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Your HVAC system works hard to ensure that your home is comfortable at any time of the day. Once it starts acting up or fails to perform as it should, have the system checked immediately. At least one component within that system is likely damaged, worn, or about to fail. Some fixes are simple enough to fix on your own. However, others may be too complex, and you should have an HVAC contractor address them. One of the components that homeowners tend to overlook is the thermostat. Thermostat problems are common, and it is an excellent place to start when dealing with a problematic HVAC system.
Signs Of HVAC Thermostat Problems At Home
As mentioned above, problems with the thermostat are fairly common in HVAC systems. In this article, we discuss some causes of thermostat issues. Also, we will cover some of the advantages that come with a thermostat upgrade.
1. Thermostat Fails To Reach The Set Temperature
The thermostat controls the temperature of the HVAC system. It allows you to set the preferred temperature for a room to reach the maximum comfort level desired. If the unit is fairly new or maintained carefully, the thermostat should have no trouble reaching and maintaining the right temperature. If it does not, the thermostat may be damaged, or certain external factors may be affecting its performance.
For example, check to see if direct exposure to sunlight may be causing the thermostat to register temperature inaccurately. If the thermostat receives direct sunlight, its sensors will not work properly. That means it will give off false readings. As a result, the thermostat will signal the heater or air conditioner to turn off or on before the system reaches the preferred temperature. Exposure to direct sunlight usually happens to units that are located near a door or window. To fix this, simply block sunlight with a thick curtain. If there are heat sources located near or next to the thermostat, relocate them as well.
2. An Aged Thermostat
Old or aging thermostats are more likely to make false readings. Although thermostats are built to last long, they will eventually fail. When this happens, the thermostat will be more problematic, cause more problems, and become difficult to maintain. Problems with connections will also crop up now and again. Old thermostats also tend to accumulate more dirt than can be cleaned completely. This issue causes the sensitivity of the component to plummet. Once this happens, you must replace the thermostat so it could work properly.
3. Dirty Thermostat
A dirty thermostat will give off an inaccurate reading. If you think your thermostat is making erroneous readings, try to check if dust has accumulated in the box. Tiny particles could settle between the contacts inside the thermostat and cause problems. Fortunately, this comes with an easy fix: open the box and then use a soft brush to remove the dirt gently.
4. Miscalibrated Thermostat
Inside every thermostat is a sensor that is pre-calibrated in the factory. This will ensure that the thermostat is capable of reading temperature accurately. Over time, the sensors become less efficient, necessitating a re-calibration. When this happens, your home will show uneven cooling and heating. A miscalibration of the sensors can also cause incorrect commands, causing the compressor and the fan to cycle too frequently. Should short cycling occur, an HVAC contractor needs to fix it immediately. Short cycling causes discomfort, high energy consumption, and short HVAC equipment lifespan.
5. Problems With Thermostat Display
The thermostat display shows important information regarding the HVAC system and its performance. This information includes operating mode, time, and temperature. Check the system to see if the display is working properly. If the display is off, but the unit is running, the thermostat batteries may need a replacement. Also, check the component for any faulty connections and loose wires, as well.
Why A Thermostat Replacement May Be A Better Option
Many benefits come with a faulty thermostat replacement. Here are some of them:
1. Save On Heating And Cooling Costs
HVAC systems require plenty of energy. If you could find a way to reduce this consumption without lowering the comfort in your home, wouldn’t that be great? Fortunately, a new thermostat can help you achieve that.
If you notice that your energy consumption is increasing without any explanation, your old manual thermostat may be to blame. Consider getting it replaced with a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust the temperature to your liking.
With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature at a level that you prefer and schedule when you need the level to be adjusted. You could, for example, set the system so that it shuts down when you leave the house and turns on right before you arrive. This way, you are not heating or cooling an empty house, and you can come home to a comfortable house.
A programmable thermostat will also let you track your energy consumption, which means you can effectively control how much energy you use.
2. Automatic Temperature Adjustments
For people who do not want to be bothered to change temperature settings repeatedly throughout the day, the programmable thermostat is the perfect tool. If you want certain areas in your home to be at a certain temperature level, simply set the thermostat to that level of comfort, and it will do the work for you. A programmable thermostat will save your preferred temperature settings. Therefore, there is no need to remember the settings yourself because the thermostat will do it for you. Choose the settings you want, program them into the thermostat, then forget about it. It’s that simple.
3. Optimization Of The HVAC System
A heating or cooling system replacement is a serious investment, especially if your home HVAC system is quite old. However, you do not need to have to purchase the whole system to improve how your HVAC unit operates. You could replace the thermostat and enjoy better efficiency and comfort.
Replacing an old thermostat can often improve the performance of a system. However, it is not always the best option. If your heating and cooling system is outdated and/or showing signs of serious performance issues, it is far more cost-effective to replace it with a new system. Talk to your HVAC contractor to find the best solutions.
4. Improved Connectivity
Newer models of thermostats offer connectivity features that were unavailable just a few years back. Today’s HVAC models give you the convenience of control remotely using your smartphone.
You can turn on the system and set your preferred temperature from anywhere inside or outside of your home. For example, if you forget to schedule a temperature adjustment before vacation, you can do it from your phone.
Ready For More Comfort In Your Home?
You can often fix problems associated with your home thermostat system with simple solutions. Basic steps such as cleaning, battery replacement, and repositioning can often take care of the problem. However, some issues are far more severe and complex to address them on your own. There may also be the possibility that your old unit requires a thermostat replacement.
If your HVAC system is ready for a checkup, repair, or replacement, call Wilcox Energy to help you determine the right options for your home. Wilcox Energy is the leading heating and cooling services provider in southern Connecticut. Our NATE-certified technicians are trained to ensure the best and most affordable services to our clients. We offer HVAC installations, tune-ups, repairs, and more. Call Wilcox Energy today for a free, in-home estimate at your convenience.
For more information about our HVAC services, be sure to contact Wilcox Energy. You can click here to contact us, or you can call us at (860) 399-6218 to find out more. We offer a full line of heating and cooling repairs, maintenance services, and installations.