Do you ever feel your thermostat is giving you an incorrect reading? Or, has it ever seemed the HVAC isn’t responding to the program you set? Another issue might be the thermostat just goes blank, or else the HVAC system isn’t turning on to keep the home adequately warm or cool.

If any of these issues have occurred with your thermostat, it may be time for a replacement. However, before you go out shopping, consider a few of the alternate causes for a seeming thermostat malfunction. Here’s how to go perform some basic thermostat troubleshooting:

Thermostat Troubleshooting Tips

If your HVAC system goes on or doesn’t come on when you think it should, and the thermostat seems to be working and is programmed to the schedule you want, some other factor may be at work that’s affecting its response. Perhaps you’ve got zoning issues — that is, areas of the home that feel colder or warmer than the area where the thermostat is sensing the ambient temperature.

The thermostat may be working just fine, but you need to address what’s happening in those areas of your home that feel too cold or too warm. Excess humidity may also affect how warm you feel in the home. An HVAC consultant can help determine why you’re feeling warmer or colder than you should, and whether the thermostat is to blame.

Is the thermostat on? Always check the power first. Check the batteries or fuse, and replace as necessary. If it’s wired into the system, check the wiring for wear or loose connections. Also check to see if the circuit breaker flipped.
Is the thermostat affected by its location? Direct sunlight or a draft of cold air can affect the thermostat so that it turns the system on when not needed.
Is the thermostat dirty? Dirt, pet hair and cigarette smoke can adversely affect the thermostat. Carefully clean it. Avoid allowing cigarette smoke to make contact with it.

For more on thermostat troubleshooting, contact Jackson and Sons Heating and Air. We’ve served our Eastern North Carolina customers since 1974.

Jackson & Sons, Inc.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Eastern North Carolina (including Wayne, Johnston, Greene, Lenoir, Pitt and Duplin Counties) about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).