Troubleshooting Issues With Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is the vitals of your home’s air quality and temperature. However, even this component of your HVAC system goes awry sometimes. If you’re having issues with your thermostat but are unsure how to solve it, you’ve come to the right place!
Quality Systems Heating & Cooling addresses the most common problems with your HVAC system and how to troubleshoot those problems. Here is your guide to thermostat troubleshooting.
Your HVAC System Stops Working
If you walk by your thermostat and the display is dark, try replacing the batteries, as they may have lost all of their juice. If replacing the batteries doesn’t do the trick, you should check your electrical panel for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
After resetting the circuit breaker and your thermostat still doesn’t work, open up the cover and inspect the inside. If there is a lot of dust and debris inside your thermostat, you should do a quick clean. Canned air or a soft brush removest this debris, allowing your thermostat to start up properly.
Thermostat Temp and Room Temp Don’t Match
If you have your air conditioning running for a while and know the room you’re in is cooler than the thermostat reads, you may have an issue with dirty components. As previously mentioned, go ahead and clean the internal components of your thermostat first off.
Grime can build up inside the device, which causes the gauge to detect the room temperature inaccurately. If you have an older thermostat, you can clean out the dust and grime on the inside. If you need to clean the contacts, use a piece of paper and move it between the contacts to remove residue.
Secondly, a non-digital thermostat may have been bumped off level if the temperature doesn’t match the room’s actual temperature. If this is the case, grab a level and use it to even it out the best you can to fix discrepancies.
Constant HVAC Operation or Short Cycling
If your heater or AC is running non-stop, there’s definitely an issue with your thermostat. Your HVAC components are meant to condition your house to the desired temperature and kick-off. A constantly running HVAC unit adds wear and tear to the system, causing premature repair or replacement.
As mentioned above, a dirty or an un-leveled thermostat may be to blame, so your first instinct should be to check there.
If your HVAC systems aren’t staying on long enough, this is called “short cycling.” The main reason behind short cycling is an un-calibrated anticipator. Check the anticipator and lengthen the time if need be.
Reduced Efficiency
Are your heating and cooling bills rising, and your HVAC system can’t seem to keep up with the weather outside? Then you may have a reduced efficiency problem. There are several ways to troubleshoot this issue and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
First, you should check your air filters to make sure they’re not clogged and dirty. Replace with new ones regularly. If there is other debris in the area, clean that out as well. Clean and dust your vents, ducts, and grills. After probably cleaning these areas, you should see an improvement in efficiency.
Weird Noise Coming from Your Furnace
Sometimes you might hear weird noises coming from your furnace. If you notice sounds that are unfamiliar, you might have a problem. This is usually a sign that there is a problem with the mechanics. You may need to replace the motor, or it needs fixing.
If you hear a dull hum or a buzzing sound, that means the problem is electrical. Don’t try to troubleshoot this on your own. Contact a professional to check this issue out. This can indicate a failing blower motor capacitor or other issues.
Increased Humidity
During the warmer months, if you notice that your home’s humidity has increased, then your HVAC unit might need some extra help. Modern air conditioners can control humidity, but if you’re still experiencing high humidity in your home, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier. If your air conditioner is older, it might be time for an upgrade.
Low Airflow
If your ductwork is clogged or your A/C unit is working harder than it should, you might notice low airflow from the vents. You may want to check your filters in this case, as they might be clogged. During the summer, it’s a good idea to replace your filter every month.
Call Quality Systems Heating & Cooling for HVAC Solutions
If you find your troubleshooting methods are not working, we’ll be glad to assist you with our 24/7 emergency service!
Receive a free quote online or give us a call at 952-226-2665 today!