Being a homeowner is a many-splendored thing—until things start breaking and it’s up to you to fix them.
It’s frustrating when your thermostat isn’t doing its job. It’s even more frustrating when your thermostat isn’t doing its job while it’s brutally cold or blisteringly hot. Luckily, there are several ways to troubleshoot your thermostat so you can return your home’s comfort to normal.
What Should I Do if My Thermostat Is Not Reaching My Set Temperature?
A thermostat can malfunction, just like any other appliance in your home or business—and sometimes they can malfunction at the worst times. Perhaps you are thinking about taking matters into your own hands by fixing the issue yourself.
But before you dive into your thermostat’s wires, it’s smart to give Hutchinson a call. If your thermostat starts acting up, our certified HVAC technicians are a phone call away to discuss your issues. That being said, don’t fry that egg on the sidewalk just yet, and let’s take a look at a few reasons why your thermostat isn’t reaching your desired temperature.
1. Your Thermostat Is Dirty
Let’s be real—stuff gets dirty. And your thermostat is not exempt from dirt.
Build up of dirt and dust on your thermostat and mechanical contacts can interfere with how it reads your settings. Take a soft cloth and gently wipe away any dust or dirt residue that you see. If you notice any corrosion, you can use an electrical contact cleaner sold in most hardware stores.
2. Your Vents Are Blocked
Your thermostat will not be able to reach your desired temperature if you have something blocking the vents. Check the vents around your home and make sure you do not have any items such as furniture in the way of your vent’s airflow.
While you’re at it, make sure all of your vents are open. Sometimes vents can mistakenly be closed.
3. Your Thermostat Needs To Be Recalibrated
The calibration of your thermostat should be checked once a year. If it’s not calibrated yearly, it can lose calibration and drive up your energy costs.
To check your thermostat’s calibration, grab a working thermometer and place it beside your thermostat. After about 15 minutes, check the temperature on your thermostat and compare it to the temperature on your working thermometer. If the difference between the two readings is substantial, it’s best to give Hutchinson a call.
4. The Wiring Is Loose
If you find loose wires wiggling around the back of your thermostat, you might have found why it’s not reaching your set temperature. If you are not electrical savvy, then the experienced HVAC technicians at Hutchinson can get your thermostat rewired in a jiff.
The team at Hutchinson can also determine if any corrosion is happening to your wiring once they open up the thermostat.
5. Your Thermostat Is Broken
A broken thermostat can put you in a sticky situation. On one hand, you ideally want to replace any broken components on your thermostat. On the other hand, replacing the parts incorrectly can cause further damage to your thermostat, and repairs can get costly.
If your thermostat breaks, it’s best to consider replacing your device. If you find yourself in this position, give Hutchinson a call so the experts can discuss replacement options with you.
6. Your Air Filters Are Clogged
A clogged air filter might be the culprit of your thermostat issues. To find your air filter, you’ll want to locate your furnace. Once you have successfully located your furnace, take out the air filter and give it a good examination. Typically, you can immediately tell if your air filter needs to be changed. For example, if your air filter is dark and built up with gunk and grime, then that air filter needs to go.
If you don’t have any gunk or grime, but you can’t see light passing through, then your filter still needs to be replaced. A clean air filter will solve your thermostat issues and improve the air quality in your home. That is why experts recommend your air filter be replaced every three months.
7. Your Thermostat Is in a Bad Location
Yes, the location of your thermostat matters. If your thermostat is located in a room that gets warmer or colder than the rest of your home, then it would be beneficial to move your thermostat. It is also recommended not to put your thermostat near fireplaces, windows, or kitchens.
Wondering how in the world to move your thermostat? The team at Hutchinson can help you relocate your thermostat and figure out the best possible placement for optimum temperature readings.
8. Your Thermostat Isn’t Level
Maybe your thermostat is in the right location but isn’t correctly leveled on the wall. What we mean is that your thermostat may not be flush with the wall and as a result could be throwing off the temperature readings.
If you notice that your thermostat is loose or hanging off the wall, then you need to level it out so the pin connection between the thermostat and backplate can provide an accurate reading.
9. Your Thermostat Lost Power
Is the screen of your thermostat turning up blank? Then it probably lost power. If you cannot see anything on your screen, or if the condenser and furnace are not working, then you’ll want to call Hutchinson about repairing your thermostat.
10. Your Thermostat Is Old
There’s no getting around an old thermostat. Just like humans, your thermostat will have a harder time trying to do the things it once did in its younger years. In other words, your thermostat is no spring chicken anymore.
The average lifespan of a thermostat is about ten years. If you are finding that your old thermostat struggles to reach set temperatures and has had a major decline in its accuracy, then it’s time to start thinking about replacing your system. Give the experts at Hutchinson a call to discuss your replacement options.
Call Hutchinson to Troubleshoot and Fix Your Thermostat
Your thermostat can malfunction when you least expect it. While there are troubleshooting methods you can try on your own, you can get the answers and results you need in twice as little time by calling the HVAC experts at Hutchinson. Schedule your appointment today and get your home feeling like home again.