4 Reasons Your Thermostat is Failing
There could be many reasons your thermostats isn’t working correctly, but some of the most common include:
- Dirt, dust, or other debris inside the thermostat
- Location of thermostat
- Age of thermostat
- Incorrect settings
Debris Affecting Your Thermostat
Dirt and dust inside your thermostats can affect its calibration with your heating system. A dirty thermostat may be unable to appropriately read the temperature in the room or could become disconnected from your heating system entirely. To clean your thermostat, dust the inside components with a soft tip paintbrush or compressed air.
(Smart thermostats won’t be affected by dust internally but may require external dusting for aesthetics.)
Thermostat in a Bad Location
Did you know the location of your thermostat can affect how your HVAC system performs? Thermostats installed on outer walls may read temperature incorrectly as they can be affected by factors such as direct sun and drafts from windows or doors. Placing your thermostat in a centralized location will help it register temperature and adjust to your set specifications accurately.
Aging Thermostat
Like all technology, eventually, a new invention comes around to outdate the one you have at home. Older thermostats are more likely to have problems regulating temperature and humidity as they slowly become outdated. If you live in an older home and are having problems with your thermostat, an upgrade may be in order!
Thermostat is Set Incorrectly
Sometimes, heater problems can be caused by user error. If your HVAC system isn’t turning on at all, check to be sure it’s set to “heat,” not “cool.”
8 Ways to Check a Faulty Thermostat
If you’ve resolved any of the above issues with your thermostat, you’ll need to check and make sure that it has fully solved the problem. Follow these tips to troubleshoot your heater:
Adjust the Temperature
Set your thermostat five degrees higher than you’d normally set. If the thermostat kicks on after a few minutes, you’re in the clear and can reset your thermostat back to its normal settings.
Check the Temperature Display
Sometimes, the thermostat may seem to be working, but in reality, it may be slightly off. Check to see if your thermostat is reading the temperature correctly by following these steps:
- Place a paper towel behind your thermostat to prevent the temperature of the wall from affecting the reading.
- Place a small handheld thermometer near the thermostat and compare the reading.
- Any reading that is off by more than one degree may involve recalibration.
If none of the above tips resolve the problem, it may be time to replace the thermostat altogether.
Thermostat Troubleshooting Checklist
There are many ways that your thermostat and HVAC system can be misaligned. Go through this list to diagnose the issue:
- Is the fuse blown or circuit tripped?
- Does the battery still work?
- Have you dusted your thermostat recently?
- Are there any loose, corroded, or fraying wires? (This may require help from a professional.)
- Does the indoor temperature match the thermostat display?
- Is the thermostat set correctly?
Thermostats are integral to your heating and cooling system’s success. If you suspect something is amiss with your system, the thermostat is the easiest place to start.
If none of these tips seem to work, contact Sierra Air Inc for all your heating and cooling needs! Our team can assist with repairs, replacements, and troubleshooting. Contact us online or by phone at (775) 800-5500 today.
