When the heat spikes or the chilly winter rolls in, you rely on your heating and cooling system to keep your home comfortable. And your HVAC system depends on the small but powerful thermostat to tell it what to do and when. If this essential component malfunctions, your heating and air conditioning system is left in the dark, and you may suddenly find yourself bundling up indoors or sweating through the summer months.
Instead of suffering through uncomfortable indoor temperatures, find out why thermostats break and if it’s time to invest in a new one.
Top Signs Your Thermostat Is Broken
Here are some of the most common signs that your thermostat may be on its last legs or in need of simple repairs:
Temperature Discrepancies
Is your thermostat displaying your chosen temperature, but your room feels far warmer or colder than that? This discrepancy suggests that the thermostat sensor may be failing.
HVAC System Not Responding
Ever turn your thermostat up or down only to find that your heater or air conditioner doesn’t respond? A malfunctioning thermostat may not be able to communicate your desired temperature to the HVAC system, leaving you stuck with whatever the system feels like doing — or not doing at all.
Short Cycling
Short cycling occurs when your HVAC system turns on and off more frequently than normal. Not only is this inefficient and potentially damaging to your equipment, but it can also be a clear sign your thermostat is sending erratic signals to your system.
Blank or Unresponsive Thermostat Screen
If your thermostat screen is blank or unresponsive, it could mean the batteries are dead. However, if changing the batteries doesn’t help, it could point to a more serious internal malfunction or wiring issue.
Thermostat Loses Programmed Settings
Do you find yourself constantly reprogramming your thermostat? A functioning programmable thermostat should retain your settings unless you manually reset them. If yours keeps forgetting, it may be on its way out the door.
Sudden Spike in Energy Bills
A faulty thermostat can lead to an overworked HVAC system, which in turn may cause your energy bills to soar. If your usage habits haven’t changed but your costs have skyrocketed, your thermostat could be the culprit.
Older Thermostat Model
Still using an old manual thermostat? While not a direct sign something’s broken, outdated models are more prone to malfunctions and often lack the accuracy and reliability of modern units. Upgrading can preempt many issues.
How to Troubleshoot a Broken Thermostat
Troubleshooting a broken thermostat doesn’t require you to be an HVAC expert. With some basic steps, you can determine whether your thermostat needs a simple fix or a complete replacement.
Step 1: Check the Power Source
Start with the basics. Make sure your thermostat actually has power. Replace the batteries if needed, or check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If the display lights up after a battery change or reset, your problem may be solved.
Step 2: Inspect the Settings
Make sure your thermostat is set to the correct mode (heating or cooling) and that the temperature setting is higher or lower than the current room temperature, depending on your needs. It might sound simple, but settings can be changed by accident.
Step 3: Check the Thermostat’s Accuracy
Use a thermometer to compare the actual room temperature with what your thermostat displays. If there is a significant discrepancy, you may need to hire a professional to recalibrate the thermostat or replace it entirely.
What to Do If the Thermostat Is Truly Broken
If you’ve run through the troubleshooting checklist and your thermostat is still acting up, it may be time to consider replacement. After all, a broken thermostat can strain your system, lead to higher utility bills, and even cause unnecessary breakdowns. By installing a smart thermostat, you could enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Improved temperature accuracy and comfort
- Reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills
- Advanced scheduling features for optimal efficiency
- Remote access and control via smartphone apps
- Learning capabilities that adapt to your routine
- Integration with other smart home devices
- Voice control with virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant
- Detailed energy usage reports and insights
Trust Cool Willy’s Air & Plumbing With Your Thermostat Needs
If any of the above signs of a broken thermostat sound familiar, call Cool Willy’s Air & Plumbing for an accurate diagnosis and a lasting solution. We know how to detect when an HVAC system’s problem is related to a faulty unit and when it’s the result of a malfunctioning thermostat, so you can trust us to provide AC repairs that address the root cause of the issue while keeping your costs in check. Contact us today to get started!