Waking up or coming home to an HVAC not working can be the scariest for Central Texas home owners, especially before summer hits. A broken thermostat may be the only culprit, so we wanted to share some tips and tricks on checking on that before you start to stress that it is your entire system.
First of all, what is a the function and purpose of a thermostat?
A thermostat is basically a heat-activated switch that uses an internal temperature sensor to open or close a switch to turn on your system. The thermostat is there to tell you the current temperate and activate your furnace or AC to the temperature you have set.
The temp in my house is off, what move should I make first?
Oftentimes, basic things are frequently overlooked- like checking to make sure the thermostat is even on. The first step is confirming power and that your circuit breakers are operating properly. Checking to make sure the actual thermostat has charged batteries is another “Captain Obvious” move, but one we have all overlooked before.
Wipe it down
Dirt, pet hair, and dust can make their way inside your thermostat, clog the thermostat and interfere with both electrical and mechanical components.
You can use a Q-Tip or a small paintbrush or a can of electronics air cleaner designed for electronics. If you are uncertain about how to do this correctly, call Airtech to schedule an appointment to avoid damaging the sensitive components. We got you!
Where is it located?
Remember being young and putting the thermometer near a lamp to appear ill and stay home from school? Putting a thermometer in a heated location will inaccurately raise the temperature and cause your thermostat to give you a bad answer. Also, make sure the holster and components level, the mercury used in conventional thermostats will not register correctly if uneven.
Breathe and reboot
To do this: set your thermostat to heat and lower the temperature until the furnace shuts off. Go to your breaker panel and turn off the power to your thermostat and furnace system. Leave the breaker switch off for about a minute, and then turn your breaker back on.
Time to update?
If you have discovered your thermostat is beyond repair, it may be time to invest in a new one. Here at Airtech Energy- we have
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), investing in a programmable thermostat and setting back your temperature during the night or workday can save you up to 10 percent of your annual energy bills.
You may even want to look at smart thermostats that can adjust to your family’s personal schedule and “learn” from your settings to help you program future days.
If you have an old mercury-based thermostat, be sure to dispose of it properly. Call us for help with this if you’re unsure how to do it.
Contact Us for All Your Thermostat Needs
If you are still experiencing problems with your thermostat or HVAC system after trying these tips, call our professional team at Cool Sunshine in Littleton, CO. We would be happy to send out a trained, professional technician to take a closer look, diagnose your problem, and offer a solution. Call 303-287-1846 or request service online today.
