How To Know If Your Thermostat Is Working Correctly

It’s small and mostly inconspicuous, tucked away on the wall in a hallway. It quietly does its job without much fanfare. But make no mistake about it: your thermostat is a vital component of your home’s HVAC system and when it is not working properly, everyone takes notice. Here at Masters Heating & Cooling Inc., we know the importance of your system’s thermostat and want to make sure you do, too. So, let’s take a look at what it does and how you can tell if it is functioning the way it should.

Thermostat Basics

The thermostat is basically the control center of your system. It regulates the temperature in your home and can be set or programmed to a preferred temperature. Once the temperature begins to go up or down, your thermostat will instruct your system to either heat or cool back to the setting. Once the target temperature has been reached, the thermostat will tell the system to shut down.

There are two main types – digital and mechanical – and they come in various shapes, sizes and styles. Some are wireless (think WiFi), battery-operated and can be monitored and controlled remotely through your personal devices. Others are hardwired to the heater and air conditioner.

Thermostat Troubleshooting

There’s nothing worse than arriving home on a cold, blustery Indiana winter day and realizing the temperature in your house is a lot cooler than it should be. Check the power to the HVAC system and make sure there are no blown fuses or tripped breakers. If there is power, the next thing to check in resolving the situation should be your thermostat. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting tips to make sure your thermostat is working correctly:

Furnace Will Not Start

A visual inspection of the thermostat itself should be first on your list. Make sure batteries/fuses are OK and it is not dirty or damp. Also, if it is an electrical model, make sure there are no loose or frayed wires.

Location, Location, Location

Your thermostat should not be placed in a spot where it receives direct sunlight or near lamps or other fixtures/appliances that may emit heat. This will affect the room temperature reading. 

Mismatched Temperatures

The main function of your thermostat is keeping the home at the correct temperature. One way to ensure this is to attach a thermometer on the wall near the thermostat. If the room temperature on it does not match the temperature displaying, you have an issue. 

Air Conditioner Or Heater Won’t Shut Off

If your equipment runs constantly or turns on/off inconsistently, your thermostat may need recalibration. Turn the thermostat up or down five degrees and see if this has any effect. Another factor to consider in making sure the thermostat is level.

If these simple troubleshooting tips don’t resolve the issue, you may need a new thermostat or the attention of a licensed technician. Either way, give Masters a call. We can schedule maintenance and diagnose the issue and we can also tell you all about our full line of Honeywell and Trane thermostats, including programmable and smart options. Call or visit us today at our Fort Wayne, Decatur, Angola, Indianapolis, Greenwood and Mishawaka, IN locations.