In most American homes, families heat their homes using various methods… but some still have a thermostat.

Owning a thermostat is difficult. Especially if you’re unfamiliar with how it works. And don’t know how to recognize a faulty thermostat.

With this guide, we’ll teach you the dos and don’ts of thermostats and how to identify if your faulty thermostat.

Detecting an Issue

You might wonder ‘How do I tell if there’s an issue with my thermostat?’

Before checking your thermostat, make sure your furnace or AC unit isn’t the problem. Change the air filter in either unity if three months have passed.

There are many issues that come with owning a thermostat. Faulty wiring and other defects are common.

Broken HVAC System

One of the most common issues with a faulty thermostat is the HVAC system doesn’t start. If the display isn’t lighting up, you have a problem. Likewise, your thermostat may turn on and off at random times.

Your HVAC system responds through the control of the thermostat. If it doesn’t respond, your thermostat or HVAC system is broken.

Shut off the breaker, and remove the cover. Check if the thermostat needs cleaning. Dust and dirt will build-up inside a thermostat.

If there are any wiring defects, make sure to fix those, too.

Improper Cleaning

Thermostats need cleaning about every three months. A build-up of dirt and debris clog the wiring and messes with the temperature reading.

Don’t let debris collect on the outside of your thermostat either. That may cause issues with the temperature reading. There might be an issue with the thermostat’s sensor.

If your faulty thermostat needs cleaning on the inside, don’t clean it yourself.

Differing Temperatures

Your thermostat might be broken if the room temperature is different from the display. One of the first signs of a faulty thermostat is the difference in temperature of a room.

The thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature in your house or a single room. It shouldn’t have a problem adjusting the temperature. If this happens, something inside your thermostat might have broke.

Other Issues

These are just a few problems your thermostat may have.

  • Aging
  • Positioning within the house
  • Needs batteries
  • Unlevelled

If your thermostat isn’t working as it should call in a professional. It might be time to install a new, programmable thermostat into your home.

How to Fix a Faulty Thermostat

Identifying the cause is the first step to fixing a broken thermostat. If your thermostat needs cleaning, clean it if you can. If you can’t safely clean your thermostat, call a professional.

If your thermostat has problems reading the temperature of the room, it may need a set of new batteries. Change the batteries every six months.

Faulty Thermostat

A faulty thermostat is annoying for homeowners. But it doesn’t have to be a big issue. The problem might be as minor as changing the batteries.

If there’s a build-up of grime and dirt, clean your thermostat. Cleaning your thermostat and changing the batteries is your first priority. For complicated issues, call an HVAC system professional.