Now that winter is upon us, it is more important to make sure that your HVAC system is up and running. However, plenty of people often fail to make the necessary heating preparations for the cold seasons. While this is not troublesome for everyone, you might just end up one of the unlucky few with a broken-down thermometer in the dead of winter.
A broken-down thermostat doesn’t just leave you in the cold; it can leave you with high power bills and expensive repair fees. As such, we have created this guide to all the warning signs and symptoms of a failing thermostat. With no further ado, here they are:
1) It’s Not Heating Up
There should be a clear difference in temperature when the HVAC system isn’t running. If the ambient temperature is not heating up, then this is the clearest and most obvious sign that something is wrong with your thermostat. If it’s not the thermostat, the problem very likely lies with your heating unit.
2) It Won’t Stop Running
This could be a problem in the thermostat, but it could also be indicative of damage in the wiring, moisture getting in the wrong places, and so on.
3) You Can Never Get the Right Temperature
If your home is too hot or too cold regardless of what temperature you put into the thermostat, it could indicate a number of problems such as unclean filters, clogs in the system, leaks, and other issues in the thermostat of course.
4) The Display Is Malfunctioning
Even non-programmable thermostats have a display, but when this display is blank, missing information, or nothing but a jumble of lights, that means the system needs replacing.
5) The Buttons Don’t Work
Broken buttons could simply mean that the wires and springs in the thermostat have come loose or have broken. If you’re using a Nest thermostat or any system that uses some kind of touchscreen, it might mean that something is wrong with the entire system. Depending on how old or new your thermostat is, you might be able to take it in for servicing. If not, you will need a new unit.
6) The HVAC Randomly Switches on and Off
If you put your HVAC on a cycle, it should be expected to turn off and on at scheduled times. That, however, is a double-edged sword. What if it’s actually turning off or on at the wrong time? From time to time, it’s recommended that you alter your cycle to see if it is actually proceeding as programmed.
7) Your Energy Bill Has Spiked
You might be used to a certain level of charges in your energy bill, but if that has spiked, it is a symptom of a system that is not operating efficiently. Any number of problems can cause this, but among them could be a faulty thermostat. The thermostat, after all, is what manages the power running through the HVAC.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, all you need is a few repairs. Perhaps the batteries need replacing, perhaps a few springs in the buttons need some oil. It might be minor, but it also could be major. Whatever the case may be, these issues should be addressed long before the coldest part of winter rolls in.
If you’re looking for someone to help fix your heating in Leduc, send us at Daniels Heating & Refrigeration Ltd. a message. You can count us for genuine, fair, and reliable service for your HVAC, Heating, Cooling, Refrigeration, Boiler, and Gas Fitting needs.