Many common HVAC issues can be traced back to thermostat problems. After all, the thermostat can be thought of as the brain of your comfort appliances, and problems there can cause anything from poor performance to the system not working at all.
If you run into any issues with your furnace or air conditioning, it’s possible that the thermostat is what’s responsible. Here are some ways to troubleshoot common thermostat concerns.
Check Your Power Sources
The first thing to check is whether there’s a problem with your thermostat’s power source. There are two types of thermostats: battery-powered ones and hardwired ones.
In the case of battery-powered thermostats, weak batteries can cause issues before the charge has depleted far enough to shut it down completely. Be sure to replace the batteries and see if that makes a difference.
With hardwired thermostats, it’s possible that the issue lies with the circuit breaker. A burned-out or tripped circuit breaker will take your thermostat out of commission. To check this out, you’ll need to refer to your circuit breaker diagram to identify the circuit associated with your thermostat and determine whether anything is amiss.
Reset the Thermostat
If the power seems to be working correctly, the next step is to reset the thermostat. Some minor issues can be fixed by resetting the system.
Consult a Trained Professional
If neither of the previous two fixes corrected the issue, it may be time to contact a trained HVAC professional. Thermostats and HVAC systems are complicated and easy to damage if you’re not sure what you’re doing, and it can be difficult to fix internal issues. An expert can look into the following possible thermostat problems.
Loose or Damaged Wiring
Wiring can cause problems for a thermostat in a number of ways. Over time, wiring can loosen, corrode or become damaged, all of which will cause the system to malfunction. An HVAC professional can thoroughly inspect the wiring leading up to and inside the thermostat, tightening any loose wires and replacing any damaged or corroded ones.
Dirt, Grime and Debris
Dirt, dust and other foreign particles can interfere with a thermostat’s proper function. This is especially true near the sensor area, where obstruction can cause the thermostat to read the environment improperly. An experienced professional knows exactly where grime might cause a problem and can quickly and efficiently check the thermostat system and clean any affected areas.
Calibrate the Thermostat
One potential cause of thermostat problems is the calibration going out of alignment. This means the thermostat is incorrectly reading the temperature, which then causes it to behave in the wrong way.
A professional technician can test your thermostat’s calibration and identify any misalignment. Then, they can reconfigure the calibration so that the thermostat is properly identifying the true temperature.
Issues With Smart Thermostats
Increasingly, homeowners are installing smart thermostats, which offer a range of benefits from enhanced convenience to reduced energy bills. But smart thermostats can run into issues that traditional ones wouldn’t encounter.
Smart thermostats rely on connectivity to function so connection issues can cause problems. Additionally, programming or recalibrating a smart thermostat may require extra knowledge and expertise that may be unfamiliar even to people experienced with traditional thermostats.
If you have a smart thermostat and require service or repairs, you’ll want to make sure you use an HVAC company with a focus on installing, maintaining and repairing smart thermostats. That company’s technicians will have the specialized knowledge to address the unique issues a smart thermostat can encounter.
Other HVAC System Issues
Sometimes, what seems like a thermostat-related problem may in fact be an issue with another part of the HVAC system. A professional will start by inspecting the thermostat but can branch out to checking the entire system if the thermostat isn’t the problem.
From the vents and filters to the furnace and air conditioning, an HVAC expert can work from top to bottom to zero in on whatever issue is interfering with the smooth functioning of your thermostat and system. By using a professional, you’ll be able to rest assured that your problem can be resolved in a short period of time.
Air Nerds has been serving Virginia in Louisa County and the surrounding area for years, offering HVAC service of all kinds, including thermostat installation and repair, with ample experience installing and servicing smart thermostats. If you’re experiencing thermostat issues, give us a call at Air Nerds today.
