Wait a minute. Did you say you are feeling the heat, even with the thermostat cranked down? There’s got to be something wrong with your AC, or maybe the thermostat is not working.
Frequently, when homeowners are dealing with an AC not blowing cold air, the problem is not the AC itself but others important, external components, which often is a thermostat not working.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the 5 most common causes of a thermostat not working. By doing so, you can attempt to troubleshoot the issue on your own or determine if replacing it is the better option. Enjoy reading!
An AC thermostat is the brain of your air conditioning system, keeping your space comfy. So, this is one of the most important parts of the HVAC system.
It uses a temperature sensor to monitor the room’s air. When it gets too warm, the thermostat sends a signal to turn on the AC’s cooling system, and when it’s cool enough, it shuts things down.
Basic thermostats have buttons or a dial to set your desired temperature. More advanced ones might have features like programming schedules, smartphone control, and even detect occupancy for efficient cooling.
Your thermostat is the maestro of your home’s climate, but a powerless maestro can’t conduct cool comfort. The issue might lie with the power source itself.
If your thermostat is battery-operated, the culprit could be as simple as dead batteries. A quick replacement with fresh ones should get your thermostat singing again.
Hardwired thermostats, on the other hand, rely on your home’s electrical system. If the breaker controlling your HVAC system has tripped, it cuts power to the thermostat.
Head to your circuit breaker box and locate the switch for your HVAC system. If it’s flipped to the “off” position, carefully reset it to restore power to your thermostat and get your climate back under control.
Remember, if you’re unsure about working with your breaker box, it’s always best to consult a qualified electrician.
A dirty thermostat can mimic malfunction! Dust buildup can disrupt sensors or prevent buttons from making contact. For a quick fix, try cleaning:
Replace the cover and power on. If the issue persists, explore other troubleshooting steps.
The accuracy of your thermostat depends on the proper calibration of its temperature sensor. So, Inaccurate temperature readings can make your home uncomfortably chilly or hot.
This could be due to poor calibration. Over time, thermostats can lose accuracy, meaning the set temperature isn’t what you actually feel. Recalibrating your thermostat or replacing it if it’s very old can restore comfort and potentially save energy by ensuring your HVAC system runs efficiently.
Consult your thermostat’s user manual to learn how to calibrate the temperature sensor.
This process may involve adjusting a calibration setting or relocating the sensor to a more suitable location within your home.
These delicate connections send signals between the thermostat and your HVAC system. As said in our article about Thermostat Clicks, But AC Does not Turn On, if a wire becomes loose, disconnected, or damaged, those signals can be disrupted.
This can lead to strange behavior like the system running constantly, ignoring your settings, or failing to turn on at all. Checking for loose wires (with the power off!) and ensuring secure connections might be the fix you need to get your thermostat back on track.
There are two main reasons to consider replacing your AC thermostat: Age & Malfunction.
Age: Thermostats typically last around 10 years, though some can function longer. Even if yours works, newer models offer features like smart scheduling and occupancy detection that can improve comfort and energy savings.
Malfunction: If you notice any of these signs, it’s time for a new thermostat:
Make sure to choose a thermostat that is compatible with your HVAC system and follow the installation instructions carefully.
A thermostat not working can disrupt the comfort of your home. After reading this article, you will be aware of the five most common causes for this issue. This knowledge will help you identify the problem and attempt to fix it yourself, or consider if replacing it is the best decision.
From checking the power source to upgrading your thermostat, the solutions to problems can range from simple fixes to more complex interventions.
If you encounter difficulties during the troubleshooting process or if the issues persist, you can hire the professional HVAC technicians from AAC Heating and Air INC to ensure the correct functioning of your heating and cooling system.