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Warning Signs of a Broken Thermostat

broken thermostat
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How to Know When to Replace the Thermostat

The thermostat is a very important element of a home HVAC system. The thermostat controls the temperature and tells the heating and cooling systems when to turn on and off. Without a functional thermostat, the HVAC system can run into various problems. This blog post discusses three warning signs that a thermostat could be broken. 

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, experts recommend that homeowners first try replacing the batteries in the thermostat. Dying thermostat batteries can lead to the thermostat not functioning properly, and switching them out is an easy fix. When changing the batteries does not resolve thermostat problems, it is time to call an HVAC technician for thermostat repair or replacement. Here are the signs of thermostat issues.

Utility Bills Are Too High 

bills

Higher energy bills can be a result of a broken or malfunctioning thermostat. Upgrading to a new and more efficient thermostat can help homeowners significantly reduce energy bills. Smart thermostats are very effective at learning the home's climate and adjusting automatically for optimal energy efficiency. 

A broken thermostat can cause a sudden spike in utility bills because the HVAC system is overworking itself. A broken thermostat cannot read temperatures accurately, which causes it to turn the HVAC system on and off constantly, short cycle, and run for way longer cycles than it should. Fixing the thermostat with repairs or replacing it with a new, energy-efficient model can go a long way in cutting back on heating and cooling costs. 

Incorrect Temperature Readings

readings

Incorrect temperature readings are another broken thermostat symptom homeowners should watch out for. When the thermostat cannot read temperatures correctly, it can cause the HVAC system to overwork itself. Homeowners can verify if their thermostat is correct by placing an accurate thermometer on the wall next to it and comparing the readings. 

It may also be obvious that the thermostat is reading the wrong temperature based on the house's temperature. For example, if the homeowner is cold, but the thermostat says it’s 78 degrees, the thermostat is probably wrong. Incorrect temperature readings are one of the most common reasons people replace their old thermostats. 

AC Short Cycling

Short cycling is an HVAC term for when the heating or cooling shuts off prematurely. When the system short cycles, it fails to complete the full heating or cooling cycle. This means that the home’s HVAC system will struggle to reach the optimal temperature because it cuts off too early. This leads to an increase in utility bills. It is also bad for the environment to waste energy on inefficient cooling. 

Homeowners may notice short cycling when the AC constantly cuts on and off. An HVAC system that is working properly will start the cycle and continue to run until it reaches the temperature on the thermostat. It only shuts off when the desired temperature is achieved. When the system short cycles, it stops before the process completes and then starts back up again. 

About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air 

Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has over three decades of experience serving the residents of Port St. Lucie, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and personal attention. Call them today for thermostat replacement and repair in Port St. Lucie, FL.