Your thermostat is one of the most critical parts of your HVAC system. It can dramatically affect the overall comfort of your home. However, many homeowners don’t know its impact, so they ignore the condition of their thermostats. When this device stops working, you’ll experience uneven indoor temperatures, which can impact your quality of life.
In this article, Albert Air Inc. — a reliable HVAC repair contractor in the area — breaks down six thermostat issues that can negatively affect the performance of your heating system.
1. Inaccurate Temperature Reading
If your thermostat is calibrated incorrectly, the temperature reading could be either too high or low. Uneven heating in certain parts of your home can indicate that you have a poor thermostat. This problem can cause your HVAC system to shut down before your indoor space reaches your desired temperature. In most cases, there’s no need for immediate thermostat replacement, but your device will need recalibration for more accurate temperature monitoring and control.
2. Incorrect Location
When installing your thermostat, make sure that it’s not exposed to direct sunlight, attached to exterior drafty walls, or placed near appliances. Setting up your thermostat in inappropriate locations leads to inaccurate temperature readings, causing your heating system to turn on and off when you need it the most. To avoid uncomfortable indoor temperatures in your home, consult a thermostat or air conditioning service provider for expert advice on the proper placement of the unit.
3. Loose Wiring
The four wires that make up most residential thermostats are divided into two functionalities. The first two wires turn the blower on and off and the other two power the heater on and off, making these wires essential in the performance of both your thermostat and heating system. Loose or broken wires are usually the culprit behind HVAC issues. To prevent system damage, call your trusted local contractor and schedule a regular HVAC inspection.
4. Disconnected HVAC Compressor
An HVAC system with a malfunctioning thermostat won’t be able to connect with the compressor. This condition can prevent your HVAC system from producing heated or cooled air even if your blower motor is running. While there are several other reasons for this issue, a bad thermostat is usually the cause. Reach out to a contractor providing heating or air conditioning repair near me for assistance.
5. Software Update Issues
Smart thermostats are prone to software glitches, which can affect the performance of your heating system. To address this problem, you can review the user manual for troubleshooting instructions. However, if the issue is not fixed after following the process and rebooting the system, get in touch with the thermostat manufacturer for repair or replacement.
6. Short Cycling
Since a damaged thermostat cannot produce accurate temperature readings, your HVAC system is at risk of short cycling. This means your heating or cooling equipment turns on and off uncontrollably. During short cycling, you’ll hear noise coming from the system and notice a significant increase in your electricity bill. Higher energy cost happens when your HVAC unit starts working harder than usual and consumes excessive power to achieve your preferred temperature.
If your HVAC has a short cycling problem, call a heating or air conditioning service provider right away. When left unaddressed, short cycling can cause serious damage to the critical parts of your HVAC system, stopping these components from functioning properly. Avoid extensive and costly repairs by having the issue fixed immediately by experienced professionals.
If your thermostat has no power or doesn’t respond anymore, you need to call an HVAC company to have a new thermostat installed. Another indication is when your HVAC constantly runs even if you have set the timer or if the temperature setting doesn’t match the cooling or heating in your home.
Some homeowners might think that getting a new thermostat is expensive, but the truth is that it will help you save money in the long run. Nevertheless, a malfunctioning thermostat will put a strain on your HVAC system, leading to skyrocketing cooling or heating costs. Once you have noticed any of the signs mentioned above, contact an HVAC repair company promptly to help you with your replacement needs.
Are you planning to upgrade your HVAC system? If so, one of the most affordable and beneficial updates you can make is switching from a manual to a smart thermostat. Upgrading from a hard-wired, manual thermostat to a digital programmable unit offers several benefits, including better accessibility, control, and reading accuracy. With smart thermostats, you can also customize the schedule of heating and cooling that fits your preferences.
Not only do these features give off a modern look to your interior, but they also make things more convenient for you. Using an app on your smartphone, you can control your HVAC system even if you’re busy or far away from the device. Furthermore, smart thermostats can improve energy efficiency in your home while maintaining comfortable temperatures throughout the day. Since your HVAC unit won’t be forced to work as hard, its service life expectancy will be extended too.
A bad thermostat can impact your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and utility costs. Fortunately, problems with thermostats are easy to address with a repair or replacement. Since they are separate units, a technician can inspect and access them with no trouble.
If you need experts to help you fix your malfunctioning thermostat, Albert Air Inc. is your best local choice. Our experienced and skilled HVAC technicians can get to the root of the issue and determine the main culprit behind your thermostat problems. After the professional inspection, we’ll identify whether a repair or a replacement is the best solution. If you need an air conditioning repair near me and other HVAC services, we are only one call away. Let us know how we can specifically serve you by calling us at (714) 526-6368 or filling out our online form.