It is estimated that approximately 90% of households in the U.S. have an HVAC system installed. It is easy to see why an HVAC system is one of the most popular types of home comfort equipment used today. They play an important role in keeping people comfortable throughout the year. A quality and efficient HVAC system will help to keep a home cool when it is hot outside and keep everyone inside warm when winter weather arrives.
However, for an HVAC system to operate properly and efficiently, all the components need to work properly. One element that is essential is the thermostat. This is, to put it simply, how people communicate with their HVAC system. This is why it is so important to invest in new thermostat installation or rewiring services if the thermostat is faulty.
As colder weather approaches, it is important to ensure that the HVAC thermostat is working properly. If not, everyone in the house may come home to a cold and uncomfortable living area. The issue is that most people do not know when it is time to invest in a new thermostat until serious issues have already occurred.
Don’t worry, there is help available. Keep reading to learn some of the top signs of thermostat failure and when it is time to invest in a new unit.
The HVAC System Continues Turning Off and On
As mentioned above, the main purpose of a thermostat is to communicate with the HVAC system. It will send a signal to the system to either turn the heat up or down (same for the cooled air). However, if the HVAC system is no longer responding to thermostat prompts, there is a chance there is a problem with the thermostat.
In many cases, the wiring that is inside the thermostat will become frayed or even seriously damaged. This is going to compromise the connection it has to the HVAC system. It is a good idea to hire professionals who can diagnose the issue and let someone know if the thermostat needs to be replaced.
Faulty Readings on the Thermostat
It is a good idea to correct the readings on the thermostat to make sure that the indoor areas do not get too cold or hot. When a thermostat starts to show improper temperatures, it may be time to think about investing in a new one.
To determine if the temperature is right, it is possible to test it using a portable indoor thermometer. If the readings happen to be wrong, then it may be an issue with the thermostat sensor. In some situations, it may malfunction. The issue may also be old age, misuse of the unit, or even a manufacturer’s defect.
Higher-Than-Normal Energy Costs
Most homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their energy costs. If the HVAC system is inefficient, it may have the complete opposite effect on those monthly utility bills. Many people will discover they are paying a higher-than-normal energy bill if the HVAC system is overworking.
In some situations, the thermostat is going to be the issue. Thermostats that are not reading the temperature properly may cause the unit to work too hard. The more times that a unit is cycling each hour, the more power it is going to consume.
With regular tune-ups for an HVAC system, a technician will help a homeowner know if it is time to fix the thermostat.
Ongoing Shifts in Temperature
If a homeowner is dealing with a faulty thermostat, they will find that it has a hard time maintaining the desired settings. In some cases, it will continue to change the settings with no prior warning. Consider reducing the settings on the thermostat to see what happens. If the same issue occurs, it is a good idea to call a professional to see what is going on with the thermostat.
Older Thermostat
As with any other system in the house, a thermostat is going to eventually become outdated and old. The total lifespan of most thermostats is about a decade. In some situations, though, it will be necessary to replace the thermostat sooner rather than later to improve the system’s overall efficiency.
For example, it may be necessary to replace a non-programmable thermostat with one that is programmable. Programmable units will work much better than the outdated, non-programmable options. With a programmable unit, homeowners will have a type of innovative and advanced technology that offers more programming options.
The Thermostat Does Not Respond to Any Changed Settings
When someone adjusts the temperature on their thermostat, it should respond to those settings right away. In most cases, there will be small clicking sounds when the changes are made. Also, the HVAC system will begin working right away.
If the HVAC system does not turn on when the changes are made, then it is a good idea to replace the unit.
Short Cycling
One of the top reasons that an old thermostat needs to be replaced is if it causes the system to short-cycle. The issue may occur if the system tends to shut off sooner than what is appropriate. If this happens, then it will not be able to complete a full heating or cooling cycle. If these issues continue to happen, it may be time to replace the thermostat.
Don’t Wait to Call for Help with Thermostat Issues
When it comes to issues with a thermostat, it is important to handle them right away. While there are some homeowners who may be able to handle this issue on their own, this is not the case for everyone. Because of this, it is a good idea to call in professionals if services or help is needed.
A professional HVAC technician is going to find the underlying issue and be able to tell a homeowner what is going on with the system and what needs to be done to fix the problem. Being informed and knowing when it is time to call for service is the best way to ensure the desired results are achieved.
