Americans spend an astonishing $22 billion cooling their homes every year. You could be wasting a large portion of home cooling costs if your thermostat is malfunctioning or if you are using it improperly.
Do you know the sights of thermostat issues? Read on to learn about common thermostat issues that every homeowner should know about.
Broken Sensors
Before you hire an HVAC installation company, consider whether your sensors are broken. Thermostats rely on multiple sensors.
If you are having difficulty reaching the desired temperature in your home, a faulty sensor could be to blame. Unfortunately, replacing sensors can be tricky. Your best bet is to call an HVAC professional.
Poor Thermostat Location
Even a properly working thermostat can cause issues if the location of the thermostat is not ideal. Placing your thermostat near a heat source, for example, can leave the device thinking your home is warmer than usual.
The same is true for a thermostat that is placed in areas of your home that are cooler. Consider the location of new thermostats carefully.
Dirty Equipment
A faltering thermostat may also need a good cleaning. As you prepare for another hot summer, look at your thermostat. Dirt, dust, and lint can block sensors.
Consider removing the thermostat cover. Then clean the inside using a soft-tip brush. Or you can use a cloth to wipe away dirt.
Check If the Room Temperature Doesn’t Match The Thermostat Setting
One way you can check if your thermostat is working is by seeing if the thermostat setting matches the home’s temperature. If your thermostat is not correctly reading the room temperature, it cannot operate properly.
Look for Possible Corrosion
Over time, metal can oxidize and corrode. The presence of moisture can speed up this natural process. Fixing the problem requires using an electronic contact cleaner of some sort.
If the unit is considerably old, your best bet may be in replacing the entire unit.
Look for Signs of Poor Installation
Even the best thermostat unit needs to be correctly installed. Where the unit is placed is part of a correct installation. Some units may have had bad wiring work done during installation.
See If the Unit Is Locked
Digital thermostats have some form of a lock feature. This feature allows homeowners to prevent outsiders from adjusting the home’s temperature settings. If the unit is not responding properly, check to see if the lock feature has been enabled.
The unit may also be in auto mode. This feature would not allow users to manually change the thermostat temperatures. Changing the thermostat’s settings can allow you to resume manual control of the device.
Learn More Tips for Solving Thermostate Issues
Even minor thermostat issues can cause big problems over time. Poor sensor readings can easily add up to hundreds of dollars in excess electric bills.
Whatever your thermostat-related questions are, the team at MetFab Heating and Cooling is here to help you out. Leave us a message and a member of our team will respond within 24 hours.