If it’s a scorching hot summer day or a chilly winter night, the last thing you need is any problem with your heating and cooling system. When your HVAC system doesn’t seem to work, you might assume that there’s a problem with the actual system itself. However, this isn’t always the case.
While we often discuss HVAC issues that have to do with furnaces, air conditioners, or ventilation, sometimes, the thermostat can be the culprit. Thermostat issues can be the underlying problem with the heating and cooling of your home. Your thermostat is a small computer that’s constantly signaling the rest of the system it controls, which means, when it malfunctions, the entire system doesn’t operate correctly alongside it.
Here are some common HVAC concerns that are often the result of a broken thermostat:
Wildly Varying Temperatures
You might find that your living room seems to be the exact temperature you want while your bedroom is too hot or too cold. This can result from a thermostat that isn’t working correctly, signaling some areas of your home but failing to send the same signals to others. However, be warned that the thermostat isn’t always the culprit in this situation, as it can be an issue with the design of your home or issues with the ventilation system.
The only way to know for sure is to call a professional HVAC technician to come to inspect the situation.
The Thermostat Doesn’t Seem To Communicate Properly
Once you adjust your air conditioning, cool air should start circulating in your home. If your thermostat doesn’t respond within five seconds or at all, it may not be communicating with your HVAC system. One of our HVAC technicians will need to look at its wiring.
Your thermostat’s wiring can become loose, disconnected, or frayed. Another problem that can affect your thermostat is if its sensors don’t work. A thermostat’s sensors are usually on the thermostat’s board inside the protective housing of the thermostat. If dust, dirt, or soot build up inside, it can cause the thermostat to operate incorrectly.
The Temperature on the Thermostat and the Actual Temperature Don’t Match
If your thermostat says that it’s a cool 68 degrees Fahrenheit in your home but you and your family are sweating, it’s likely that there’s something wrong with the thermostat. However, the difference in the displayed temperature and the actual temperature isn’t always so obvious. There are situations where your thermostat may be off by a few degrees.
While this might not cause your family discomfort, it can result in you paying more on your monthly energy bills. One plausible explanation for the issue could be that your thermostat is installed in a location where direct sunlight hits it, which causes the sensor to falsely detect higher temperatures inside your home. It’s strongly advisable to regularly have your HVAC system inspected to help ensure that the temperature displayed on the screen of your thermostat and the actual temperature in your home are an exact match.
Your System Short Cycles
Short cycling is when your HVAC system seems to turn on and off almost at random yet never reaches your set temperature. A problem with the thermostat causes this in which the malfunctioning device sends signals at random to the rest of the system. As with most problems caused by a defective thermostat, this can negatively affect your energy bill as it becomes costly to have your system constantly turning itself on and off.
Contact us for a repair as soon as you hear the system short cycling. It’s a problem that rarely goes away by itself.
Your System Runs Constantly
If your HVAC system seems to run nonstop, the issue could result from the thermostat sending it a constant barrage of signals. While a short cycling system can raise your energy bills, a system that runs constantly can cause them to skyrocket. It’s important to address the issue as soon as possible since a system that never turns off can become a very pricey ordeal.
Failure to address a system that won’t shut off can result in extreme temperatures and the need for emergency repairs.
Your System Won’t Kick on at All
A non-responsive thermostat can be alarming if the system cannot turn on. While this is a possibility, it could, in fact, be an issue with the thermostat. While many malfunctioning thermostats send incorrect signals to the system, some won’t send any signals at all.
Sometimes, a system not turning on is because of a broken thermostat, which doesn’t necessarily mean you have to replace the entire HVAC system.
The Thermostat Screen Goes Blank or Flickers
Unlike some of the other issues mentioned here, this problem might not require the aid of an HVAC technician. If your thermostat screen is flickering or going blank, the problem could be as simple as replacing the batteries on the device itself. You may not be able to resolve the screen malfunction problem on your own even with new batteries.
Potential other power issues with thermostats are a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Find your electrical panel and see if any circuit has been tripped. If you don’t see any or if the same circuit breaker flips constantly, contact an electrician.
The Thermostat Doesn’t Adhere To Programmed Settings
In some situations, the thermostat might work fine when used manually but fail to work properly when it comes to pre-programmed settings. This can be an inconvenience if you rely on these programmed settings to keep your home at your desired temperature while you’re at work or away on vacation. If possible, check the manual to ensure that this isn’t the result of user error, as some older thermostats can be a little confusing.
If you’re pretty sure that you’ve followed the instructions properly but the system still fails to adhere to your programming, there might be a problem with the device itself.
The Thermostat Is Very Old
You might not even realize that your thermostat isn’t communicating to the rest of the system, but if your thermostat is very old, there’s a chance that it might be malfunctioning. Older devices are outdated and don’t come with the smart technology of their newer counterparts, such as energy-saving measures and the ability to control the system from your phone. If your goal is to maintain the comfort of your family without exceeding your monthly energy budget, then it’s about time you consider investing in a modern thermostat to replace your outdated one.
While issues with the thermostat can present annoyances, it’s thankfully nothing that our talented technicians at Cool Zone Air Conditioning & Heating in Phoenix can’t handle. Whether you’re looking to have your thermostat repaired or want to upgrade to a newer model that will allow you to effortlessly control the temperature of your home, we can help. Cool Zone Air Conditioning & Heating also can help with air conditioning, ductless mini-splits, furnace, heat pumps, ductwork, indoor air quality, and more. Contact us today to learn more information about thermostats or to book an appointment.
