If you’re experiencing a consistently uncomfortable home temperature, check your thermostat. Your thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature in your house and keeping it comfortable, but when it starts to malfunction, things can get out of control quickly. Here are seven signs that your thermostat is bad.
1. Your Heater or AC Unit Won’t Start
If your heating system or air conditioning won’t start, it could indicate your thermostat is bad. The thermostat is the control center of your heating and cooling system. It tells the system when to turn on and off. If the thermostat is not working correctly, it can cause the system to fail to turn on.
If your heater or AC unit won’t start, you should call a professional to check the following to see if the thermostat is the problem.
- The batteries
- Wiring
- Power supply
Once the technician has checked all these things and your heater or AC unit still won’t start, the thermostat is bad and needs a replacement.
2. Uneven Temperatures Throughout Your Home
Uneven temperatures throughout the home are among the most common signs of a failing thermostat. If some rooms in your home are warmer than others or the temperature is inconsistent throughout the day, your thermostat may be malfunctioning. It could be due to a faulty or incorrectly placed thermostat, a malfunctioning heating system, or a blockage in your air ducts. If you suspect your thermostat is bad, it’s essential to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
3. Your Air Conditioning or Heating Cycles Too Often
One of the most common issues related to thermostats is the air conditioning or heating cycling too often. This problem is caused by a malfunctioning thermostat, which several things can cause. It could be a dirty or clogged filter, a faulty connection, or a faulty thermostat. In any case, it can lead to extra expenses in repairs and energy bills due to the overworking of the HVAC system. If you notice that your heating or cooling cycles are happening too often, having a professional inspect the thermostat and determine the cause is best.
4. Your Thermostat Screen Is Unresponsive
If your thermostat screen is unresponsive, it could be a sign of malfunctioning. This could mean the thermostat is not receiving power or is not properly connected to the HVAC system. If the thermostat screen is unresponsive, check the power source and reconnect it to the HVAC system if necessary. If the issue persists, you should contact a professional HVAC technician to troubleshoot and diagnose the issue further.
5. Your Thermostat Shows Incorrect Readings
If the thermostat is showing an incorrect reading, then the thermostat is bad. Several factors cause this issue. It could be because of a power supply issue, a bad sensor, or a malfunctioning control board. If your thermostat displays inaccurate readings, try replacing the batteries to ensure the power supply is not the cause. If that doesn’t work, check if the thermostat is in the right setting and location. If this problem persists, you should call a professional HVAC technician to check the system and do the necessary repairs or replace the control board.
6. Your Thermostat Is Unresponsive
This is one of the most common signs of a bad thermostat. If your thermostat doesn’t respond to adjustments or commands, it may be due to outdated technology, wiring problems, or a faulty circuit board. This can be especially frustrating if you adjust the temperature but the thermostat doesn’t do anything. You may need to call a technician to service or replace the thermostat in this situation.
7. Unresponsive Buttons on Your Thermostat
If you’re having trouble getting your thermostat to respond to the buttons, or if it takes several tries for them to work, then it’s a sign that your thermostat is bad. This can be annoying and make setting the temperature to your desired level hard. Call a professional technician to replace the thermostat to ensure it works correctly.
If you notice any signs that your thermostat is bad, it’s crucial to take action immediately. Ignoring a malfunctioning thermostat can lead to higher energy bills, increased wear and tear on your HVAC system, and an uncomfortable home. At Quality Cooling & Heating, we provide professional HVAC services in the Austin area, and we can help you diagnose and repair issues with your thermostat and other heating and cooling equipment. We also offer energy-saving solutions, duct cleaning, air purifiers, humidifiers, and indoor quality services. Call Quality Cooling & Heating today for more information.