5 Ways to Tell if Your Home’s Thermostat is Malfunctioning

Being able to identify the most common signs of a faulty or malfunctioning thermostat can be an essential concern when it comes to ensuring climate control equipment is being used as efficiently as possible. Inaccurate temperature detection or erroneous activation of the system can lead to greater discomfort and higher utility costs.

While professional testing and calibration efforts may be required to ensure that thermostats are functioning effectively, there may be numerous more obvious issues that may indicate a problem with the device or system.

Taking prompt and effective action to address any of the following problems is never a concern Alexandria homeowners should take lightly.

One: Sudden Increase in Utility Costs

While a higher utility bill may be the result of a rate hike, changing seasonal weather or different household habits, a sudden and inexplicable rise in either heating or cooling costs may indicate a malfunctioning thermostat. Devices that fail to sense interior temperatures accurately may be triggering the activation of the system more frequently and for longer periods of time. Operating furnaces, heaters and running the air conditioning when it may not be required may produce a noticeable increase in monthly utility costs.

Checking to make sure the household hasn’t changed its habits recently or consulting past weather forecasts can help to isolate any situations that may be causing larger electric and utility bills. Homeowners may benefit from investigating any issues like improper thermostat settings, clogged filters and other mechanical concerns that can be quickly discovered and corrected.

If everything else remains unchanged, it may be time to schedule a professional service appointment in order to have a trained technician perform a more comprehensive assessment of the system. Professional thermostat testing and assessment services are often required in order to uncover any issues that may have escaped notice until the arrival of the monthly utility bill.

Two: Issues Regulating and Maintaining Interior Temperatures

Faulty thermostats can make it almost impossible to achieve and maintain optimal interior temperatures. Basic thermostats function by detecting the interior temperature and activating the system as needed in order to maintain temperatures within a preset range.

While a more advanced programmable thermostat and devices that may offer features like remote-access to system operation at times when electrical consumption requires less overall cost, any malfunctioning device can make it much harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Environments that were once comfortably maintained but are frequently too hot or too cold may signal a problem with the thermostat or other climate control equipment.

Three: Unlit Display Light or Panel

A dark display light or unlit display panel may be the result of an electrical short or other malfunction. While a darkened display may be little more than a minor inconvenience, devices that have shorted out or that have suffered damage to their interior electrical components can cause a multitude of larger issues and problems. Scheduling a service call with the right thermostat repair service that can perform a variety of testing, assessment and calibration procedures can ensure that any underlying problems are able to be identified and remedied quickly and effectively.

A programmable thermostat may suffer from electrical issues due to any number of reasons. A sudden power-surge can cause damage to both the lighting system as well as the components used to detect and measure temperatures and activate major appliances.

While recent storms, black outs and other issues may result in damage to interior circuitry, components can also wear out and fail over time due to issues that occurred during the manufacturing process. Whatever the cause of an unlit display, arranging for professional thermostat repair and testing services in the Alexandria area home is often the best way to address the situation.

Four: Lack of Hot or Cold Air When the System is Activated

While the heating appliances and air conditioning produce the heating and cooling needed to keep a home comfortable, most systems utilize a central fan in order to circulate air throughout the system.

Faulty or malfunctioning thermostats may still trigger the activation of the fan but fail to engage the furnace, heater or AC.

Issues with the thermostat are one of the most common reasons for systems that are only able to blow room temperature air through vents when activated. Calling the professionals is always a smart move when dealing with the loss of dependable heating or cooling.

Five: Inability to Maintain a Preset Schedule

Another malfunction commonly found with a programmable thermostat is a sudden inability to maintain a preset schedule. Programming a system to regulate different temperatures at different times during the day or week ensures that homeowners are able to maintain their level of comfort without the need to run the system during off hours or at times when the household is expected to be empty. Thermostats that are having issues maintaining a preset schedule can create no end of problems that may lead to decreased comfort and more expensive utility costs.

Professional Repair and Service Solutions

Even a slight miscalibration of the thermostat can interfere with the function and performance of an entire climate control system. The resources and experience that only a professional technician may provide can be crucial assets when it comes to identifying and correcting a malfunction or arranging for equipment replacement, upgrades and new installations.

Problems caused by a malfunctioning thermostat or other equipment issues can result in greater expenses when not addressed quickly and effectively. Calling the professionals at the first sign of a problem can ensure that thermostat issues are less likely to place a strain on your household finances or budget.

For timely services in your Alexandria, VA home, call Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling at 703-765-9400.