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If you are having issues with your HVAC system, it’s worth checking to see if the problem is with your thermostat. The thermostat is the brain of your entire system, so if it’s not functioning properly, neither is your heating and cooling system.
This can have a major impact on how comfortable you are in your home or business. If you’re in Riverside, CA, or the surrounding area, you can have one of our trusted technicians at Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing come to service your thermostat to get it back up and running properly.
Here are some tips for troubleshooting your thermostat, ahead of a visit from a professional:
1. Check Batteries
Most modern thermostats use power directly from the HVAC system for their operation. However, there are still perfectly adequate older models that use batteries. If you have an older model of thermostat that is battery-powered, the first thing you are going to want to do when troubleshooting is to determine if the problem with your system is a battery issue. This can be quickly ascertained if the display is unresponsive or completely blank.
2. Check for Loose Wiring
For thermostats that are wired into your HVAC system, a blank and unresponsive screen could be due to a wiring issue. Loose wiring can also be the culprit for irregular heating and cooling and swift system malfunctions. Determining if you have loose wiring should be left to a professional, as tampering with wiring could be dangerous, potentially leading to an electrical shock.
3. See If the Thermostat Is in Auto Mode
When troubleshooting your thermostat, one of the first things you can do is check if it is in AUTO mode. This is an energy-efficient mode for your system that has the HVAC system operational only when needed, according to the temperature you have it set to. Since it’s not running continuously, you might have the impression that it’s not working. To have continuous operation of the HVAC system, you will want to ensure that the thermostat is set to the ON position. To have it turn off when it reaches your set temperature, keep it in AUTO mode.
4. Check If the Thermostat Is in the Wrong Mode
Another possibility is that your thermostat may have been set to the wrong mode, such as cooling, when it should be heating. There is also the chance that it may have been turned to OFF mode or just the FAN mode. These types of things can happen when someone else in the household or business who does not know how to properly work the system decides to adjust the system without your knowledge. Making sure that your system is set to the appropriate mode for the season is a simple way to help you stay comfortable throughout the year.
5. Check for Improper Thermostat Location
If it seems like your thermostat is not properly gauging the temperature of your home or business, examine the area where your thermostat is installed. The thermostat needs to be placed in an area that is free from direct sunlight, heat sources, or drafts. It should also be in a central location, away from doors or windows. Thermostat placement can have a major influence on its ability to accurately regulate the temperature in a space. Strategic placement of a thermostat helps to ensure its accuracy, efficiency, and ability to keep an area’s desired temperature. If it seems like your thermostat may have been installed in the wrong area of your space, speak to a technician about having it moved to another area.
6. Look for Faulty Wiring
There is a possibility that your wiring is not loose, but actually faulty. In order to determine if this is the case, it will require a systematic approach from one of our team members at Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. In checking for faulty wiring, technicians will first ensure safety by shutting down the HVAC system at the circuit breaker. Then, they will check the wiring for any signs of deterioration, damage, or wear. If faulty wiring is identified, new wiring will be installed, properly insulated, and inspected for reliable connections. Once this process is complete, they will restore power and test the thermostat.
7. Inspect the Thermostat
One potential issue that could affect the performance of your thermostat is the accumulation of dirt and dust inside the casing around the thermostat. It’s not uncommon for fine particles and dust to infiltrate the inner workings of your thermostat over time. This can diminish its functionality, due to skewed temperature readings by the sensor.
Have a technician check your thermostat for an excess amount of dirt. This will involve the removal of the thermostat cover to access its interior. Then, a soft brush or compressed air may be used to clean the internal components.
8. Check the Age of Your Thermostat
One potential reason that your thermostat is not working properly is that it may simply be too old. Typically, once a thermostat has reached the 10-year mark, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement. If you are unsure how old your thermostat is, there are some methods you can use as part of your troubleshooting. You can check the model number of your thermostat online and see if that model is issued anymore.
You can also look at service records to see when it was initially installed. If you can’t find records of the initial installation, speak to the company that has serviced the system in the past to see if they know the age of the thermostat. You can also have one of our trusted team members at Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing take a look at the thermostat for signs of age. If it turns out that the thermostat is causing problems due to its age, we can make recommendations for a replacement.
9. See If the Thermostat Is Properly Calibrated
As part of your troubleshooting, check if your thermostat is properly calibrated. When a thermostat is not calibrated correctly, it can lead to inconsistent temperatures in your place of business or home. Verification of proper thermostat calibration can be done by comparing the temperature reading on your thermostat against a reliable thermometer. If there is a clear discrepancy, you can have a professional come out to make adjustments to the calibration.
Your Riverside Thermostat Team
For professional help in troubleshooting the thermostat in your Riverside, CA, home or business, look no further than Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We are heating and cooling experts who provide full NATE-certified services to residences and commercial buildings. Our family-owned and -operated company performs quality work that you can trust, keeping you comfortable throughout every season.
We show that we put our customers first by also being transparent in our pricing so that there are no surprises when you receive your final bill. Our company makes things easier for you so that you don’t have to look around for other services in your area. We provide comprehensive plumbing, HVAC, and indoor air quality needs. If you’re ready to experience the Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing difference, give us a call today.
