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Whenever you need to adjust the temperature, you go to the thermostat. Operating it is simple, so it seems logical a DIY thermostat repair should be too. However, a thermostat is a sophisticated mechanism. Switch it on or adjust the setting, and a signal triggers your HVAC system to respond accordingly. Signals are also sent automatically to adjust the room temperature to the set temperature.
That being said, you can’t fix every issue yourself. These are some reasons to call a qualified HVAC professional for thermostat repair:
- The AC or Heater Won’t Turn On
- Your HVAC System Won’t Turn Off
- The System Is Short Cycling
- There’s No Response to Changes In Settings
- Changing the Batteries Doesn’t Help
- The Actual Temperature and the Thermostat Reading Don’t Match
- The Thermostat Keeps Losing Programmed Settings
- Temperatures Are Different In Each Room
1. The AC or Heater Won’t Turn On
If a unit won’t turn on, it’s often assumed a faulty air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump is causing the issue. However, since the thermostat tells these systems when to turn on and off, a malfunction can prevent them from working. An HVAC professional should check the thermostat for potential wiring issues or a problem with the power supply.
2. Your HVAC System Won’t Turn Off
If your HVAC system doesn’t stop running, it’ll use more energy than necessary and wear out more quickly. The cause may be a thermostat not signaling the furnace or AC to turn off at the end of a heating or cooling cycle. When your home is comfortable or too cool or warm, but the system runs continuously, it’s time to take action. The thermostat may have to be calibrated, repaired, or moved to an area where it can more accurately read the indoor temperature.
3. The System Is Short Cycling
An HVAC system normally cycles on and off up to three times an hour. But if it starts to power on and off too quickly, it won’t provide much temperature or humidity control and will use more energy. A dirty air filter is the most common cause to look for. However, if you’ve changed the filter as recommended or it’s clean, the thermostat may be malfunctioning.
4. There’s No Response to Changes In Settings
The system should respond in a few seconds, or at most within a couple of minutes if the temperature isn’t too extreme. If it’s unbearably warm or extremely chilly, a signal should reach your HVAC system quickly. Call for help if there’s no response after you’ve changed the setting, the buttons don’t respond, or the screen has gone blank. At this point, you most likely need a thermostat repair technician.
5. Changing the Batteries Doesn’t Help
If your thermostat runs on batteries and isn’t responding, it’s time to install fresh batteries, especially if you haven’t changed them in a while. It can save an HVAC technician a lot of time and avoid paying a service fee. Call for help if the thermostat still doesn’t work after you change the batteries.
6. The Actual Temperature and the Thermostat Reading Don’t Match
When your thermostat reads 68℉ and your home feels warm and stuffy, a thermostat problem is a likely culprit. Not that you can’t rule out an HVAC system problem just yet. Try setting the system to “On” rather than “Auto”; this will maintain airflow even when the AC cycles off. If this doesn’t work, call a professional to check for a malfunctioning control board, a faulty sensor, a power supply issue, or other reasons you may need thermostat repair.
7. The Thermostat Keeps Losing Programmed Settings
A programmable thermostat is designed to retain information on its settings over time. If your thermostat keeps losing its settings, it’s not only frustrating to have to reprogram it, but it can also be a detriment to energy efficiency. If you have to keep reprogramming the device, it is likely defective or reaching the end of its operating life.
8. Temperatures Are Different In Each Room
Uneven temperatures throughout your home can be a sign of various issues. There could be a blockage in your ductwork or a mechanical issue in your HVAC system. A failing thermostat is another possibility. If one room is much warmer or cooler than another, or temperatures fluctuate significantly throughout the day, you may need a thermostat repair. Or, the unit may be incorrectly placed or failing altogether.
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning for Thermostat Repair
If your thermostat isn’t working and resetting it, cleaning the unit, replacing the battery, or taking other DIY thermostat repair steps doesn’t solve the problem, you need an experienced HVAC technician. Our highly trained, licensed professionals can work with any brand or model. They can quickly troubleshoot and correct any issue, replace your thermostat, or even upgrade it to a programmable or smart model. To learn more or schedule a thermostat repair, call (503) 694-4587 today.
