Know When to Replace the Thermostat
In many ways, the thermostat is the brain of the home’s heating and cooling system. It tells the system what to do and when to do it. So, when the thermostat malfunctions or glitches, it affects the whole system, from the furnace to the air conditioner.
Of course, there are various thermostats, from old-school mechanical thermostats to basic programmable thermostats to today’s state-of-the-art smart thermostats. One thing they all have in common is they eventually wear out and stop working properly. Of course, a broken thermostat isn’t as easy to spot as it might seem—so this article will lay out three signs it’s time for a thermostat replacement!
Higher Than Normal Energy Bills
One sign that the thermostat might be on its way out is if the energy bill is higher than usual for no obvious reason. When the thermostat’s temperature sensor malfunctions, resulting in incorrect temperature readings, it may tell the system to run longer or work harder to reach the intended temperature. This will naturally drive up energy usage and leave homeowners with an unexpectedly steep utility bill.
Of course, several other factors can cause the HVAC system to lose efficiency, such as frozen evaporator coils, refrigerant leaks, a faulty compressor, a failing blower motor, a faulty flame sensor, furnace burner issues, electrical issues, leaky air ducts, and even dirty air filters. So when the energy bill is unusually high for no apparent reason, it’s a good idea to call a trusted local HVAC expert to diagnose the issue (or issues) causing the spike.
Inaccurate Temperature Readings
If the thermostat says the home is at a certain temperature, but homeowners feel like it’s significantly warmer or colder in the house, they’re probably not imagining things. Thermostats can take a false temperature reading for a variety of reasons. The temperature sensor might be dirty or faulty; it might have failing electrical components, it might be installed in a bad location (where it’s exposed to direct sunlight or gets blasted by an air register), or in the case of a mechanical thermostat, the mercury switch may be out of position.
Homeowners can test whether their thermostat is accurate by getting a regular mercury thermometer and placing it near the thermostat. After waiting about half an hour, they can compare the temperature on the thermometer with that on the thermostat. If the temperatures are over a degree or two, there’s probably something wrong with the thermostat.
Sometimes, the problem can be solved by cleaning or recalibrating the thermostat sensor. However, homeowners should get a replacement if the thermostat is older or has faulty components.
The HVAC System Is Short-Cycling
Short cycling is another potential indicator of a broken thermostat. It occurs when the heater or AC only runs for a few minutes before shutting off and starting up again a few minutes later. Homeowners will notice their air handler frequently kicking on and turning off. Short cycling wastes energy, drives the utility bill and puts undue stress on HVAC components like motors and compressors.
Several factors can cause short cycling, but thermostat issues are among the most common culprits. An incorrectly calibrated thermostat, a faulty temperature sensor, false signals due to electrical issues, and poor thermostat placement can all cause an AC or heater to short cycle. The broken thermostat tells the system to turn on or shut off prematurely, interrupting the normal heating or cooling cycle.
Because thermostats are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, replacing a faulty thermostat rather than repairing components makes more sense. It can even be a good opportunity to upgrade to a smart thermostat that can help improve energy efficiency and effortlessly enhance the home’s comfort levels all year round!
About 360 Air Tech
360 Air Tech has been Williamsburg’s go-to resource for all things HVAC for years. Their licensed, insured, background-checked, and drug-tested technicians always arrive on time and treat every home respectfully, leaving no mess behind. They offer competitive up-front pricing, same-day service, a money-saving membership program, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job – so call them today for thermostat installation in Williamsburg, VA!
