Signs It's Time to Replace the Thermostat

When to Replace the Thermostat

Every home’s thermostat performs a significant function. It commands the heating and cooling system when to turn on or off depending on the temperature of a home and the desired temperature. Thermostats are crucial to maintaining the comfort of the house, but as with many things, they will ultimately need to be replaced. 

Many professionals believe the home thermostat can function adequately for over ten years before failing. However, many homeowners wish to replace their thermostat before it stops working completely to save money on cooling costs with more energy-efficient models. Continue reading to learn the signs of a failing thermostat so professionals can install replacements before the home is stuck without heat or air conditioning.

Higher Energy Bills

The thermostat or its wiring may be faulty if the furnace or air conditioner runs continuously and doesn’t shut off when the required temperature is reached. The thermostat may also be miscalibrated, in which case it may be sending the wrong signals to the heat pump, furnace, or air conditioner.

Dramatically higher energy bills also indicate an issue with the thermostat. The heating and cooling systems may run longer if the thermostat isn’t working correctly, which causes a spike in costs. Replacing the thermostat will lower energy bills, especially if replaced with a programmable or smart thermostat.

Getting Inaccurate Temperature Readings

A malfunctioning thermostat could start reading the wrong temperature even if it isn’t very old. It might be able to be resolved by hiring an expert to calibrate the thermostat. An expert would make sure the temperature issues are resolved. However, more complex problems with the thermostat could be present that call for a replacement. 

The thermostat may also need to be repositioned to get the most accurate temperature readings. This problem is usually caused by it being accidentally moved since installation, so it is near a draft or area that isn’t representative of the entire house’s temperature. 

To check if the temperature on the thermostat is correct, put a thermometer next to the thermostat to test the reading. The thermostat is obviously misreading the room temperature if the readings don’t match.

Unit Short Cycling 

Air conditioning systems operate using a cooling cycle. The cycle starts when the thermostat indicates that the house needs to be cooled. The minimum amount of time required to complete a cooling cycle is typically 15 minutes. Then the thermostat sends a signal to the AC to turn off once it detects the house has attained the desired temperature.

When this cooling cycle is shortened, and the air conditioner shuts off early, this is known as short cycling. The air conditioner will soon switch back on thanks to the thermostat, and it will again shut off early. As a result, the air conditioner starts and stops quickly, turning on several times an hour as opposed to operating in longer, more effective cycles. Short cycling causes unnecessary wear and tear on the system and is a common sign of a failing thermostat. 

About Honest Abe’s Home Services

Honest Abe’s Home Services proudly provides professional solutions for all the home comfort needs of Osage Beach, MO, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, 24-hour emergency services, and advanced technology. Call them today for AC and heating services in Osage Beach, MO.

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