The brain behind any HVAC system is its thermostat. This is where you can set your desired temperatures and switch between heating and cooling modes. Unfortunately, your thermostat can experience issues over its lifespan that can cause your HVAC system to malfunction.
Blank Screen
One of the more frustrating issues that your thermostat might have is a blank screen. This can happen for several different reasons, with a tripped circuit breaker and dead batteries being the most common. If you’ve checked these two issues and they aren’t the source of the problem, you may have loose wiring going to your thermostat. The thermostat itself may be faulty and need to be replaced.
Frozen Screen
Because modern-day thermostats are digital, they can have issues with things like static electricity that causes their display screen to freeze up. When this happens, you may need to reboot the thermostat. You can do this by turning the thermostat to the off position and then turning its respective circuit breaker to the off position as well. You want to give it around 30 seconds to a minute before you turn the breaker back to the on position. Be sure to turn your thermostat back on, and it should go back to functioning like normal.
Not Reaching Your Set Temperature
One issue you may run into with the old round-dial thermostats is that they’ll turn on your heating system before the room reaches your set temperature. It’s important to realize that these old thermostats rely on a mechanical thermometer with bimetal springs and a mercury switch. If you don’t mount the thermostat perfectly level, the mercury inside it won’t function properly.
This will cause a failure in the mechanical thermostat to properly read the room’s temperature, which can cause it to think that the room’s temperature is up to your temperature setting when it’s not. The power will need to be turned off to the thermostat, and it will need to be remounted in a level spot on your wall. It’s not uncommon in older homes that are shifting in the ground to end up with this thermostat problem.
Not Allowing a Temperature Change
Your thermostat may not allow you to change the temperature setting. Most thermostats will lock out changes to their temperature setting whenever they are in auto mode. You’ll need to switch from auto to on mode to change the temperature setting.
Buttons Not Working
Another frustrating issue you may run into with your thermostat is one or more of the buttons not working when you push them. This is typically the result of a failed contact between the button and the contactor behind it. Fortunately, this is an easy fix, as removing dust and grime that’s built up between the button and the contactor typically fixes the issue.
In some cases where your thermostat buttons aren’t working at all, it could be that you have the child lock turned on. Some digital thermostats these days have a lock feature to help prevent children from changing settings. Unfortunately, if you don’t use your thermostat that often, you may have the child lock on and not realize it.
Not Reading Right
Another issue is that your thermostat isn’t reading the correct room temperature. For example, it may be reading that the temperature is much hotter than the ambient room temperature is. If you’ve checked the ambient room temperature with your own thermometer and have verified that there is a difference between the thermometer and your thermostat, it’s cause for concern.
In some cases, the issue may simply be that your thermostat has been installed in a bad location. This applies to homeowners who just had a thermostat recently installed. One of the most common examples of this problem is when a thermostat is placed on a section of the wall that receives direct sunlight. The thermostat will read the ambient temperature as much hotter because it’s being heated up by the sunlight.
Another issue that could cause your thermostat to read inappropriately is a miscalibration issue. This issue can happen with any thermostat, and it must undergo recalibration by a licensed HVAC technician.
New Thermostat Not Turning on HVAC System
One frustrating issue you may run into is that your brand-new thermostat isn’t turning on your heating or cooling system. It’s important to realize that not all thermostats are compatible with older HVAC systems. Some may require a new wire to be installed from the HVAC system to the thermostat. It can be helpful to consult an HVAC technician to further assess the specific issue with the thermostat and your HVAC system connection.
HVAC System Continually Runs
Your HVAC system may seem to be continually running without stopping. While this could be the result of numerous issues, one common problem is damaged or malfunctioning thermostat wiring. If any of your thermostat wires are touching each other, it could cause a short that default kicks your HVAC system. This commonly happens right at the thermostat connection but could happen anywhere along the wiring from your thermostat to your HVAC system.
How Long Do Thermostats Last?
Most modern-day thermostats will have a lifespan of around 10 years. However, most homeowners will replace their thermostats more often because they want to enjoy new innovative features that more modern versions offer. While older round-dial thermostats were the standard decades ago, the new standard is digital programmable thermostats.
Top Reasons to Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you still have a manual thermostat, you may want to consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to be more efficient with your energy usage. Programmable thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature based on whatever schedule you would like. For example, let’s say that you want to minimize your energy usage during the winter months. You can set your thermostat to be lower during the daytime hours when no one is home so that you’re not wasting energy keeping your home at a comfortable temperature when it’s not necessary.
Another reason you may want to consider upgrading your thermostat is to have more control over your settings and usage. Smart thermostats can allow you to access your thermostat controls from your smartphone regardless of where you physically are. This can allow you to adjust the temperature if you decide that you’re going to come home early. Eco-friendly thermostats will monitor your energy usage and make suggestions for lowering your energy consumption.
One feature that you may want to take advantage of that modern-day thermostats can offer is smart home integration. Just imagine sitting on your couch and being able to use voice assistance to alter the temperature of your thermostat. When you upgrade to a newer thermostat that offers smart home integration, you can do just that and much more.
Reliable Thermostat Service
Cowboys Air Conditioning & Heating offers reliable thermostat services for the San Antonio, TX, area. We can also help with all your heating, cooling, indoor air quality, ductwork, air sealing, and insulation needs. Contact our staff today to book your next service appointment with one of our knowledgeable HVAC technicians.
