DIY

If changing the batteries in your HVAC thermostat isn’t something you think about, it should be. This simple task takes mere minutes and usually doesn’t require any tools. In return, you gain the peace of mind that heating and cooling will work with the press of a button.

We’ll discuss how to tell when the thermostat batteries are low, what happens if you let them die, how frequently they should be changed, and how to change the batteries in three common HVAC thermostats.

How to Tell Thermostat Batteries are Low

While today’s HVAC thermostats are jam-packed with convenient features, each one relies on batteries to effectively talk back and forth with the system. When the batteries begin to drain beyond functional levels, you may see one or more of the following signs:

• An empty battery icon: Most thermostats provide up to a two-month notice before the batteries die. If yours shows an empty battery icon, it means the batteries have enough power to function for a little while, but not forever.
• Intermittent blank display screen: As the main power source behind the display, as the batteries begin to fail, the screen may begin to go blank then come back on.
• Misread the air temperature: Sensors inside the thermostat continually gauge how hot or cold the indoor air is. Without ample power from the batteries, the sensors are unable to judge and may cause the HVAC to not turn on or off as needed.

What Happens if My Thermostat Batteries Die?

Simply put, your HVAC system won’t work. You’ll see a blank thermostat display that doesn’t respond when pressing buttons or tapping the screen. If you have a smart thermostat, commands from a voice assistant or smartphone app are rendered moot. If it’s an extremely hot or cold day, you won’t have the comfort — and safety — provided by the system until the batteries are replaced.

How to Change a Wall Thermostat Battery

This style of thermostat is what comes to mind for people when talking about an HVAC thermostat.

1. Remove the display housing from the wall-mounted plate.
2. Turn the cover over to view the batteries.
3. Use a small, flathead screwdriver or your fingers to remove the batteries from their slots.
4. Align the new battery ends with the correct terminal in the slots and press into place.
5. Realign the display housing posts with the wall-mounted plate and press the housing until it clicks in place.

How to Change a Honeywell Thermostat Battery

Did you know that the iconic Honeywell round thermostat is in the Smithsonian Institute? This well-known company has grown since the days of the round, but still manufactures thermostats that make changing the batteries easy.

1. Look on the top right of the thermostat for a push tab.
2. Press the tab down until the battery compartment loosens, possibly slightly dislodging from the thermostat housing.
3. Gently pull the battery compartment toward yourself and tip it so the existing batteries fall out.
4. Align the new battery ends with the compartment markings and insert them into their slots.
5. Gently slide the battery compartment bottom-first into the thermostat and press until it clicks securely in place.

How Often Should I Change the Batteries?

Ideally, the batteries should be changed as soon as you see a low battery indicator. Otherwise, most homeowners don’t have heating and cooling interruptions when changing the batteries once a year. But once a year should be the minimum, especially if the thermostat is hardwired and only uses batteries for backup power.

What Kind of Batteries Should I Use in the Thermostat?

If you’ve never changed the batteries in the thermostat, refer to what the user’s manual says. Make sure to buy and use batteries from a known brand and that are the correct voltage. Using batteries with an improper amperage will cause them to drain more quickly, thus having to change batteries more often. The most common batteries found in an HVAC thermostat are:

• One 9-volt battery
• One button-style 3-volt lithium battery
• Two AA batteries
• Two AAA batteries

Changing the batteries in your HVAC thermostat is easy to learn, usually doesn’t require more than a few minutes and maybe a small screwdriver to remove the existing batteries. But it’s a surefire way to enjoy a comfortable indoor climate all year long.

If your HVAC thermostat isn’t working correctly, or you have other issues with the system, schedule an appointment with Sierra Air Inc. today.

Don’t Forget Your Furnace When Carrying out Your Attic Organization

A large attic without proper organization can make your storage space unusable, meaning you have to take up valuable space from other rooms in your home. To prevent this from happening, here are some great tips for organizing and decluttering your attic while still leaving room for your furnace.

Start by Figuring out Where Everything Will Go

The key to successful attic organization is assessing the situation before you get started. The first step is to look at the boxes and decide what each contains. The second step is to determine how much floor space you have, how much more you need, and how you’ll access all your stuff in storage.

Equally, look out for any hazards. For example, if you see holes in boxes, you might have mice. Or perhaps you have wires that run through the attic. Either way, these safety issues need attention before proceeding with your project.

Remove Everything From the Attic and Clean the Space

The attic is one of those places that seems to collect everything in the house, from old furniture to tools, papers, and books. When you clear out all this clutter, you’ll have more room to store things you need or want.

The best way to clean your attic is to dust it with a dusting mop or brush. You should also vacuum your attic regularly, making sure you use attachments that will reach the edges of the ceiling and walls.

You should also check for any signs of water damage and repair any leaks as soon as possible. This will prevent mold from developing in your attic and ensure that your belongings do not become damaged by moisture.

Declutter and Sort

See-through bins are a great way to make the most of your attic organization. They let you see what’s inside without opening them up, so you don’t have to waste time digging through your stuff just to find what you’re looking for.

What’s more, they help protect sensitive items from dust and moisture by keeping them out of direct contact with the air. If your attic gets hot in the summer or cold in winter, this can keep certain items from getting damaged over time.

Label the side of each box so that it’s visible when standing in front of it, rather than having to open it up. Stickers and a marker pen are ideal for labeling, or treat yourself to a label maker.

Use Shelves for Extra Storage Space

If you have an attic with limited space, putting up some shelves can help you use the available space better. You can stack things high, allowing more storage in a small area. This could be especially useful for large collections like kitchen pots and pans that you want to keep out of sight but accessible at the same time.

The best part about using shelving in your attic is that it’s easy to install and customize to fit your needs. There are many different types of shelving available — some with wheels, so you can easily move them around as needed.

One thing you do need to consider – leaving enough space for an HVAC technician to carry out essential furnace maintenance.

What Not to Store in the Attic or Furnace Room

The attic and furnace room are often the most convenient places to store and organize your belongings. However, there are certain items that you should never place in these spaces.

Important papers

The attic isn’t the best place for storing important documents such as birth certificates or passports. Paper can become damaged by humidity over time. If possible, keep these documents in a fireproof safe.

Electronics

Electronics should only be stored in a temperature-controlled environment because extreme temperatures can damage the devices’ internal parts. Dust can also get into gadgets, causing a potential fire hazard.

Delicate fabrics

If not protected from moisture and dust, fabrics could get damaged by moths or mildew. You should also avoid storing them near heat sources like your furnace.

Paint and cleaning products

Flammable items such as paint and oil-based products should be kept in a separate, locked room or outside the house.

Stay Safe!

If your furnace is kept in your attic space, there are a few safety measures to consider.

The best way to avoid problems is to keep all combustibles away from the furnace. Furnaces can get extremely hot, so make sure that nothing obstructs the heat vent. For example, boxes or bags in front of or near the heat vent could block airflow and cause a fire.

Additionally, keep all storage boxes at least 30 inches away from your furnace or heating vents. Any closer and they may overheat, resulting in a fire.

For California or Nevada home furnace maintenance needs, contact the HVAC professionals at Sierra.

Are you thinking of selling your home? It can be a stressful time, and there are many things to think about before you finally list your home on the market. So, what are the most important things to keep in mind before you officially sell your home? This blog will break down the tasks you need to complete before selling your home.

Decluttering and Cleaning

An easy way to prep your home for sale is to take time to declutter and clean up. But, it’s important to remember that some places in your home need to be cleaned that you might not be able to see as easily as crumbs on your floor. Your air ducts should be given a nice clean before listing your home. Dust, dander, and more can be trapped in your air ducts, decreasing your home’s indoor air quality. If left unchecked, poor indoor air quality can have adverse effects on you and your family’s health and the health of the subsequent owners! A team of experts can come in and make sure your air filters are clean and nothing is floating around in your home’s air ducts.

Touch-up

A nice, new coat of paint can go a long way when getting your house market-ready. If you see that some rooms have peeled paint or the trim is a little worse for wear, taking time to fix the paint can add value and appeal to your home. It’s easier to picture living somewhere that looks a little nicer than a place with peeling or cracked paint.

Curb Appeal

The best way to elevate your home and the first impression it can make on a potential buyer is to step up your home’s curb appeal. This means making sure you have a well-kept lawn, your house has a fresh coat of paint, and having clean sidewalks. Another thing that can give your house great curb appeal is taking time to curate a beautiful garden. Some tremendous native Nevada plants that can add a pop of color to your yard are; Western Redbud, White Spruce, or Sticky Purple Geranium.

Depersonalize

The easiest way to be able to sell your home is if you’re able to offer a space that the buyer can picture their lives in. A great way to achieve this result is to take time to empty and clear out your space and stage it in a simple and clean way. By removing your own family’s knick-knacks and photos, you allow whoever is shown the space to start picturing their own life. It can throw some people off to see pictures of your family in the house. By only leaving simple elements in your home, you offer a clean blank slate for the next homeowner.

Repairing and Replacing

When was the last time you made sure your home’s HVAC system was up to date and running as efficiently as possible? If you can’t think of when or are unsure, it’s been too long. Seeking regular maintenance and checkups on your home’s HVAC system is the best way to prevent any major problems from occurring. If your system is over ten years old, is making strange noises, or leaking anywhere, it may be time to call an expert in to get a diagnosis. They can tell you if it is a small quick fix or notify you if the whole system needs to be replaced from your air conditioner to your heater. Also, taking the time to learn about the red flags of an HVAC system will help you ask the right questions in looking for your next home. It will help you know how to spot an HVAC system that is working well or will quit on you when you move in, thus causing you to have to spend money and time repairing it.

From residential to commercial HVAC systems Sierra Air Inc are experts in handling any situation. Contact us at (775) 800-5500 today!