If your heating and cooling system is having issues, the problem may not be with the unit itself. Instead, it could be with the thermostat. These small devices are the key to your home comfort, and your system can’t function without them. How do you know if you need a thermostat replacement? Read on to learn some of the signs.

• It’s old or out of date. Your thermostat should last about 10 years, on average. If it’s older than that, consider a thermostat replacement. Even if it’s still working, technology is constantly advancing, and the thermostats available now are easier to use and more efficient than they were years ago. Likewise, if your thermostat is analog or simply not programmable, consider replacing it with a smart thermostat to improve comfort and save energy.
• Incorrect temperature readings. Your thermostat’s sensor can wear out over time, gradually making the temperature readings less and less accurate. If you suspect your thermostat is displaying the wrong temperature, check it against an indoor thermometer. If the readings are off, your HVAC professional may be able to recalibrate it, or it may be time for a thermostat replacement.
• Temperature fluctuations. Your home never seems to get comfortable. You’ve adjusted the thermostat settings, but it’s still too hot one minute and too cold the next. Even when you raise or lower the thermostat setting, your system can’t seem to maintain your target temperature. A new thermostat could help level things out.
• Short cycling. If your system constantly turns on and off in rapid succession, it could indicate any number of issues, including thermostat problems. Left unchecked, short cycling not only wastes energy, it wears out your system, causing frequent breakdowns and reducing its life span. Call your HVAC technician to get to the root of the problem.
• High energy bills. This can have a number of causes, but combined with setting issues and temperature swings, a sudden spike in energy usage is a good indicator that you may need a new thermostat.

If you need a thermostat replacement in your home, contact us at Jackson & Sons. We keep Eastern North Carolina homes comfortable and efficient.