Most American homes today have an HVAC system to keep them comfortable year-round. An efficient system cools the house when the temperature rises and keeps people toasty when cold weather arrives. However, the home won’t remain at the desired temperature when this system’s thermostat malfunctions. Most people don’t know what signs to look for that indicate the thermostat needs replacement. The following are a few of these signs.
The System Turns On and Off
The thermostat alerts the system when to turn on and off to maintain the desired temperature in the home. When the thermostat and HVAC system stop communicating, the home will be too hot or cold. Often, this is a sign that the thermostat’s wiring is frayed or damaged. Have an HVAC technician diagnose the problem and determine whether it can be fixed or if you need to get a new thermostat.
Faulty Readings
A new one may be needed if the thermostat registers the wrong temperature. Use a portable indoor thermometer to test the reading. If it is incorrect, the sensor may be bad. This problem could result from misuse, a defect in the thermostat, or old age.
High Utility Bills
Most people are looking for ways to lower their energy bills. When the bill suddenly jumps without an accompanying jump in usage, it may be that the thermostat is bad or the system is inefficient. The system will work harder if the thermostat isn’t registering the correct temperature. The unit will cycle frequently, leading to high energy bills. A professional tune-up can help determine where the problem lies.
Temperature Shifts
A defective thermostat cannot maintain its settings. Owners often notice a problem when the temperature settings change without owner input. Lower the thermostat setting to see how it responds. If the same happens, it’s time to repair or replace the thermostat.
An Aging Thermostat
Thermostats don’t last forever. Most units must be replaced within ten years of installation. Some owners choose to replace theirs before it stops working because they want a more efficient one.
Failure to Respond to Owner Input
When the owner changes the thermostat settings, the system should respond immediately. If it doesn’t, the thermostat may be to blame. Listen for clicking sounds and the system starting or stopping. If it doesn’t, have the system professionally inspected.
Short-Cycling
Call a technician immediately if the system turns on and off repeatedly in a short period. The system is short-cycling or failing to complete a full cycle. The technician will determine if the thermostat is the problem or if the system needs other work.
Replacing the Thermostat
Homeowners find they have options when replacing the thermostat. Smart thermostats learn the owner’s preferred settings and automatically adjust based on these preferences. Remote energy management thermostats allow owners to change the settings using their mobile devices or computers.
In contrast, programmable thermostats can be set with schedules to adjust the home’s temperature at specific times throughout the day. They offer the highest level of system efficiency. Digital non-programmable thermostats allow owners to control the settings manually and have an LCD to see the settings easily. Mechanical thermostats are set manually and cannot be programmed.
It’s best to replace the thermostat before it goes bad. These units don’t cost much and give the owner peace of mind. They know they have taken steps to ensure the system works when needed. If any of the above signs are seen, call for help immediately. If the thermostat is the problem, replacing it promptly prevents further system damage and costly repairs.
