How To Know If Your Thermostat is Functioning Properly

If your thermostat is on the blink, do you know how to perform some basic troubleshooting and problem solving? If you do, it can save you a lot of time and money when it comes to HVAC thermostat issues. In fact, you might even be able to solve your HVAC system’s problem without needing a service call at all.

The first step in troubleshooting is to make sure the thermostat is set properly. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many homeowners don’t realize how to make sure the thermostat is set for optimal HVAC performance. If you want to give some simple troubleshooting a try, start with these basic questions steps:

1. Check the thermostat settings.

Is the thermostat set properly? Is it on? If it is winter, is device should be set to “heat.” If it is summer, it should be set to “cool.”

2. Check the fan setting.

Is your fan set to “ON” or “AUTO”? If it is set to AUTO, the fan should only run when the furnace or air conditioner is running. If the thermostat is set to the ON setting, the fan will run continuously.

3. Inspect your thermostat.

If you have a mechanical thermostat, check to see if the box is level. If it is, turn the power to the system “OFF” by switching off the breaker. Remove the thermostat cover and inspect it for loose wires, broken parts, and loose or missing screws. Check to see if the thermostat is clean. If not, blow it off with clean air or use a soft paintbrush to get rid of any dust or spider webs.

4. Test the thermostat.

If it’s winter and you want to see if the furnace comes on, set the thermostat five degrees higher than usual. If it’s summer and you are checking the air conditioner, set the thermostat five degrees lower than usual. Wait five minutes and see if the furnace or air conditioner turns on. If it does not, it’s time to call for professional HVAC service.

If you are ready to seek help from the HVAC experts troubleshooting or problem solving your system, contact our team at Brummitt Heating & Cooling today.