Winter Check In: When To Replace Your Thermostat
This winter, we’re trying to stay as warm as possible. To achieve this goal, we’re making sure that all aspects of our HVAC systems are operating correctly. If any component of it is not operating correctly, you might experience problems with your furnace this winter. Basic HVAC inspection is easy and straightforward. In cases involving the thermostat, we recommend that you recruit the help of a trained technician to assist you. This is standard for any repairs that involve electrical wiring.
What does the thermostat do?
You’re no doubt familiar with your home thermostat. It’s the tool that allows you to regulate the temperature in your home. Because it acts as the brain of your home’s furnace and A/C, if trouble occurs with your thermostat, then it will affect your home’s temperature. Typically, if there is a considerable difference between the temperature setting on your thermostat and the temperature inside your home, then there is certainly some issue. Here, we will provide you with a couple of common thermostat problems that you can diagnose and solve with the help of a trained professional.
Troubleshooting a Thermostat
Problem: Thermostat has no power/will not turn on
In cases where the display on your thermostat will not turn on, it could be that the thermostat itself just needs its batteries replaced. Different thermostats have different battery requirements and you should consult your owners’ manual for more details. However, commonly thermostats will use AA batteries. The batteries will be located inside the thermostat. You can simply remove the thermostat from the wall and open it to see what kind of batteries will be required and where they live inside the device.
If you replace the batteries and find that the thermostat display is still unresponsive/displaying nothing, then the problem might be with your thermostat itself and not just with the batteries. In this case, we recommend contacting a technician to help you install a replacement.
Problem: There’s a big difference between the temperature setting and the temperature in the home
As stated above, if there is a considerable difference between the setting on your thermostat and the temperature in your home, this typically indicates that there is some kind of problem with your thermostat. In many cases, it means that the thermostat is broken. As in the case before, we recommend contacting a technician to help you install a replacement thermostat.
Problem: The A/C or furnace runs constantly and will not turn off
Make sure to check your thermostat settings before you consider this a problem. If the fan is set to “ON”, then that might be why the A/C or furnace is running constantly. If it’s running constantly on the “AUTO” setting, then that could mean that here is a problem with your wiring. As in the cases before, we recommend contacting a technician to inspect your thermostat and wiring.
At Snap Supply, we offer a selection of replacement thermostats here. Don’t forget to use cross reference information and model numbers to confirm that the part you are looking for is correct for your furnace.