Have you had a hard time getting your thermostat to work recently? Are you struggling to assess what temperature your house is actually at throughout the day? If so, you might be handling a bad thermostat.
Very few people recognize that thermostats in fact malfunction up until the first time it happens to them. Therefore, it is important to understand the signs of a problematic thermostat, and when it's time to buy a new one.
And how do you recognize if your thermostat is malfunctioning? Check out the list below for symptoms that you can use to recognize when it's time to have it changed.
1. UNRESPONSIVE
Are you having issues getting the thermostat to function correctly? Does it feel like each time you go to readjust it; it's either delayed or the buttons are entirely unresponsive when you press them?
Try going up to your thermostat and make it a few degrees hotter, or colder. After that wait about 30 minutes to see if you feel an actual difference in the temperature. If not, that is a sign that your thermostat has passed its prime.
The age-old question of "How long does a home thermostat last?" should not determine the time to replace your thermostat. While the average home thermostat will certainly last around ten years, you should change yours earlier if it's unresponsive.
2. YOUR HVAC UNIT WON'T SWITCH OFF
Have you observed that your HVAC system is running 24/7? If it's regularly running without a break, it could spell catastrophe for you. You'll want to find out the source of the problem immediately.
To do so, you will need a trusted HVAC repair company to do a maintenance check-up.
If the system is continuously running, there are 2 common reasons why:
1) your thermostat is malfunctioning or
2) the wiring within your system has been worn down.
In any case, you'll need a professional to find the problem and repair it (or change it) as promptly as possible.
3. THE LIGHTING IS NOT WORKING
Many thermostats, particularly the newer models, will light up in response to you pushing a button. This is an indication that the thermostat is operational and reacting to your demands.
But you might begin to see that it takes you a few pushes on the buttons for the lights to turn on these days. If so, consider it the first of several "warnings" to come.
Eventually, you'll get to a point where the lighting won't work at all. When that happens, start by replacing the battery on your thermostat. If that does not do the trick, then it's a sign that you need to change the thermostat out for a brand-new one.
4. ACTUAL ROOM TEMPERATURE AND THERMOSTAT DON'T MATCH
Here is one of the most practical methods to find out if your thermostat needs replacement. Walk right into the closest room with a thermometer on hand to see what the actual room temperature is.
You might find out that the temperature reading on your thermometer and the temperature level your thermostat has been set at do not match. If that's the case, it could be an indication that your thermostat is malfunctioning.
Granted, certain things can cause the temperature level to vary from the thermostat. Some rooms are likely to be naturally more difficult for your HVAC system to maintain at a constant temperature level inside.
If the room is smaller and with better access to natural lighting, its temperature might constantly be higher than the thermostat. But if the temperature level difference is significant, it's an indicator that it's time to replace your current one.
5. YOUR AC UNIT WON'T TURN ON
You have been warned that an AC unit not shutting off suggests a faulty thermostat, but the direct opposite can likewise be true!
The thermostat's main function is to send a signal to your HVAC system that it is time to switch on and off. Every time you adjust the temperature level in your home, the thermostat sends an electrical signal to either the heating unit or AC device, telling it to switch on.
But as thermostats age, sending that electrical signal becomes difficult. Keep in mind though that even if the thermostat is fairly young, there might be malfunctioning electrical wiring at fault.
Obviously, in the harsh summertime, going a day without your AC is not an option. So, be sure to get in touch with an expert as soon as possible.
6. FURNACE BLOWING COLD AIR
The last thing you can do if you think your thermostat malfunctioning is to look at your heating system for tell-tale indicators.
If you walk past your vents and you notice cool air being blown when expecting heat, then the thermostat might be the one to blame, specifically if you were already suspecting a problem.
When you notice that, make sure to stroll past your boiler and check if any surrounding parts (such as radiators and baseboards) aren't warming up. If not, then contact a repair company as soon as possible.
So, how do you know if your thermostat is malfunctioning? Pay attention to the issues we addressed. And be sure to contact a trusted HVAC company to help you with any of your HVAC needs.
Need help? Contact us today at 337-519-2135, we have a service technician available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.