A bad furnace thermostat can cause a range of issues, from uneven heating to higher energy costs. Recognizing the symptoms of a malfunctioning thermostat is essential to maintaining a comfortable and efficient home. Whether it’s inaccurate temperature readings or a furnace that won’t turn on, identifying these signs early can save you from expensive repairs.
HVACs are among the most popular and essential pieces of equipment in most households and businesses. And for your HVAC systems to work efficiently, all the components must be working well. One of these components is the thermostat, the main HVAC control center.
If you face any heating problems in your home, it may seem like an issue with your furnace or other heating equipment. However, more often than not, it may be your thermostat that is not in working condition.
Thermostats are inexpensive to replace and should be one of the first HVAC components to check if you have furnace trouble. Let us take a look at how to identify a bad furnace thermostat.
Symptoms Of A Bad Furnace Thermostat
If you suspect your thermostat is the cause of your discomfort, look out for these signs:
1. Your Furnace Will Not Turn On
Your thermostat communicates with your furnace and sends signals to either increase the temperatures or lower them. However, it is natural for wiring to shift or come loose over time, compromising its connection to the furnace. A problem with the wiring can also affect the system to misread temperature settings and lead to irregular heating cycles.
2. Unusually High Energy Bills
Like most people, you may want to save energy and lower your monthly energy bills. However, if a thermostat does not read and communicate the correct temperature, it can lead to your furnace overworking to heat your home. It may also cause your furnace to undergo more cycles, leading to higher energy consumption.
3. Wrong Temperature Readings
Accurate thermostat readings ensure your indoor environment is at just the right temperature. However, a faulty thermostat sensor (due to old age, a manufacturing defect, or misuse) can lead to incorrect readings. You can use a portable thermometer to check if your thermostat is reading the temperature correctly.
4. Unresponsive Thermostat
An efficient thermostat promptly responds to change in temperature settings, indicated by small clicking sounds. If the thermostat does not adjust to the temperature changes, try replacing the batteries. If it is still unresponsive, you may want to look up heating repair near me to have professionals check your thermostat wiring.
5. Uneven Heating Throughout The House
Unless you have a zoned HVAC system, with different rooms set to have different temperatures, the temperature throughout your home should be uniform. However, a faulty thermostat cannot maintain proper temperature settings and causes your furnace to turn on and off constantly. If you observe that the rooms close to the furnace unit are hotter, while the ones away from it barely get any heating, call professional HVAC technicians like Air United Mechanical LCC to replace your thermostat.
Contact Air United Mechanical Today!
As you prepare for the cold season, consider the signs mentioned above to know if you have a bad furnace thermostat and need to replace your thermostat. With over three decades to experience in the HVAC industry, we offer the best heating services in the area. Whether you have a malfunctioning furnace or thermostat, our team of certified experts will be there to solve your problems. Look us up for furnace replacement near me and more today!
FAQ
1. How do I know a bad furnace thermostat?
Signs of a bad furnace include inaccurate temperature readings, the furnace not turning on or off properly, or the system failing to maintain the desired temperature. If your thermostat is not responding to adjustments, it may be time for a replacement or repair.
2. How can I troubleshoot my furnace and thermostat?
Start by verifying that the thermostat is set properly, replacing the batteries (if needed), and ensuring the system is powered on. Check the wiring for any loose connections or visible damage. If these steps don’t fix the issue, it may be time to call a professional for further inspection.
3. When should a thermostat be replaced?
If your thermostat is unresponsive, shows inaccurate readings, or causes frequent heating/cooling issues despite troubleshooting, it may be time to replace it. A new thermostat can improve system efficiency and ensure accurate temperature control.