Thermostat Problems: 10 Common Issues That Impact Your Heating and Cooling

Your thermostat is the brain center of your HVAC system. It controls indoor heating and cooling. It reads your home’s temperature, sends commands to the HVAC system, and monitors the environment to make necessary adjustments. However, it may start making mistakes. If you ask yourself: “Why does my thermostat keep going bad?” you may find some responses in this article. Some HVAC problems may seem major. However, you can easily resolve the majority of them on your own. Learn more about common thermostat issues and simple fixes for these problems!

Common Thermostat Issues You May Face

Once you notice something strange about your heating or cooling, it may be a thermostat to be blamed for it. What can go wrong?

Inaccurate temperature readings

Your thermostat may not read correctly the temperature you set. It happens for several reasons. If it’s too close to windows, doors, or direct sunlight, it may pick up false readings. Additionally, close-standing appliances can also confuse your thermostat. Stoves, ovens, or radiators can cause the device to register incorrect temperatures.

• How to fix it? Relocate your thermostat to a more central location in your home, away from heat sources and other devices. If you doubt this is a true reason for its malfunction, invite an HVAC professional for a checkup.

Incorrect programming

You may experience this problem with older models or those with complicated interfaces. It’s more than annoying if you fail to adjust temperatures to your preferences. It distorts your home comfort, as the system is heating when you actually don’t need it. It’s an unnecessary waste of energy and higher utility bills.

• How to fix it? Double-check your programming settings. If the thermostat is still not responding correctly, reprogram it or reset it to default settings. If you cannot repeat the steps in the manual, invite an HVAC professional.

Problems with wiring

Loose, damaged, or improperly connected wires can disrupt communication between the thermostat and your HVAC system. This is often the reason for poor temperature control and your HVAC thermostat not working properly.

• How to fix it? Turn off the power to your HVAC system at the circuit breaker. Carefully inspect the wires connected to the thermostat for any signs of wear, damage, or loose connections. If you notice any frayed wires, contact an HVAC technician to inspect and repair the connections.

Power supply issues

Without enough power, the thermostat can fail to operate correctly. This could be due to issues with the batteries, the HVAC system’s power source, or even a tripped circuit breaker.

• How to fix it? If your thermostat runs on batteries, check these. Also, ensure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Next, check if the wiring connections are secure. If there’s still no power, it might be a deeper issue with your HVAC, and you need professional help.

Dirt buildup

Dust and dirt will inevitably accumulate inside your thermostat over time. So, the thermostat can under-read or over-read the temperature settings.  In some cases, dirt buildup can cause the thermostat to freeze or even become unresponsive.

• How to fix it? Wipe the thermostat’s screen and body with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and dirt. You can also use compressed air to blow out dust from the thermostat’s sensors and vents.

Calibration issues

If your thermostat isn’t properly calibrated, it can give inaccurate temperature readings. So, your indoor temperature can get too hot or too cold. This can happen due to minor issues with the calibration process or external factors that affect the temperature sensor.

• How to fix it? Follow the instructions in your manual to recalibrate the thermostat. Experiment with settings until the reading matches the actual temperature in your home. If it still shows incorrect readings, you may need to ask for professional help.

Random on-and-off cycles

Frequent on-and-off cycles mean your thermostat isn’t communicating well with your HVAC system. This can be due to poor placement, power issues, or bad wiring. These temperature changes put extra strain on your system.

• How to fix it? Don’t place your thermostat near sunlight, drafts, or heat sources, as these can cause it to turn on and off too often. Change its placement. Additionally, check the wiring. If the problem continues, discuss the problem with a technician.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

If your thermostat is close to electronic devices like smartphones, computers, or cordless phones, it can interfere with its signals. This can disrupt the communication between the thermostat and the HVAC system, and the device will misinterpret the settings.  

• How to fix it? Move it away from electronic devices, if possible, and use shielded wiring to reduce signal interference between the thermostat and the HVAC system.

Overheating

A thermostat can overheat, especially if it is located in a poorly ventilated area or exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Overheating can cause malfunctions, inaccurate temperature readings, erratic behavior, or even complete failure.

• How to fix it? Don’t place the thermostat in direct sunlight, near vents, or appliances that generate heat. Also, check that your thermostat is not obstructed and has adequate airflow around it.

Age and wear and tear

Thermostats wear out due to aging components, dust buildup, or exposure to extreme temperatures. An older thermostat may lack the features needed to control modern HVAC systems effectively, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort.

• How to fix it? If your thermostat is over 10 years old, you may need to replace it. Newer models have programmable schedules, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smart technology. They are more efficient and easier to program.

Are you experiencing air conditioner thermostat problems? Panda Home Comfort is ready to come to the rescue. Our certified HVAC technicians know all the intricacies of various HVAC systems and will find a solution for every thermostat issue. We provide flexible schedules for routine checkups and help you in emergency situations. Is your air conditioner thermostat not working properly? Contact us today for a consultation!