A thermostat is an essential component of your HVAC system. It is a device that regulates the temperature in an enclosed area. But a thermostat has its limits, and you cannot raise or lower the temperature over that. However, this functionality is also very efficient, and it helps you save money!
Thermostats, like many other technological devices, tend to break down and stop working. This happens due to various reasons such as overheating, dirt around the device, etc. You will easily notice if your thermostat is broken, and this is when you need to call in technicians to fix it. We will talk about the most common reasons for thermostat problems, so stick around to know all about it!
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What Causes Thermostat Problems?
Thermostats work for a long time, and once they start malfunctioning, this is your sign to replace them! We are bringing you some of the most common reasons for thermostats failure:
1. Age
If you’ve had your HVAC system for a while and have not replaced your thermostat during that entire time, chances are it will not be as efficient as it used to be. Much like everything else, older thermostats are highly likely to break.
If you also have an older model, you should consider changing it to a digital thermostat that is a lot better at controlling the room temperature. Of course, you need to make sure that the new thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system!
2. Positioning
Thermostats can be very sensitive devices, and their placement plays a huge role in their longevity. You do not want to put a thermostat under direct sunlight because it will perceive your home as much warmer than it actually is.
This means that your air conditioning might be running even if it is unnecessary, or your heating will not be working enough. It does not only bring discomfort, but it messes with your bills as well!
The thermostat should also not be more than 5 feet away from the door. If you realize that your thermostat is not in the right position, you should call professionals to move it. Doing this yourself might be a bit risky, and it can bring you unnecessary costs!
3. Dirt
Regular HVAC maintenance is essential because dirt tends to clog filters, slow down the devices, and even make your thermostat malfunction. For this reason, you must make sure that there is no built-up dust. If there is, this will mess with the temperature, and the air in your house will not be the way you need it to be.
You can indeed clean the thermostat on your own, but you need to be very careful. The part that you can clean is usually the inside of the cover, as you will not be tampering with the device itself. However, if you find dirt in another part of your thermostat, you should seek technicians’ help to either clean or replace it.
4. The Thermostat Is Not Level
Any thermostat that contains mercury bulbs must be level to function properly. If the mercury simply floats around, it means that the thermostat will rarely be accurate. This makes the device completely useless.
This is most commonly a mistake made during installation or reinstallation, and it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. You can either ask the technicians to level the thermostat or to get a new one.
Leveling it is generally not that difficult as most thermostats have either leveling lines or leveling posts under the covers that can be checked.
5. Batteries
Some thermostats operate on batteries, and once the battery runs out, the thermostat no longer monitors the temperature, which causes the entire HVAC system to stop working. Ensure that the batteries are always charged, and if you need to replace them, simply open up the cover and put in new ones.
The device will usually show you if the battery is running out, making it a lot easier to know when to replace it. You generally do not need technicians for this, as it is a simple job.
6. Bad Installation
We have already mentioned that bad installation causes the thermostat to not be level. Apart from that, some other issues can be caused by improper installation.
Firstly, if you are not experienced in this area, do not try to install the thermostat yourself. This usually results in bad wiring and loose wires not supporting the thermostat properly.
No matter how loose the wires may be, never try to pull out the thermostat yourself. This will only result in electrical problems in your house, making it a bigger mess than it initially was. If you or somebody else did not install the thermostat as per the norms, call professionals to deal with this problem.
7. Program Defects
Even though technology makes our lives significantly easier, it sometimes does the exact opposite. A device such as a thermostat is computer programmed, and it occasionally malfunctions. If you notice unusual behavior in your thermostat and occurrences that you cannot explain, this is a sign that your thermostat has problems caused by the program itself.
Unfortunately, if there are such problems, the only solution is to replace the device. This is not a mechanical issue that can be repaired.
8. Overheating
Thermostats heavily rely on the temperature of the engine. However, unlike engines, thermostats can only take certain temperatures. If they are exposed to too much heat, some of their crucial components might be ruined. This is when a new thermostat is required.
Maintain your HVAC regularly to prevent this from happening. The majority of these issues occur because the equipment is not taken care of.
Endnote
We presented you with eight reasons why your thermostat might not be functioning the way it should be. The reasons are numerous; some of them are not so serious, whereas others require professional attention. Whatever the problem might be, if you are unsure what to do, do not tamper with the thermostat on your own! A pro tip to avoid such issues would be to do annual checkups!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
