Your thermostat is a crucial part of your cooling system because it tells your air conditioner exactly when it’s needed. If something goes wrong with it, or if it is not installed properly, it can have a huge effect on how comfortable you feel in your home.
Not every thermostat problem requires the help of an HVAC contractor, which is why we wanted to provide St. Louis area homeowners with air conditioner thermostat troubleshooting tips that you can try before calling a professional.
Four things to look for when performing air conditioner thermostat troubleshooting
- Is your thermostat receiving power? If your thermostat is shutting on and off or if its backlight isn’t working properly, the first thing you’ll want to check is whether or not it is receiving adequate power. Thermostats can receive power from batteries and your cooling system, so you’ll want to ensure that power is coming from both of those sources. First, check to see whether or not a circuit has tripped and caused your unit to lose power. Once you’ve determined that everything is fine with your circuits, replace the batteries in your thermostat with a fresh set.
- Is your thermostat mounted properly on your wall? To get an adequate reading of your home’s temperature, your thermostat must be mounted properly on your wall. If your thermostat is giving faulty readings, first use a bubble level to check to see whether or not it is straight on the wall. If it’s not, adjust it accordingly. Also, make sure that your thermostat is mounted at least five feet from the ground.
- Is your thermostat near sources of hot or cool air? Your thermostat won’t get a proper reading of your home’s temperature if it’s near any sources of hot or cool air. Make sure to keep your thermostat away from vents, windows, direct sunlight, appliances, and anything else that can influence the temperature around it.
- Is your thermostat dirty? Dirt buildup is a problem for any part of your cooling system, including your thermostat. If your thermostat is malfunctioning, open the cover and gently clean any dirt that has built up on the inside of it.
If you have any questions about air conditioner thermostat troubleshooting, or if you’d like your cooling system serviced by a high-quality contractor, contact Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical, your St. Louis area heating and cooling company.
Photo credit: John Loo
