Common Signs of a Faulty HVAC Thermostat
August 10, 2023
The thermostat is a small yet integral component of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that plays a significant role in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. However, thermostats can experience faults or malfunctions over time like any other electronic device.
Recognizing the common signs of a faulty thermostat is crucial in addressing issues promptly and restoring optimal heating and cooling performance. Learn some common signs that indicate a faulty HVAC thermostat, which can help you take appropriate measures to rectify them and ensure the efficient operation of your HVAC system.
The AC Will Not Turn On
A broken thermostat could cause your air conditioner to fail to turn on. If the thermostat is at fault, it's likely because of an electrical issue that hinders it from interacting with the HVAC system. Simply put, if the cables that link the thermostat to the HVAC system get loose gradually, communication will break down between your thermostat and the AC unit.
The climate control, air conditioning, and fan components require electrical links to send signals from the smart thermostat to the appropriate component. If corrosion or faulty connections have affected your thermostat's ability to communicate with your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, your thermostat will be inoperable, and your AC will not turn on when needed.
The AC Runs Constantly
Possible causes include a thermostat set to On rather than Auto, faulty calibration, or a damaged wire. If the thermostat's wires break down, the HVAC system can continue to operate even after it achieves the desired temperature your smart thermostat set.
First, verify that you have properly calibrated the thermostat's temperature ranges, then adjust the thermostat to the "Auto" status, and then examine all the cables to ensure they are fastened securely. If the cables and the settings are fine, but the heater or air conditioner still runs frequently, you may need to swap out the thermostat.
Your Thermostat Display Is Unresponsive
A lack of electrical power is the most typical cause of an unresponsive thermostat. The thermostat's battery packs, power switch, malfunctioning, faulty, or broken fuse, or tripped circuit breaker can cut off the electrical connection or stop the power supply of your thermostat.
Swap the thermostat's batteries with fresh ones, engage the power switch completely, and examine the HVAC's connection for fuse explosions or tripped circuit breakers before asking for HVAC assistance. If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, call in a trained technician.
The HVAC Does Not Respond to Temperature Changes
You need to substitute the thermostat's batteries, activate the circuit breaker, and check for any loose wires as part of the troubleshooting process to understand the underlying problem of an unresponsive HVAC unit. If the thermostat works, try to raise the temperature manually by five degrees to solicit a reaction.
If the HVAC fails to respond to these changes, there can be a wiring problem inside the thermostat causing it to malfunction. If none of these options work, you may need to replace or invest in a new HVAC system.
The HVAC Constantly Short Cycles
Incorrect operation of the thermostat may result in the air conditioning system's premature shutoff, known as short cycling. A broken thermostat might prevent your HVAC system from ensuring your room temperature reaches the programmed settings in your smart thermostat. Such issues can occur due to a broken thermostat or other malfunctioning internal component.
The Thermostat Readings Do Not Match the Room Temperature
A problem with the thermostat's sensor or another internal component exists if the house's temperature is inaccurate, regardless of whether you or your programmed settings set the thermostat to cool. Also, a faulty thermostat could be to blame when a room is too chilly or excessively hot despite an appropriate setting.
Contact us at Service 1 Plumbing, Heating & A/C Inc. for thermostat maintenance, repairs, and replacements, among other HVAC services, in Shorewood and Chicagoland, IL.