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Faulty Thermostat

How to Detect a Faulty Thermostat

Like any other component of your HVAC system, your thermostat can stop working. It is important to keep an eye out for any problems. This helps to make sure your heating and cooling system is working as it should. Let's take a look at some of the signs of a bad thermostat and how you can troubleshoot the issue.

Signs of A Bad Thermostat

There are several signs of a bad thermostat, including:

  • Battery Replacement. If you have no power or it is not responding, this is a sign that your thermostat needs new batteries. It may also need a repair.
  • Wiring Problems. If you turn your thermostat on and it does not turn the HVAC unit on, this may be a wiring issue with your thermostat.
  • Your Unit Will Not Turn Off. If your heating and cooling system will not turn off, this is a sign of frayed wiring of your thermostat. It is also a sign that the thermostat is not calibrated.
  • Room Temperature and Thermostat Settings Do Not Match. You set your thermostat, but the air in your home is not reaching that temperature. This is a sign that your thermostat has gone bad.

Troubleshooting Your Thermostat

Once you have noticed the signs above, you can troubleshoot your thermostat to see if you can find the issue.

  • Step one: Look to make sure that the thermostat is set in the right setting. If it is not right, this can cause the thermostat to not function.
  • Step two: Turn the thermostat down or up by five degrees. You should hear a click, and then the unit should come on and push out air through your registers.
  • Step three: Replace the batteries in your thermostat. This may fix the problem. It is important that you change out your thermostat batteries at least once a year.
  • Step four: If you have a mechanical thermostat, clean it. Dust can make these types of thermostats not function.
  • Step five: Test and check wires for connections. If they are not connected, tighten them. If you do not feel comfortable with checking the wires, you can have a technician do that for you.

If you followed the steps and can't get your unit to work, give the experts at Harwich Port Heating and Cooling a call. We will look at your thermostat and replace it if necessary. We have many years of experience in the HVAC field. We know the importance of a functioning system.