Common Thermostat Problems and How to Fix Them

The thermostat works as the brain of your HVAC system. That's why living in your home can become uncomfortable if it's not working correctly. There are several issues that can cause a faulty thermostat. Learning about thermostat troubleshooting could temporarily solve your problem while waiting for a professional HVAC repair service. 

Keep reading to learn more about common thermostat problems and how you can troubleshoot them from the professionals at AVU Heating & Air.

Broken or Damaged Sensors 

Thermostats work with multiple sensors. If your HVAC fails to reach the desired temperature, there is a high chance that one of the sensors is damaged or broken. This could cause a temperature reading that's lower or higher than the initial thermostat reading. Some thermostat troubleshooting options include physically inspecting the sensor for damages, resolving out-of-range errors, and checking whether a local heat source is affecting the readings. 

You're only limited to these troubleshooting measures, depending on your experience in handling faulty thermostats. Otherwise, seek the help of an HVAC expert for a thorough assessment of the thermostat sensor and repair. 

Poor Thermostat Positioning 

Your thermostat location can affect temperature readings. If it's close to the fireplace, air vent, or window, it might record temperatures far below or above the rest of your house since it's exposed to direct heat or cold. Therefore, you should reposition it to a better location to record accurate house temperature. 

Repositioning your thermostat to the correct location can be demanding. Therefore, the best thing you can do is contact an HVAC expert to fix this issue. 

Accumulated Dirt 

Thermostats accumulate lint particles, dust, and dirt over time, blocking the sensors, which record improper temperature in return. One of the best ways to fix this problem is to remove the thermostat cover and clean its inside. You need a clean, soft paintbrush to dust the inner parts of the thermostat. 

You may also need to clean where its electronic components touch if they have debris or grime at these points. Sliding an open dollar like dental flossing can help remove the accumulated dirt. You can also use compressed air to get dirt from these points. However, these tasks require the intervention of a professional HVAC expert to avoid damaging the thermostat's electronic components.

Loose Wiring 

Your thermostat's wiring can become faulty or loose over time. They can also disconnect from each other. Working on them might be tricky, especially if you have no experience in this kind of repair. Therefore, the best thing you can do is have an experienced HVAC electrician or technician to help you. Meanwhile, remove the thermostat cover and check for loose, corroded, or detached wires to make the work easier. 

Failure to Respond to Changed Setting Immediately 

A functional thermostat should respond to new settings immediately. Once these changes are made, it usually produces a clicking sound, and the heating and cooling adjust to these settings. If you don't hear these changes, your thermostat is most likely broken. 

You need to consider several things to solve this problem. Maybe your initial HVAC technician didn't size the HVAC unit according to the size of your home, or the HVAC ducts, filters, and vents are clogged. Regardless of the reason behind this issue, seeking the help of an HVAC technician will help accurately determine the problem and find the right solution. 

Hire a Trusted Furnace Repair Company in South Nashville: AVU Heating and Air 

It's always recommendable to seek help from a professional HVAC technician despite having several thermostat troubleshooting options you can pursue. This will help you accurately determine the cause of the problem and have an expert handle them accordingly. Furthermore, these experts have the experience and tools to handle the job well. 

If you're looking for professional heating, cooling, and air quality services in Rutherford and Williamson Counties, look no further than AVU Heating & Air. Our in-depth working experience, backed by 15 years in the heating, cooling, and air industry, gives us the confidence to offer the quality service you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a service. 

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