5 Most Common Thermostat Problems Affecting Your Comfort

At one time or another, most of us will find our HVAC system isn’t working as it should. The furnace isn’t heating, the air conditioner isn’t cooling, or the temperature isn’t anywhere near where we expect it to be. We often catastrophize, worrying that we’re about to be hit with a massive repair bill or – even worse – that our system may need to be replaced. In reality, many HVAC issues that affect our comfort are simply caused by a bad thermostat.

How Can I Tell if My HVAC Thermostat is Faulty?

How can you tell if a thermostat is bad? Here are five common thermostat issues, some of which you can easily troubleshoot:

1. Unresponsive display: A blank, fading, or frozen screen is a good indicator that your thermostat isn’t working properly. This can be something as simple as a dead battery or tripped switch, or it could be due to a complete thermostat failure.
2. Thermostat reading differs from actual temperature: Dirty, worn-out, or damaged thermostat sensors cannot accurately detect the room’s temperature. This means they can’t signal your system to turn on and off correctly and maintain your desired temperature.
3. System won’t turn on/off: When your furnace or air conditioning isn’t turning on or off properly, the thermostat may be incorrectly calibrated, poorly wired, or failing altogether.
4. Short cycling: Short cycling is when your system turns on and off frequently, rarely achieving the desired temperature. There may be other causes for short cycling, but a poorly functioning thermostat that fails to detect temperature changes could be the culprit.
5. Thermostat “forgets” programmed settings: If your programmable thermostat fails to maintain the settings you entered, it is almost certainly faulty and should be replaced.

How Do I Troubleshoot My Thermostat?

If you suspect your thermostat is the cause of your HVAC troubles, try the following to confirm your suspicions and perhaps even fix the issue:

• Replace batteries: Check to ensure your thermostat has working batteries; if not, replace them. Consider adding an annual battery change to your home’s maintenance calendar.
• Check breaker: Examine your furnace/AC circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped. If so, turn it off and back on to see if that fixes the issue.
• Remove dust in and on thermostat: Wipe the thermostat’s outside case with a soft cloth to remove any dust. Open the case and use a soft brush to remove any dust or lint that has accumulated around the sensors.
• Check wiring and connections: Turn off power to the thermostat, open the cover, and look for corrosion or loose wires. If you’re comfortable doing so, tighten loose wiring. If you find corrosion, it’s best to replace the thermostat.
• Use a multimeter to test your thermostat: If you’re the handy type, you can troubleshoot your thermostat’s function with a multimeter. This can ascertain whether or not the thermostat is receiving power and to see if it is properly turning on and off. 
• Contact a professional: If you are unable to determine and fix the cause of your thermostat problems, contact a professional to repair or replace it. The average thermostat lasts around 10 years, and replacing an aging unit with a new, efficient model can save money on your power bills as well as prevent excess wear and tear on your system.

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