Too hot? Too cold? Well, you shouldn’t have to live the Goldilocks lifestyle when it comes to the temperature of your home. But without a properly functioning thermostat, it’s hard to control the flow of heat or cold air.

Your thermostat may be the reason for your home’s heating and cooling problems. Keep reading to learn the most common thermostat problems and how you can resolve them.

1. Thermostat is Dirty

Did you know that you should clean the below the case of your thermostat? The dirt, dust, and grime can build up and may affect how well the thermostat detects temperature.

You can lift the cover and clean the inside yourself or you can hire an HVAC maintenance company to take a look for you.

2. Poor Thermostat Location

Before you spend time and money figuring out how to diagnose thermostat problems, check it’s location. When the thermostat gets direct sunlight from a window or door it cannot properly detect the temperature. You may find yourself manually adjusting it on sunny days.

The thermostat should be placed about 5 feet from the door and far enough away from a direct heat source to prevent interference. If you are having central air conditioning thermostat problems, location is the first culprit to look at.

3. Lack of Power

Check the thermostat’s power switch. It’s usually located on or near the furnace for older heating systems. If your thermostat runs on batteries, try replacing them.

If you are still experiencing power issues, try checking the transformer for the thermostat. You can also check the circuit breaker for a blown fuse. If you have checked these common power issues and there are still problems, it’s time to call an expert.

4. Bad Wiring

Like other electronic devices, thermostats require proper wiring. If you have some experience with electrical work you may be able to spot a faulty or damaged wire. However, for those less experienced homeowners, you likely won’t be able to detect a wiring issue.

If you suspect the wiring could be the source of your problems, an HVAC specialist will be able to confirm.

5. Software Issue

Having problems with a wireless thermostat? It could be an issue with the software. Usually, these glitches are fixed quickly, but in the meantime, you can manually adjust the temperature on the thermostat.

For many wireless thermostats, you can wire a backup thermostat for emergencies or when you may be away from home and unable to make adjustments manually.

No More Thermostat Problems

Check out the common thermostat problems above if you have been experiencing issues with your heating and cooling system. It may be a simpler, less expensive fix than you thought.

Keep an eye on the thermostat’s power source and clean it regularly to avoid damage from dust build-up.

If you’re looking for an expert in heating and cooling to come to your home, contact us to schedule a visit.