Are you having issues with your home’s HVAC system? If your air conditioner won’t turn on or your furnace doesn’t heat your home properly, it may not be a problem with the system — your thermostat could be malfunctioning. If you’re experiencing issues with an unreliable heating schedule, a short-cycling air conditioner, or other problems with your HVAC system or thermostat, the team at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling can help.
Explore a few of the most common bad thermostat signs, how to troubleshoot a faulty thermostat yourself, and guidance on next steps if you’re still having trouble.
Thermostat Failure Symptoms To Watch For
A faulty thermostat is a major inconvenience, but it’s not as serious as an issue with your air conditioner or heater. Here are a few thermostat failure symptoms to watch for if your HVAC system isn’t working properly.
Blank thermostat display
One of the most obvious signs of a thermostat issue is when it doesn’t seem to be working at all. A completely blank thermostat display is most often a sign of a power issue. If the thermostat is battery-powered, you may need to replace the batteries. If it’s connected to your home’s power, there might be an issue with the wiring, or a breaker may have flipped.
AC or furnace won’t switch on
Another common sign of thermostat failure is when your AC, furnace, or heat pump won’t turn on at all. Nothing is quite as frustrating as an AC that won’t cool, but the issue may be as simple as a malfunctioning thermostat, which is a faster and cheaper repair. This problem may be caused by damaged or disconnected wiring, preventing the thermostat from communicating with your HVAC system, or the thermostat itself may need to be replaced.
AC or heater won’t turn off
Thermostats don’t just trigger your air conditioner or heater to turn on — they’re also responsible for turning them off again. However, if an issue with the thermostat prevents it from reading the temperature correctly, your HVAC system may run continuously, creating an uncomfortable environment in your home. This problem will become costly if left unchecked because your HVAC system will run constantly and consume more electricity.
Thermostat reading doesn’t match temperature
Your thermostat uses a built-in thermometer and other temperature sensors to detect the room's temperature. It uses this information to signal the HVAC system to shut off, only turning it on again to maintain the desired temperature. However, if your thermostat indicates the room is at one temperature when it’s actually hotter or colder, it’s a sign of a problem.
The sensors in your thermostat can become damaged and worn out over time, preventing it from accurately reading the temperature in your home. Similarly, these sensors can become blocked by dust or lint, which affects the accuracy of their readings.
You may face similar issues depending on the thermostat's location. If it’s in direct sunlight for most of the day or near a vent, the accuracy of temperature readings may be affected.
Short-cycling
HVAC systems operate in cycles, heating or cooling for a short period, switching off, and then running again when the temperature starts to change. This allows your heater and AC to keep your home at a consistent temperature without constantly running. However, if your system continuously shuts off mid-cycle, it means the system is short-cycling, and your thermostat may be to blame.
Short-cycling prevents your home from ever reaching the desired temperature, consumes a lot of electricity, and puts excessive strain on your HVAC system. Short-cycling can be caused by dirty air filters, debris in HVAC vents, or issues with your thermostat sensors, and is one of the leading causes of an AC not cooling effectively.
Unresponsive thermostat
If your thermostat is on but doesn’t respond when you adjust it, it’s a clear sign of an issue. Unresponsive thermostats may be a sign of dead batteries, a short circuit, or damaged wiring. This troublesome issue can lead to certain rooms being colder than others or uneven heating throughout the home.
Thermostat resets schedules and other settings
Most modern thermostats allow you to save certain preferences, such as heating and cooling schedules, for greater convenience and consistency. However, if these settings seem to disappear every time you set them, it’s a sign of a problem with the thermostat. This issue may be caused by the thermostat turning on and off repeatedly, which typically indicates a problem with the power supply.
What To Do If You Suspect Thermostat Failure
If you’re facing any of the thermostat issues above, there are some troubleshooting tips you can try to address before calling a pro.
Run a test on your thermostat
Navigate to the settings and look for a “test’ function.” Pay attention to any cooling or furnace error codes that are displayed. If you turn on the heat or cooling at the thermostat and don’t get a response from your HVAC system, the thermostat is likely to blame.
Troubleshoot the issue
Look for a small “reset” button on the unit, press it, and see if it restores function to your thermostat. If not, try replacing the thermostat batteries, wiping it down with a cloth, checking the connection of all wires, and confirming that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If none of these solutions resolve your issue, it’s time to contact a professional for thermostat repair.
Smart Thermostat Upgrade Options
If you’re facing repeated issues with your thermostat and it’s nearing the end of its 10-year lifespan, a great option to consider is upgrading to a smart thermostat. These new models are less prone to issues (and easier to repair), and help you save money on utility bills and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Smart thermostats can be controlled from your phone wherever you are, ensuring you have full control over your home’s heating and cooling at all times.
Contact Ricky Heath for HVAC and Thermostat Solutions
Replacing a thermostat is a fairly simple task, but not all homeowners have the skills and tools to do it safely, and it may not be necessary at all. We take the stress and guesswork out of irritating thermostat issues, allowing homeowners to once again rely on their home’s heating and cooling systems.
The skilled HVAC technicians at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling can diagnose, repair, or replace a faulty thermostat in a matter of hours. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a thermostat repair or replacement.
