Your computer wouldn’t be of much use without the motherboard. Likewise, your HVAC systems aren’t going to be of much use without a thermostat. The thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system, telling each system what it needs to do and when.
If your thermostat is malfunctioning, you may be finding yourself frustrated. This can cause a lot of comfort trouble along with higher energy bills. There are many people who think there is an issue with their HVAC systems when the problem is actually due to a need for a thermostat repair in Staten Island, NY.
Let’s look at how you can figure out if your thermostat is causing temperature control issues in your home and what solutions are available to you.
How To Tell Your Thermostat Is Struggling
The first thing we tend to ask people when they are having issues with temperature control is what mode their thermostat is in. The truth is, mistakes happen and sometimes this is actually the cause.
However, this also gives people a chance to really look at their thermostat and assess what it’s doing. If your thermostat needs repairs, you may notice some of the indicators when you double-check your system.
- Thermostat miscalibration. When your thermostat is first installed, your technician calibrates it so that it can detect the temperature in your home and alert your AC or heater when it needs to turn on. Over the years though, your thermostat may become miscalibrated and end up detecting a temperature that is incorrect by several degrees. This is bad news for your comfort and may lead to excess stress on your comfort systems too.
- Temperature reset. You go to set the temperature on your thermostat and get things comfortable. However, you notice that when you check it again, the temperature has reset itself to the wrong number. That’s not right and may indicate your thermostat is badly in need of repairs or even replacement.
- Delayed reaction. When you try to adjust the temperature on the thermostat or even set a program, you may notice that there is a distinct delay in how long it takes for the system to respond. This may be due to bad wiring or worn-out sensors that need to be replaced.
Should I Replace My Thermostat Instead?
There are times when repairs end up being a moot point. You don’t want to invest in thermostat repair when a replacement is actually a better option. So how can you figure out whether your system is worth fixing or not?
First, check the age. Just like your heater or AC, your thermostat has a serviceable lifespan after which it’ll start to deteriorate. Thermostats that are over 10 years old should be replaced.
Another way to tell if you need a thermostat replacement is if you have replaced either or both of your comfort systems but didn’t replace your thermostat along with it. Using an older thermostat with a newer heater or AC will actually undermine its efficiency.
Need help with your home comfort? Contact Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your thermostat repair. Serving Staten Island’s Heating and A/C needs since 1955.
