According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), you will find heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in more than 76 million American households today. This comes as no surprise because an HVAC system makes your living space comfortable by keeping temperature conditions in check.
However, sometimes these systems malfunction, an experience that can frustrate any homeowner. The system can fail due to various reasons, thermostat issues being one of them.
Discover common thermostat problems that can make HVAC systems malfunction.
1. When Your Thermostat Is in the Wrong Position
Incorrect placement of the thermostat interferes with normal system functioning. As a rule, the thermostat should not have exposure to direct sunlight.
Remember that this is a component that acts as the command center of the HVAC unit. When exposed to the sun, the thermostat records a higher temperature than that of the surroundings. The same will happen if it is near any other heat source.
As a result, the HVAC system runs unnecessarily to lower the temperature, increasing your energy costs. If your thermostat is not in the right place in your home, hire an HVAC expert to make adjustments.
2. When Dirt Accumulates Inside the Thermostat
A dirty thermostat can prevent the temperature in your living space from ever reaching the set levels. That is because grime and dust buildup causes the thermostat to misread your house’s temperature. You can wipe the grime and dust on the outer part, but call in a professional to get the best results.
3. When Your Thermostat Doesn’t Sit Level
Thermostats, especially the mercury bulb type, can fail to work correctly when tilted. That is because the thermostat’s thermometer will only work properly when in a level position. This explains why a thermostat might fail to function efficiently when sitting at an angle.
4. When Your Thermostat Becomes Old
Just like any other machine component, your thermostat is prone to wear and tear. As a result, its efficiency might keep reducing as time goes by. It can even break down entirely at some point after years of use.
Fortunately, a trusted HVAC company can choose and install a new thermostat. In fact, the market today has programmable thermostats that offer convenience and a great user experience.
5. When Your Thermostat Batteries Run Low on Charge
Some HVAC systems come with battery-powered thermostats. Therefore, always replace the batteries the moment you get a low battery warning sign. Failure to do so means the thermostat will not detect any temperature changes and thus fail to signal your HVAC unit to turn on.
6. When the Thermostat Is Improperly Installed
Though you might want to do it yourself, that is not the best way to deal with HVAC issues. These are intricate systems that should be handled by someone with the necessary skills and experience.
If your thermostat has red flags like hanging wires, contact a professional to inspect, repair, and reinstall it. Refrain from fixing such issues yourself as this can lead to other electrical problems. Seeking professional assistance is always the best thing to do.
7. When Your Thermostat Needs Recalibration
To improve accuracy and reliability, HVAC system manufacturers always ensure that thermostats are properly calibrated. However, thermostats might become erroneous with time, making it necessary to recalibrate them. Keep in mind that calibration problems will cause uneven temperatures in different parts of your house.
Does your HVAC system have a thermostat issue or any other problem? Carrano Air HVAC Contractors, Inc, can help. Thanks to our excellent service, our clients have trusted us since 1981. Contact us today for quality services. We look forward to helping you.