What Causes a Faulty Thermostat?

08 Feb What Causes a Faulty Thermostat?

Kingsport, TN

Modern HVAC systems give homeowners unprecedented control over comfort, energy bills, and air purity. For example, the thermostat constantly monitors and regulates the home’s temperature, and when your thermostat malfunctions, you can damage your system or increase your utility bills. Our Kingsport licensed electricians at Thompson Electrical Service share on the blog today some faulty thermostat causes and common repairs to get your unit up and running again.

Why won’t my thermostat work?

Thermostats require power, input, and maintenance to function correctly. Unfortunately, most homeowners experience one of these three thermostat malfunctions.

Why is my thermostat always incorrect?

The sensor is likely to blame when your thermostat displays an inaccurately high or low temperature or doesn’t reach the programmed setting. Every thermostat uses internal sensors to measure temperature and humidity. Sensor failure can result from dirt, dust, or moisture entering the system. Turning off and on your thermostat may help, say our Johnson City HVAC experts. If the fix doesn’t work, replace the thermostat.

Why is my thermostat self-adjusting?

Programmable and smart thermostats offer multiple temperature settings that can be adjusted remotely or pre-programmed.

Below are some reasons your thermostat may be adjusting itself

• It’s not actually the thermostat. Sometimes, it’s just a setting that has been changed or maybe someone else in the house changed the temperature. Either way, be sure to check your settings first to ensure the controls aren’t to blame before assuming that the thermostat is malfunctioning.
• Improper Scheduling. Incorrectly setting a thermostat’s schedule can cause temperature fluctuations. Smart thermostats make it easy to switch between programs. Before requesting thermostat services, our Tri-Cities electricians advise homeowners to check thermostat settings. Also, uninstall unused thermostat apps to avoid cross-messages.
• Energy Efficiency. Home automation programs regulate energy use. In times of high energy demand, the utility company will control the thermostat and may cause thermostat changes. On very hot or cold days, your thermostat may change settings, but if it’s a problem, you can request removal.
• Bad wiring and malfunctioning sensors can cause thermostat failure, and sometimes, thermostats just quit working from excessive use, improper maintenance, or age. HVAC experts can examine or install a new thermostat.

What does it mean if my thermostat says “Wait” or “Delay?”

“Wait,” “delay,” and “pause” are all used interchangeably by thermostat manufacturers. These messages may last up to five minutes and indicate that your thermostat prevents your HVAC system from working correctly. The goal is to prevent your heating or cooling system from “short cycling.”

Why does my thermostat say “Recovery?”

The smart thermostat recovery mode activates under certain conditions. For example, thermostats that enter recovery mode may have lost power. If your system is in recovery mode for more than a few minutes, contact a Tri-Cities HVAC technician. Recovery mode can also be due to an electrical glitch or switching from energy-saving to normal mode.

Thermostat Troubleshooting

Every thermostat problem is unique. When diagnosing a thermostat problem, keep these three things in mind:

• Before adjusting your thermostat, check the power supply. Check other electronics if your hard-wired thermostat is acting erratically. A power loss may have caused your thermostat to flash or display the wrong time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reset your thermostat.
• Check the program, app, and anyone else’s settings with access to the temperature controls to see if anything got changed without your knowledge.
• Check the thermostat and outdoor HVAC unit for debris, dust, or moisture traces. Dirt and water damage can rarely cause thermostat problems.

Licensed HVAC Electricians in Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport, TN

It’s frustrating when a homeowner’s HVAC system fails, especially in extreme temperatures. However, by investigating the issue and trying to fix it yourself, you can usually have your system back up and running in no time. However, our Kingsport HVAC experts can help if the above tips don’t fix your thermostat. Our skilled and friendly specialists can diagnose HVAC issues, perform repairs, and teach you how to prevent future problems. If you need thermostat help, call Thompson Electrical Service at (423) 343-5726 or contact us online today.