If your HVAC system isn't working properly, don’t rule out a broken thermostat. A faulty or broken thermostat can cause all kinds of issues with your air conditioner or furnace, including heating and cooling problems. Here are some signs that suggest your broken thermostat is causing your HVAC system's issues.
HVAC Won’t Turn On
An HVAC system that won't turn on is one of the first signs of a failing thermostat. If your heating or cooling system won't turn on at all, it could be due to an issue with the thermostat, which regulates energy flow through your unit and turns it on when needed.
If this happens, you may want to check your thermostat's connection with its wires to ensure they haven't been damaged. The wire connectors should be secure and intact. If not, consider replacing them with new ones before proceeding further with troubleshooting steps.
An HVAC That Won’t Turn Off
If your HVAC system runs non-stop without ever appearing to turn off, it may be due to a broken thermostat. This can lead to you paying extra this winter season on heating, and lead to uneven heating across the home. Typically unresponsive thermostats cannot properly get proper read outs of the temperature of the home, leading to non-responsive HVAC units.
Incorrect Temperature Readings
It's also important to pay attention to the actual temperatures being read. If your thermostat is set to 65 degrees, but it's reading 75 degrees, then it could be a sign that your thermostat is broken.
This can happen if there is moisture or dirt inside the unit, which interferes with the temperature readings. If this happens, it may be time to replace your thermostat so that you'll know what temperatures are being reached by your heating system.
Short Cycling HVAC
Short cycling is when your HVAC system turns on and off repeatedly. This can be caused by a faulty thermostat or a dirty air filter, but it's likely to be related to the thermostat if it's happening on a regular basis.
A dirty filter can cause your system to overheat, which will cause the thermostat to kick the furnace back on before it can cool down the house enough—thereby causing it to cycle back on again in an endless loop until someone intervenes.
What Can I Do?
A thermostat is the brain of your heating and cooling system. It controls the temperature of your home, so if it's not working correctly, it could be causing problems with your HVAC system.
The best course of action is always preventative care instead of emergency repairs. When it comes to your thermostat we recommend, homeowners always stay on top of annual inspections for their HVAC system to avoid malfunctions. With routine maintenance, you can catch any sign of malfunctions early on before they get worse.
Not only can repairs early only save you the headache of dealing with spotty HVAC heating, but it can also save you money. Consider the cost of emergency repairs. Routine inspections every year are considerably cheaper.
Ronald Smith Heating & Air is here to help with all your HVAC needs, so give us a call today at (770) 766-9212