Thermostats play a major part in the operation of the whole home heating and cooling systems. They quietly work in the background ensuring the comfort of our homes, but when a thermostat stops working, everyone gets involved. It’s time to troubleshoot the thermostat.
Older thermostats are electromechanical, operating on very simple mechanical principles. Basically, it consist of two metal strips that expand and contract with the changing of temperatures. One side activates the cold side and the other the heat. Dual controlled thermostats are activated when the switch is titled in one direct or the other. These variations have often used Mercury which can prove to be dangerous. In which case, you should have a HVAC repair professional replace this with a new thermostat.
Modern thermostats are like mini computers, programmable and versatile allowing homeowners to control their whole home heating and cooling units from their smart phones. Nevertheless, there are still some troubleshooting techniques homeowners can use when their air conditioner or furnace isn’t working properly.
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Check power sources for dead batteries, tripped breakers and blown fuses.
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Turn the power off and check for corrosion, loose connections or screws and check the owner’s manual to make sure all connections are correct.
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Check to see if the anticipator is set correctly, turn the dial to see if the HVAC thermostat anticipator resets.
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Check for dirt and debris around the outside and inside of the thermostat cover.
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Check to make sure that the thermostat is not in direct sunlight or right under a vent or other drafty area.
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Tape a thermometer next to the thermostat to determine the temperature, if it is more than one degree apart, your thermostat isn’t reading properly. Your local HVAC professional will be able to further troubleshoot this.
Many modern thermostats are easy to change, it’s important you check with your air conditioner fixer to make sure that it is compatible with your system and that you are not voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. Always keep a regular preventative or service schedule with your profession HVAC technician to ensure the longest life from your HVAC system.
