Your AC’s thermostat controls how your air conditioning system operates. Minor issues with the thermostat can cause your system to run too hard, which increases your energy bills. If the problem is not fixed, the thermostat can lead to bigger problems by damaging the system’s components.
So how can you figure out if your thermostat is the cause of your comfort issues? We’ll give you some guidance. Here are five signs that your thermostat has become a problem and needs to be fixed or replaced.
1. Your AC Short Cycles
The thermostat controls when your air conditioner turns on to start cooling the house and when it shuts down once the ideal temperature has been reached. If the AC turns on and off in shortened spurts (known as short cycling), then it is very likely that there is something wrong with the thermostat.
2. High Energy Bills
Modern thermostats are designed to utilize power efficiently. If you notice that your home is getting too cool and your bills are rising, then check to make sure that the thermostat is set to a reasonable temperature. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal temperature is 78°F to 80°F during the day to keep you comfortable without driving up bills or straining the system. If the settings are correct but your bills are getting higher, then there may be an issue with the thermostat.
3. Blank Thermostat Screen
The thermostat screen should have a visible display while the air conditioner is on. A blank screen indicates there may be something wrong with the unit. Make sure to check that the thermostat is connected and turned on. You may also want to examine the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped.
If the thermostat does not turn on, it could be due to a blown fuse, dusty or loose wiring, or dead batteries.
4. Random Shifts in Temperature Setting
A thermostat that is working correctly should maintain any setting that you put into the system. When the thermostat begins to malfunction, it will start shifting temperature settings without any warning. It may also become miscalibrated, which will hinder its ability to detect the correct temperature in your home–as you can guess, this will ruin your AC system’s ability to properly cool the house. If your thermostat can’t get the temperature right, you may need to replace it.
5. Your Thermostat is Too Old
Most thermostats have a life of 5 to 10 years. Based on the frequency of usage and the amount of maintenance it gets, the majority of thermostats need to be replaced by that 10-year mark.
If your thermostat is older than 5 years, it could be nearing the end of its life. You can get a new and more efficient unit that helps lower your bills and improves the cooling in your home.
Fresh Air L.P. provides complete comfort solutions for air conditioning in Cypress, TX. If you are looking to replace or upgrade your AC’s thermostat, our technicians can get the job done right.
