When thermostat problems arise, it might not cause any alarming events in your home. However, there will be gradual or abrupt changes in your cooling system’s effectiveness. Sometimes, all that’s required is a simple thermostat adjustment.
If the air conditioner short cycles and runs nonstop, the living area feels warmer than your chosen temperature setting, or you have a cooling system failure, a broken thermostat could be to blame. This article will learn how to troubleshoot some common issues before you can call air conditioner services.
Your Air Conditioning Stops Working
Check and see if the thermostat’s display is turned on. If it isn’t, the thermostat won’t turn the air conditioner on. Look for and fix common causes of thermostat failure, such as dead batteries, a tripped breaker, or a blown fuse.
If that’s not the case, shut off the thermostat breaker. You can safely remove the lid and inspect the inside components. Check for filth, soot, cigarette smoke, or dust buildup. A buildup of junk can harm the regular operation of a thermostat. Clean them carefully using canned pressurized air or a soft brush. Then, check for loose wiring or screws after it’s clean and fix whatever is necessary.
Thermostat Setting is Not the Actual Room Temperature
A buildup of grime is a probable reason why the room temperature never reaches the thermostat setting. Just follow the cleaning tips above to solve this problem. Moreover, a poor installation job is sometimes the cause of temperature discrepancies, so make sure to check that too.
If the thermostat is a mechanical kind, another probable cause is a stuck heat anticipator. Locate the anticipator by looking for a small metal arm sitting on a circular dial with the cover removed. If you gently push the arm in any way, it should come free.
The thermostat will not be able to accurately regulate the temperature if it is placed in an inconvenient area, so consider its placement in your home.
Short Cycling
Short cycling and constant operation, which erodes energy efficiency, can be triggered by a thermostat that isn’t level or dusty. Check for and resolve these two issues first.
An improperly calibrated anticipator is another possible cause. By adjusting the anticipator arm in single-notch increments toward the round dial marking for “longer,” you can try to lengthen the cooling cycle. Allow the air conditioner to run for a complete cycle between changes until you see a difference.
Conclusion
When it comes to your home’s heating and cooling system, it all starts with the thermostat. It helps keep your family comfortable by triggering, regulating, and monitoring the climate control process in your home, especially if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.
You will have to deal with the heat and cold if it breaks down. So keep an eye out for the initial signs that it might be failing, and if you see one, don’t wait for it to get worse before addressing the issue.
If the troubleshooting steps don’t address the problem, have an expert HVAC specialist investigate further to determine the cause. Even if you succeed, it could be a good idea to upgrade from an outdated thermostat to a new programmable device to avoid future issues.
Solve your A/C and thermostat problems with Good Guys Home Services. We make it our goal to ensure you receive a higher standard of service. Our technicians are highly experienced, so you can rest assured that they have seen and resolved many HVAC and electrical problems! You can reach us through our app, website, or hotline at 317-896-0494.