A thermostat that inaccurately reads your home’s temperature can lead to discomfort, higher energy bills, and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. If you find yourself constantly adjusting the settings because your home feels too warm or too cold despite what the thermostat displays, the issue may be with the thermostat itself or some other problem affecting your HVAC system. Determining whether the thermostat is the culprit or if another issue is at play will help you take the right steps to restore your home’s comfort.
Troubleshooting Thermostat Display Issues
A blank, flashing, or unreadable display is an obvious sign the issue is your thermostat, often caused by loose connections or a malfunctioning internal component. You might press a button only to receive no response or experience a noticeable delay in adjustments, which can result from worn-out internal wiring, sensor issues, or a software glitch. A software glitch can often be resolved by resetting the thermostat. If the issue is the wire that connects your thermostat to your HVAC system, a professional can usually solve the problem. However, a replacement is probably your best option if the issue stems from internal component failure. In that case, it’s time to call the heating and cooling services experts.
Dead Batteries
Some thermostats rely on backup batteries to retain settings in the event of a power loss. When these batteries fail, the thermostat may “forget” programmed temperatures and schedules. This can lead to inconsistent heating and cooling or cause your HVAC system to run erratically. Replacing the backup batteries will usually restore normal function.
Dirty Thermostat
While it’s easy to overlook cleaning your thermostat, dust can accumulate over time and interfere with its performance. Unlike your floors, thermostats don’t visibly show dirt, but if the sensors inside become coated with grime, they may struggle to read your home’s temperature accurately. This issue can develop gradually, making it difficult to recognize at first. You might notice your AC running longer than expected or your heater failing to start when it should, leading you to think the system itself is malfunctioning. However, the real culprit could simply be dirt buildup affecting your thermostat’s sensors.
To clean your thermostat, begin by turning off the power to the unit to ensure safety. Carefully remove the cover, taking care not to damage any components. Using a soft brush, gently sweep away any dust or debris around the sensors and other sensitive parts. Avoid using any cleaning liquids or abrasive materials, as these could damage the thermostat. Also, be cautious not to disturb any wiring inside, as this could cause further issues. Cleaning your thermostat every few months can prevent dirt buildup from impacting its performance.
One Room Feels Like a Sauna While Another Feels Like an Icebox
Every home has that one room that feels different from the rest. Maybe it’s the guest room that stays chilly no matter how high you turn up the heat or the family room that always feels a little too warm. When those temperature swings become more noticeable, it’s easy to blame your thermostat. But the thermostat itself isn’t actually controlling how air moves through your house.
Uneven temperatures from room to room usually come from other issues. It could be leaky ductwork letting air escape before it reaches certain rooms. Sometimes, vents get blocked by furniture, or the insulation in one part of your house needs some attention. Even an HVAC system that’s too big or too small for your home can leave you with hot and cold spots. While a poorly placed thermostat—like one near a drafty door or a sunny window—can give inaccurate readings and cause your system to run longer than needed, it doesn’t directly cause those temperature differences.
If you’ve checked for those common issues and you’re still dealing with uneven temperatures, a zoned HVAC system might be worth considering. Zoning lets you split your house into different areas, each with its own thermostat. That means the guest room can be warmed up without turning the whole house into a sauna, and the family room can stay cool without freezing out the bedrooms. It gives you more control over the comfort of your whole home, especially when one centrally located thermostat just isn’t getting the job done.
Short Cycling
If your HVAC system turns on and off frequently without maintaining a steady temperature, it may be experiencing short cycling. This issue often stems from a malfunctioning thermostat. When a thermostat misreads the indoor temperature or has faulty wiring, it can signal the system to shut off too soon or turn on unnecessarily. As a result, your home may never feel truly comfortable, and your energy bills may rise due to inefficient operation. Short cycling also puts extra strain on your HVAC components, leading to premature wear, breakdowns, and costly repairs. Short cycling related to thermostat issues is usually caused by a wiring problem that a professional can address.
Your Energy Bills Are Creeping Up For No Clear Reason
You expect your heating and cooling bills to rise during extreme weather, such as a cold snap or heatwave. However, when the weather is mild and your energy bills continue to rise, this could indicate an underlying issue.
If your thermostat is not reading temperatures accurately, your HVAC system may run more than necessary or not enough, causing it to work harder later to catch up. Either way, you’re using more energy than needed, and your bills reflect this inefficiency.
This increase in energy usage might be gradual, making it hard to notice right away. You may assume that rising costs are due to higher energy rates. However, if your thermostat is sending incorrect signals to your HVAC system, it can lead to significant energy waste. Over time, this waste adds up, leaving you with higher bills without achieving the desired comfort in your home.
To address this, start by checking and recalibrating your thermostat. Many modern thermostats allow for a reset or manual adjustment of temperature readings. If the problem persists, a professional technician can inspect your thermostat and recommend a solution.
When To Upgrade Your Thermostat
In some cases, cleaning, adjusting, or replacing the batteries in your thermostat may not resolve ongoing issues. If your thermostat has been malfunctioning for a while, or if it’s over 10 years old, it could be time to consider a new thermostat upgrade.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat can offer enhanced control over your home’s heating and cooling systems. They offer advanced features, such as remote control via smartphone apps and the ability to learn your preferences. Advanced models adjust temperatures based on your family’s routine, maintaining comfort while minimizing energy waste. Replacing an outdated thermostat with a more efficient model can improve both your home’s comfort level and energy efficiency.
Contact Your Local Pros
At Premier Heating and Air, we have been serving the residents of Greenwood Village, CO and the surrounding areas for years. We install, repair, and maintain heating systems and air conditioners. If your thermostat is acting up and you can’t find the cause, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
