As winter approaches, it’s important to make sure your heating system is in top condition. The last thing you want in the dead of night is for your oven to turn off. However, many times what appears to be a heating and cooling problem is actually a thermostat problem. Sometimes faulty or aging wiring, dust buildup, extreme temperature swings, and other issues can cause your thermostat to malfunction, preventing it from properly communicating with your heating equipment and regulating the temperature in your home. . Many electronic thermostats claim to be simple and easy to use, but anyone who has gone toe-to-toe with their thermostat and lost probably disagrees. The truth is that sometimes they are not simple! Is it very cold in your house and are you sure it shouldn’t be? Let’s look at the thermostat.
Common problems with digital thermostats
Are the batteries in your thermostat working?
First, let’s eliminate the simplest solution: do you have bad batteries in your thermostat? Sometimes cheaper batteries don’t hold their charge and are likely to die. If your thermostat doesn’t work or appears to be broken, try the batteries first. Replacing them with brand-name batteries can increase their lifespan and reduce the time you spend in front of the thermostat, wondering why the temperature isn’t right. Also, check the power switch. It can be easy to push an on/off button on a digital thermostat, especially when the buttons aren’t labeled. If you changed the batteries and made sure the thermostat is on, it could be the electrical wiring.
Does the type of thermostat match your oven?
Thermostats and ovens should complement each other. They should properly match your type, ability, and capabilities. If your thermostat or furnace is too high or low tech for your partner, it can cause a miscommunication between the two systems. This lack of communication results in heating and cooling systems not working properly. To make sure your thermostat and furnace are properly matched, contact an HVAC professional and have them inspect and repair your furnace.
Take a look under the hood
Excessive dirt and dust on the thermostat can adversely affect its operation. Set the thermostat to its lowest setting, then remove the cover. Gently clean the internal workings of the thermostat with a soft brush or compressed air; In most supermarkets you can find a soft-bristled toothbrush or compressed air that work well for this purpose. Then set the thermostat to its highest setting and clean it again. When you’re done, reset the thermostat to your preferred temperature.
Inaccurate temperature readings
If your oven isn’t working when it should, an inaccurate temperature reading on your thermostat may be to blame. Heat from direct sunlight or other sources can trick your thermostat into thinking it’s much hotter in your house than it is. Make sure your thermostat is installed away from outside windows and doors and that there are no drafts near your thermostat.
Thermostats can be difficult to manage. Following these troubleshooting steps may prevent a call to an HVAC professional in Toledo, but one of the best tips for managing the health and comfort of your home is knowing when to give up. A qualified HVAC professional can inspect your system and return your home to proper comfort in no time, with fewer headaches for you.
