Heat and Air 101: How to Tell if Your Thermostat Needs to Be Replaced

A thermostat is essential to the HVAC system, which is why any problem with it will prevent your heating and cooling systems from working properly. As a season runs into another, it is important to regularly check your HVAC system, including the thermostat, to ensure that it is still working properly. If you notice any sign that your thermostat is not working well, you should consider repairing it or replacing it.

Signs Your Thermostat Needs to Be Replaced in Big Bear, CA

Over the years that a thermostat is in use, it will gradually start to wear out and become unable to work at full capacity. You can fix a minor damage with little cost, but you should replace the thermostat if the damage is extensive. Here are the forms of damage that indicate your thermostat needs to be replaced.

Thermostat Runs Continuously

Your thermostat is the conductor between yourself and the HVAC system. Therefore, when the thermostat starts failing to synchronize properly with the system, it may need a replacement. An example of such lag in communication is if the thermostat runs continuously without a break.

This is a problem because a thermostat is like a gauge that measures the temperature in the room to decide whether to increase or decrease the temperature. Thus, when the weather is cold, the thermostat turns on the heater to increase the temperature.

Conversely, it turns on the air conditioner if the temperature rises uncomfortably. With this instinct, the thermostat turns off when it is not in active use. However, if it runs continuously and refuses to go off, it is a sign that your thermostat needs to be replaced.

Thermostat Keeps Turning On and Off

A thermostat is a sensitive unit that needs exact measurements to achieve the desired result. If your thermostat suddenly turns on or off without cause, it calls for an alarm. If such an occurrence happens continuously, it is one of the signs that your thermostat needs to be replaced.

You should observe this type of sign because the c affects the functionality of the entire HVAC system. This problem may result from the thermostat wiring being damaged, or the unit being faulty. You should consider replacing it when you notice that your HVAC system turns on and off without human interference.

Incorrect Readings

Your thermostat readings should reflect the temperature within your home. The readings change to match your home’s temperature need at every point to ensure that the space is not too hot or cold. If the figures on the thermostat do not reflect the temperature within the room, it is a sign that something is wrong with your thermostat.

You can confirm whether the thermostat has broken down or there is another problem entirely by using a separate device to verify the temperature in the room. For this, you can get a small indoor thermometer to measure the temperature in the room. If the readings do not match, there may be a problem with your thermostat’s sensor. Consult an engineer to know what the problem is and how to fix it.

High Energy Bills

The HVAC system in your home is responsible for a sizable portion of your electricity bill. Due to this reason, most people strive to reduce their electricity bills by monitoring how their HVAC system functions in relation to their needs. If a part of your HVAC system is faulty, it may lead to an increase in your home’s energy consumption. One of such parts is the thermostat.

When you notice a significant increase in your energy bill, you should check your thermostat to see if it is working properly. If your thermostat is not working as it should, it may lead to the HVAC overworking itself to make up for the lag. The extra work will put an extra load on your power system and increase consumption. You can solve this problem by replacing your thermostat with a more efficient unit.

Constant Temperature Changes

If you notice the temperature in your home changing without prompt, check the thermostat for any error. When the thermostat is faulty, it fails to maintain settings and fluctuates without warning. This constant shift will take a toll on your HVAC system and power supply to the extent that it may affect the health of people living in the home.

Troubleshoot this problem by lowering the thermostat setting and observing what happens. If the problem persists, you should call an engineer to check the thermostat. You may have to replace the unit to get an optimal result.

Thermostat is Old

An average thermostat has a lifespan of 10 years. While some units may last longer than that, it is advisable to replace your thermostat once it passes this timeframe. An old thermostat easily develops faults and requires costlier repairs. Rather than spend money repairing a problem that may pop up again sooner than later, you should consider replacing your thermostat instead.

Also, newer thermostats are released into the market as quickly as upgrades to the weaknesses of older models. These newer models offer greater efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and better features than old ones. You can tell that your thermostat needs to be replaced if it can no longer perform to the level required to keep your home at a healthy temperature.

Thermostat Not Responding to Setting Changes

When you change your thermostat setting, it clicks gently in response. You should notice the change immediately if your thermostat is functioning properly. If you do not get the expected result when you change your thermostat’s setting, there may be a problem with your thermostat.

Some obvious signs are discovered when you turn the thermostat on, but the temperature doesn’t change. Similarly, reducing or increasing the temperature from the thermostat should reflect in the home, and if it doesn’t, there is a problem. Some problems may be simple enough to be repaired, while some may require you to change your thermostat entirely.

System Short Cycles

Short cycling is when the system turns off or on indiscriminately. When your thermostat starts short cycling, it is a major sign that it needs to be replaced. If you do not change it on time, it will affect the air quality in your home as it will be difficult to maintain a stable temperature at any time.

Short cycles make the thermostat switch off before it fully achieves its purpose. As a result, the come can neither achieve a full heating nor cooling cycle when needed. When you notice this sign, consult Big Bear Plumbing and Heating on the right solution. You should prepare your mind for a total change of the thermostat.

Thermostat Screen is Blank

The temperature readings of your home are displayed on your thermostat. If your thermostat screen is blank, it will affect the temperature regulation of your home. This problem may result from a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or defective wiring. If you do not know the exact cause of the problem, it may be difficult to know the right fix.

You can try some troubleshooting ideas such as changing the batteries, checking the fuse, and cleaning the wires in the thermostat. You can also check the breaker panel for the AC switch. If it is off, you should turn it to neutral, then on. If none of this fixes the problem, call a technician to replace the thermostat.

Types of Thermostat To Consider in Big Bear, CA

Once you decide to replace your thermostat, you need to be well-informed on the options of a new one. There are several categories and types of thermostats available in the market. The one you buy should depend on your budget and efficiency preference. The pros and cons of the different types of thermostats are reflective of their prices. We will explain some basic things about some of the most common types of thermostats you can buy.

Manual or Mechanical Thermostat

These are the oldest types of thermostats that use metal discs to change the temperature settings. They are very easy to use and favored by older citizens who have been familiar with them for a long time. The major downside to this type of thermostat is it is outdated and offers the least efficiency of all types available in the market. As a result, most people are upgrading from this thermostat to later versions.

Digital Thermostat

Digital thermostats are the upgrades to the manual ones. These thermostats have features that allow them to sense the temperature in the room and adjust the heating or cooling system as necessary. The latest models of digital thermostats are more cost-efficient and provide great features in terms of temperature control. It would help if you remembered that this type is an upgrade from the manual thermostat and, therefore, costs more to install.

Non-Programmable Thermostat

Non-programmable thermostats were once the big deal but are now being passed over for programmable ones. They require you to manually set the thermostat to preferred temperatures and change the settings when necessary. The consequence is that you cannot change the settings if you are asleep or away from home. This may cause your energy bill to skyrocket.

Programmable Thermostat

As the name implies, this thermostat can be programmed to suit your temperature needs. You can set it to reduce or increase the temperature based on your availability during the day or week. The setting can also balance the temperature of the season, such that you use the heater more during the winter and the air conditioner during the summer.

The latest models of programmable thermostats have a Wi-Fi connection that makes it possible for you to change the temperature from your phone.

Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are the latest models in the market. These thermostats use advanced learning algorithms to learn your temperature preferences. Then, they adjust the temperature accordingly from then. Smart thermostats are energy efficient and can be controlled remotely. The downside is that they require a high cost to install.

There are other types of thermostats apart from the ones explained above. These categorizations include low and high-voltage thermostats, electronics, wireless, touchscreen, etc.

Reach Out To A Plumber Today in Big Bear, CA!

At the stage, you know most of the signs that tell you if your thermostat needs to be replaced. When you notice any of these signs, reach out to HVAC professionals on replacing the thermostat. If you live in Bear Valley, California, you should reach out to Bear Valley Plumbing, Heating, Air conditioning Repair, Installation & Drain Cleaning Services to send technicians over. These experts will do a thorough check of your HVAC system and help you replace the thermostat if needed.

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If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.