location of your thermostat’s battery compartment and change the batteries at the first sign of an error message.
3. The Thermostat Is Old
Over time, thermostats accumulate dust and grime, in addition to frequent use. Those two factors can decrease the functionality and lifespan of a thermostat. Over time, the thermostat’s connections and the motor can get worn out, thus reducing the thermostat’s durability. A worn-out thermostat will not be able to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Thus, your HVAC system will have to work harder, which will drive up your monthly energy bills and reduce the life of your HVAC system. The best way to prolong the life of a thermostat is to simply clean it regularly. This will ensure that it will continue to measure the temperature of your home accurately.
4. Thermostat Needs Calibration
If your thermostat is giving you an error message, you may need to calibrate it. In fact, if your thermostat is ten years old or older, then you should calibrate it, as it has likely become less accurate over time. Calibrating your thermostat can be an easy and painless process. Simply follow the instructions in the user’s manual to complete this procedure.
5. Thermostat Doesn’t Reach Correct Temperature
Your thermostat is supposed to help control the temperature in your home. However, if it is not able to maintain the right temperature, then it is not doing its job correctly. A thermostat checks the temperature in your home and then turns the heat on or off to regulate the temperature. Thus, if the thermostat is set to 68 degrees F, but your home is 68.5 degrees F, your thermostat will not do anything to change the temperature. To troubleshoot this issue, ensure your thermostat is calibrated correctly, and the batteries are fully charged. In addition, make sure there are no obstructions that are blocking or affecting the thermostat’s ability to take the temperature of your home.
6. HVAC Systems Keep Running
If your HVAC system keeps running and the thermostat keeps showing the temperature at a certain point, you likely have a thermostat problem. As mentioned earlier, your thermostat controls the temperature in your home. However, if your thermostat cannot control the temperature, your HVAC system will run continuously. When your HVAC system runs continuously, it will drive up your monthly energy bills and shorten the lifespan of your HVAC unit. The best way to troubleshoot this problem is to ensure that the thermostat is calibrated correctly and that the batteries are fully charged. You can also check to see if there is any physical damage to the thermostat that is preventing it from operating normally.
7. Dirt and Debris Buildup
Dirt and debris can easily get into a thermostat, which can cause it to malfunction. Dirt and debris can easily get into the thermostat because it is used daily. As a result, you need to clean your thermostat regularly to prevent this buildup. The last thing you want is for dirt and debris to accumulate inside your thermostat and prevent it from operating normally. To prevent this issue, clean your thermostat every few months by taking it apart and brushing it gently to remove any buildup that may have accumulated.
8. There Are Defects with the Program
Certain issues with a thermostat are beyond repair. If your thermostat has been damaged during a power outage or if it has been damaged due to water damage, it may be best to simply replace it. If you are having issues with the program on your thermostat, you may also want to contact an HVAC technician to fix the thermostat program.
Conclusion
These are the eight crucial thermostat issues that can lead to HVAC problems. Although thermostats can be complex, understanding the basics of thermostat issues can help you troubleshoot any problems that you may have with your thermostat. As mentioned earlier, thermostats are essential components of an HVAC system. Without a functioning thermostat, your HVAC system will be unable to control the temperature in your home, which will drive up your energy bills and shorten the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Let HVAC Swami take a look at your AC unit and pinpoint the issue. We are an Austin air conditioning repair company that will get your unit up and running in no time. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
