Do Thermostats Go Bad?
When it comes to home comfort, most of us rely on our thermostats. If it's too cold indoors, all you have to do is turn up the thermostat temperature, and you'll have a warm home in minutes.
Because thermostats are so useful, it can be very frustrating when they suddenly stop working. Which brings us to the question: do home thermostats go bad? And if so, what can you do to fix them? In this blog, we'll go over four key signs your thermostat needs repairing:
Keep reading to learn more about these signs and how to restore your thermostat to working condition.
Experiencing problems with your home thermostat?
George Brazil, Phoenix's most trusted HVAC company, is here to help. Since 1955, we've impressed homeowners with our speedy repairs, convenient scheduling and high-quality work. For 5-star service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, call us at (602) 842-0009 or book below.
Your Thermostat Has No Power or Is Unresponsive
A common sign your thermostat is malfunctioning is if it's unresponsive. In other words, nothing happens when you try to adjust the temperature. Usually, an unresponsive thermostat is connected to a power issue. Without power, your thermostat cannot communicate with your HVAC system and make it heat or cool.
If you suspect a power problem, you should first check your thermostat's batteries.Many thermostats feature a light that indicates their battery power. If this doesn't solve the issue, you may be experiencing one of these more serious problems:
- Dirt or debris in the thermostat
- A blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker
- Corroded wiring
HVAC experts, such as the George Brazil team, can help get to the root of the problem and restore your thermostat's power.
Your HVAC System Won't Turn On
It's possible for a thermostat to seem like it's working properly, but not have any effects. For example, the device may appear on, or you might hear a clicking noise when you use it. But, there's ultimately no changes in interior temperature. In these cases, you should turn your attention to your HVAC system.
If your HVAC system isn't turning on, your thermostat won't be able to communicate with it. Here are some reasons why an HVAC system may not activate:
- Clogged filters
- Wiring problem
- Tripped circuit breaker
- An issue with the control board
- Motor failure
Whatever the problem may be, our team can help solve it. After carefully examining your HVAC system, we'll identify the cause and propose an effective solution.
Your HVAC System Constantly Runs
Another sign you have a thermostat problem is if your HVAC system is constantly running. Your thermostat tells your HVAC system when to turn on and off. When you adjust the temperature, the thermostat activates the system. Once the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat shuts the system.
If the thermostat isn't working properly, however, it may not signal for your HVAC system to turn off. As a result, your HVAC system will run constantly, leading to the following consequences:
- Energy wastage
- Higher energy bills
- Long-term system damage
In many cases, this problem is linked to your thermostat settings. If your settings aren't calibrated properly, it can cause communication problems with the HVAC system. For example, the thermostat may tell your HVAC system to keep running even though it has already reached the desired temperature. In other cases, the problem is linked to wiring and electrical issues.
No matter the cause, you can trust the experts at George Brazil to solve the issue. We can help ensure your system remains functional and energy-efficient through a fast repair.
Your Indoor Temperature Doesn't Match the Thermostat
The final sign you need a thermostat repair is if the indoor temperature doesn't match the thermostat reading. Anything from poor airflow to a broken sensor or part can result in this discrepancy. When this happens, you might notice the following signs:
- Uncomfortable home: The most obvious effect of this problem is, of course, discomfort. While a small discrepancy isn't a big deal, there shouldn't be a huge difference between your thermostat settings and interior temperature. For example, if you've set your thermostat to "heat," but you still feel cold, there's probably something wrong.
- High energy bills: Besides discomfort, look out for high energy bills. You shouldn't pay high heating bills if your home always feels cold.
You may be able to solve this problem by simply resetting the thermostat. However, you'll need a professional repair or replacement if there's a serious cause (such as a broken part). That's where the George Brazil team comes in. If you notice issues or wonder, "Do thermostats go bad?" we're ready to help.
Need a Thermostat Repair? Contact George Brazil Today!
Whether you're looking for a quick thermostat repair or a full replacement, we've got you covered. As part of our cooling services, we offer expert smart thermostat installations and repairs. Contact Arizona’s premier HVAC contractor today by calling us at (602) 842-0009 or booking below.
Justin Stevens is a 17-year veteran of the trades and one of the masterminds behind George Brazil’s world-class training lab for technical expertise and sales training. Justin has held several titles during his tenure at George Brazil ranging from Lead Installer and Installation Manager to QA Manager and Field Operations Manager. Today, Justin is the Director of Field Operations and plays a pivotal role overseeing all of George Brazil’s field departments.