What is causing your thermostat to malfunction?
When your thermostat is not working, your air conditioning or heating system may not operate properly or could stop working altogether. This is something that you need to get fixed right away, so we’re going to take a brief look at several common problems with a thermostat that you may experience.
No Power Going to the Unit
If wires have become disconnected or the battery is dead, there would be no power going to the unit and it would be rendered useless. Depending on what the problem is, you’ll need to either replace the batteries or reconnect/replace any disconnected wires.
Switched to the Wrong Setting
You might be surprised at how many times a thermostat seems to not be working simply because it’s on the wrong setting. First, check to make sure that it’s switched to either “cool” or “heat” depending on your needs. Next, look at the temperature setting just in case someone in your household has fiddled with it.
Clogged by Dirt or Dust
Any type of HVAC equipment can stop working properly if it gets bombarded with dust or debris. When your wires are affected, this can clog up the thermostat and cause it to stop working. Remove the cover and give it a thorough cleaning to see if that fixes the issue.
Loose or Corroded Wires
If wires have been jostled around or exposed to the elements, they may have become loose or corroded. This can interfere with the proper operation of your thermostat, so take a quick look. If you see any damage or the wires aren’t fully secure, don’t hesitate to fix or replace them.
Circuit Breaker Has Tripped
Tripped breakers are a common issue when it comes to HVAC equipment. Check the circuit breaker and see if that’s the problem. If it happens on a regular basis, you should call a professional to get it looked at because it’s most likely a bigger issue that could cause other pieces of equipment to be affected.
Improperly Placed in Your Home
Despite what some homeowners believe, you can’t install a thermostat just anywhere. Placing the unit too close to the kitchen, for instance, could throw off its reading whenever you’re using the oven. Direct sunlight and cold drafts can result in misreading, too. Installing a thermostat too high or low can also give you an incorrect reading and cause it to not work properly.
Not Mounted Properly
Many don’t realize thermostats need to be level to function properly. This is relatively easy to fix for most homeowners, but if you’re having trouble with it, an HVAC professional will be more than happy to take care of it during a scheduled or impromptu visit.
Stuck Heat Anticipator
With a mechanical thermostat, the heat anticipator can sometimes get stuck. All you need to do is remove the cover, look for the metal arm next to a circular dial, and push it gently in either direction to free it up. Digital thermostats won’t have this problem, which is another reason to upgrade if possible.
Lack of Annual Servicing
You should have your HVAC system serviced at least once per year. An HVAC professional will let you know when replacing the thermostat is needed along with any other equipment issues. This will keep your system running properly and prolong its operational lifespan.
Contact ACHV Services for Help If Your Thermostat Is Not Working
ACHV Services specializes in air conditioning repair in Pinellas, in addition to all your heating and other HVAC needs. If your thermostat is not working or you have any other HVAC problems, give us a call at (727) 453-2432 today and we’ll set up an appointment for maintenance, repairs, or installation services right away.
