The thermostat in your home is like your heating system’s control center. It reads your household temperature and tells your furnace or heat pump when it’s needed and when it’s not. If you’re having issues with your thermostat, it can pose all kinds of comfort problems in your home. So let’s take a look at some of the most common home thermostat problems and what you can do to fix them.
Home thermostat problem 1: Your thermostat is in a bad location
To get an accurate reading of your home’s temperature, your thermostat must be located properly. If your thermostat is in direct sunlight, near an air vent, or near a home appliance that gives off heat, it will think that your home is warmer than it is and tells your furnace or heat pump to turn off prematurely.
Another common location-related problem with thermostats is that they aren’t centrally located in your home. The center of your home gives the most accurate reading of indoor temperatures and is usually away from hot or cold spots. This is why thermostats are often installed in hallways.
If you think your thermostat might be experiencing problems because of its location in your home, it simply needs to be moved to a better spot. The experts at Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing would be glad to help you with the process!
Home thermostat problem 2: Your thermostat is dirty
If dirt builds up on the inside of your thermostat, it can lead to inaccurate temperature readings and comfort problems in your home. This is especially true if dirt builds up on the contacts inside the thermostat. To fix this, simply open the cover of your thermostat and dust it with a soft brush. Be careful when you’re doing this to avoid bending or loosening any of the inner contacts or wiring.
Home thermostat problem 3: Your thermostat is out of batteries
One of the most simple thermostat problems to fix is a set of bad batteries. Most thermostats will have a low-battery indicator that will let you know when it’s time to replace the batteries that are currently installed. Either way, it’s best to change out your thermostat’s batteries every year to be safe. Refer to your thermostat’s manufacturer’s instructions if you are unsure how to replace the batteries.
If you have any questions about these home thermostat problems, or if you’d like a heating and cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing, your St. Louis area HVAC company.