3 Common Thermostat Problems and How to Fix Them

3 Common Thermostat Problems and How to Fix Them

If you are like most people, you walk by one of the most important components of your HVAC system every day without thinking about it. Your thermostat is one of the key elements that makes your heating and cooling system effective, and if it starts to malfunction, it can have a big impact on how comfortable you are in your home. Arthur Hagar wants to make sure that you feel good through every season with top-notch HVAC maintenance and repair services. We’ve been helping Fort Worth families beat the Texas heat since 1949 and we are ready to offer fast, efficient solutions. Keep reading to learn how to tackle a few common thermostat problems and call Arthur Hagar today for an estimate on our expert services!

The Temperature Isn’t Right

Double Check the Settings

Sometimes the solution is simple. It may seem obvious, but double checking the settings of your thermostat can save you a service call. Make sure that the temperature is set where you want it, first of all. Then check that your thermostat is set to “cool” in summer and “heat” in the winter, or whatever the appropriate settings may be called on your unit.

Check Your Thermostat’s Placement

Your thermostat decides to turn on the air conditioner or furnace based on the temperature it senses. If your thermostat is installed near a drafty window or in a patch of direct sunlight, then the temperature it measures may not match the temperature of the rest of the room. Make sure that your thermostat is installed in a place that will best represent the average temperature of the room. If you get a new Carrier home thermostat from Arthur Hagar, our experts will help you make this determination.

The Thermostat is Dirty

If you have a mechanical thermostat, a buildup of dirt, dust, spiderwebs, and other debris can be a real problem. This build up can collect on the inner components and wiring and keep the thermostat from operating correctly. You should be able to take the cover off of your thermostat to check for dirt. If you need to clean off the inner components, use a cloth or a small, soft brush like a clean paintbrush. Compressed air can also be a helpful tool.

Electrical Problems

Diagnose the Problem

If your thermostat seems to be working perfectly, but your air conditioner or furnace won’t turn on or they are working continuously, then there might be a problem with the wiring within your thermostat. It needs to be able to communicate accurately with your HVAC system in order to keep you comfortable. To diagnose this problem, first set your preferred temperature to be five degrees above or below normal. In summer, the test temperature should be five degrees cooler than your preference, and in winter, it should be five degrees warmer. Wait a few minutes for your thermostat to register the change and see if your HVAC system reacts. You should be able to hear it turn on or feel a change in the air flow around your vents and registers. If nothing happens, then there is likely a problem with your thermostat’s electrical connections.

Check the Wiring

You can check the wiring inside your thermostat yourself, but working with electricity is dangerous. Make sure that you perform the check safely or leave it to the professionals entirely. Shut off power to the thermostat before you do anything, including remove the cover. Then you can check to see if every wire is connected firmly to its mounting screw. If you do see any problems, close the cover and call Arthur Hagar.

Your thermostat is a vital part of your HVAC system. If you start to sweat too much in the summers or shiver once the temperature outside drops, then it is worth your time to check your thermostat for problems first. It might be measuring a room’s temperature inaccurately because it’s placed near a drafty window or in a patch of sun, or there might be a problem with its electrical connection with the rest of your HVAC system. Whatever the problem may be, Arthur Hagar can help. We have been helping Fort Worth families with their heating and cooling systems for more than 65 years. Your comfort is our priority. Call today and get an estimate on your next HVAC repair!

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