Contact Info
A thermostat is the most overlooked component in HVAC systems. We usually don't give attention to it until something bigger happens. And if you are worried why your air conditioner is not starting or why your heat pump is having trouble, the answer might be your thermostat. Understanding problems with this temperature-controlling device is not that complex. Just a careful inspection and a precise set of tools, and you have figured out what the actual culprit is.
This guide helps you understand why your thermostat might not be working. It also explores the underlying causes, how to fix them, and when to repair vs. replace. The guide covers all thermostat models and devices, including Honeywell, Google Nest, Carrier, Trane, etc. It explains what we observed at Lehigh HVAC while servicing residential and commercial customers in New Jersey.
Just like any other electronic appliance, a thermostat can also get faulty due to various reasons. From electrical components to HVAC problems or mechanical damage, multiple factors can render this thermoregulator non-functional. Below, we have mentioned only those that we observed most in the mid-Atlantic region.
Whenever your thermostat is unresponsive or shows a blank screen, start by checking the batteries. It will help you prevent spending huge amounts on complex HVAC inspection services. If you found batteries dead, damaged, or just not delivering the required power to the device, replace them at your earliest convenience. Consider your brand, model, and specifications, and choose the new batteries accordingly.
How Will I Know My Thermostat Batteries Are Dead?
This is the question we hear while guiding customers about thermostat batteries. You might also have a similar question in mind. Here is the answer.
First, check the display. If the display is blank, dim, or flickering, it signals batteries are not delivering the right power. An active low battery icon, warning signs, or an unresponsive screen might also be there. To confirm, replace the batteries with new ones. If this single change makes your thermostat work, it means the issue is in the batteries, and replacing them is the ultimate solution.
The second most common culprit for faulty thermostats is sensors that don't monitor temperature or take false readings. This usually happens more in regions with pollution, dust, or dirt. In fact, the sensors inside the thermostat accumulate dust and get covered with it. Now, they just can't sense the temperature as they used to. And this has a direct effect on the control panel, which gets wrong temperature signals, triggers the air conditioning system in the wrong direction, and results in inefficient heating or cooling. It also sometimes causes short cycling, inconsistent comfort, and the system struggles to meet the desired comfort needs.
The Solution
The solution to dirty or covered sensors is to clean the inside of the thermostat, especially around the sensors. Make sure you shut the system off before cleaning. Most of the time, a professional and careful cleaning yields desired results. If it still doesn't work, call your local HVAC pros immediately.
Electrical components can also cause a thermostat not to work. Usually, when a temperature-regulating device starts behaving differently, we check HVAC components. It eats a lot of budget and yields nothing but unnecessary system upgrades, tune-ups, or part replacements. The actual culprit of the problem is, however, in the electrical components.
Loose, frayed, or aged wiring is usually the direct causative agent. Over time, thermostat wiring gets loose due to on/off cycles, varying load, and aging. This interrupts the power supply pathway and renders the HVAC thermocontroller non-functional. Sometimes, it happens due to a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse that happened after a power surge.
Our technicians notice this kind of behavior from our local customers repeatedly. The HVAC system is non-functional due to a tripped breaker, and the clients are seeking a solution via HVAC tune-up or component replacement. Remember, resetting a tripped circuit breaker, too, is not an easy job. Be careful while doing it, and if it happens repeatedly, consider hiring a professional.
If your thermostat is not working, it might have done its job. And this happens usually. Just like any other electronic appliance, a thermostat has a specific age after which it needs to be replaced. When you notice your thermostat is not working, check its installation and expiry date. If it is approaching its end of life, don't invest in repairs. Consider a replacement instead. Timely replacement of this crucial device will prevent you from further repairs and restore your peace of mind.
When you get an expired thermostat, choose the new one from a reliable brand. The next step is to get it installed by a professional HVAC technician. Ask your technicians about how to use this newly installed device the best way and how it can benefit you. For example, smart thermostats can help you provide multi-zone cooling, efficient comfort, and reduced energy bills.
Clogged Air Filters
When filters are blocked, airflow gets obstructed. It triggers a safety switch, which shuts down the entire system, including the thermostat. Replace your air filters to fix it. If filters are reusable, consider washing and cleaning them appropriately.
Poor Calibration
If the thermostat is calibrated inaccurately, it struggles to monitor temperature. The result is that it sends incorrect signals to the control panel, and the entire HVAC process is disturbed. It also involves symptoms such as an unresponsive screen, a flickering display, etc. Recalibrate to fix this problem.
Poor Placement
The location of the thermostat matters, too. If your thermostat is placed near a heat source, under direct sunlight, or in a hot or cold place, it will measure an incorrect temperature. It then fails to control the comfort process the right way. The result is that your comfort gets compromised. Place your thermostat in a central, average temperature zone to take correct temperature readings.
Repair vs. replace a thermostat is a major confusion when a thermostat gets faulty. Many customers rush to replace it when they could have fixed it via a simple tune-up or calibration. Many others keep on spending on inspections and repairs, while actually they need a new device.
At Lehigh HVAC, we recommend that our clients first identify the underlying cause before taking remedial action. Once sure about the cause, take the most suitable course of actions that fix the issue forever.
Here is our quick checklist.
|
When to Choose a Thermostat Repair |
When to Choose a Thermostat Replacement |
|
Loose or corroded wiring |
Age approaching 10 years |
|
Blown internal fuse |
The thermistor is dead |
|
Poor calibration |
Hardware is damaged |
|
Dust contamination |
Incompatible with the new HVAC unit |
|
Software glitches |
Corroded battery terminals |
|
Voltage issues from the transformer |
The repair fee exceeds 50% of the new device. |
Get your thermostat fixed on the same day. Book a service with Lehigh HVAC, and our licensed experts will bring your faulty thermostat back on track. You can pay easily in installments with fantastic financing options. Contact us today!
